OVERDRIVE
advocates the use of tubeless tyres. Why? How much importance do we place
on the tyres we use in our vehicles? Where is tyre technology is to in
the future? It is essential for vehicle users to be aware of the advantages
of tubeless tyres compared to conventional tube tyres.
So what exactly are the advantages? The primary advantage of a tubeless
tyre is in internal construction and materials used. A tubed tyre is vulnerable
to friction and heat generated between the tube and the inner surface
of the tube which reduces life of the tube. In a tubeless tyre the inner
layer of the tyre is the tube itself. This layer is made of a material
like halo-butyl/chlorobutyl which is basically resistant to heat and reduces
permeation of air.
The weight of the tube inside a tyre adds to the unsprung weight affecting
handling characteristics and overall performance. The lack of a tube reduces
unsprung weight and improves dynamic ability. The lack of a tube also
reduces rolling resistance caused by friction between the tyre and tube.
The lower rolling resistance, lesser weight and the tubeless tyre's capability
to uniformly retain air improve fuel efficiency.
Another important advantage from a safety point of view takes care of
a problem none of us have control over: punctures! Ever experienced a
high-speed blowout? There have been a number of gruesome high-speed fatalities
on the Mumbai-Pune expressway caused by tyre blowouts.
At speeds in excess of 100kmph high temperatures are generated. These
high temperatures expand (in some cases this tube is over-inflated too
which only aggravates the situation) the tube and a sudden sharp penetration
at high speed causes the tube to burst very easily. The air expelled at
high pressure forces its way out of the tyre from around the rim and the
tube valve hole. In some cases the pressure exerted by this escaping air
is strong enough to rip open the tyre. A burst tyre causes a sudden loss
in traction which is sufficient to throw the vehicle off course violently.
In a tubeless tyre penetrations into the tyre are sealed off by the rubber
itself. As a result, leakage of air does not take place and if it does,
it is minimal. Over-inflation can still cause grievous harm but the hazards
from punctures in a tubeless tyre are greatly reduced. In case of a total
loss of air inside the tyre, it is likely that the bead will collapse
inside the rim-well rather than come off it.
Other tube troubles include ballooning, open splice, spurious tubes, pinholes,
tube mounting damage and finally the cost of a tube and its maintenance,
all of which are avoided with tubeless tyres.
Tubeless tyres present a very good case for themselves. They are a welcome
foot forward in tyre technology that the world has accepted decades ago.
Wonder why they have not found widespread acceptance in the Indian market
as yet? |
May 2002
