Goodyear has developed a tire that can repair itself when damaged, preventing dangerous situations on the road. The DuraSeal technology, which is currently only available for commercial vehicles, contains a gel-like substance in the tread that flows into any puncture and forms an airtight seal. The substance can even seal up to 51 holes with a diameter of up to six millimeters. The tire can still be retreaded without affecting the effectiveness of the sealant.
Runflat tires have become increasingly popular for passenger cars in recent years, with two basic techniques: a special support ring in the rim or a self-supporting tire with reinforced sidewalls. These tires allow drivers to travel a few hundred kilometers at speeds of up to 80 km/h even after a puncture. Reifen Direkt, a tire retailer, welcomes the new safety technology, stating that it can save lives in dangerous situations.
According to Henry Johnson, Vice President of Goodyear Europe’s commercial vehicle tires, the DuraSeal technology has passed various tests, including being shot with a nail gun, without losing pressure. The gel-like substance in the tire can seal punctures before air can escape, making it a valuable safety feature for drivers. However, it is unclear when or if the DuraSeal tires will be available for passenger cars.
