Tire damage comes in two forms: large aperture damage, commonly known as a "flat tire," and small aperture damage, referred to as "air leakage."
Flat tires can be caused by external forces, such as foreign objects or impact damage, or by low tire pressure, which weakens the tire's wall structure and increases susceptibility to external damage.
Additionally, aging and excessively high tire pressure can lead to internal structural collapse.
Identifying a flat tire is relatively easy, as it typically results in distinct symptoms. When a flat tire occurs, there is an audible noise, the vehicle experiences dynamic imbalances, and steering straight becomes challenging as one corner of the car sinks.
In the event of a flat tire, there are generally two options: replacing the tire with a spare or calling for roadside assistance. Opting for a tire replacement involves physical and technical work.
Abnormal tire pressure, whether too low or too high, can lead to localized tire wear, reduced handling and comfort, increased fuel consumption, and the risk of tire bursting.
In response to evolving trends in electric and autonomous vehicles, tire demands have changed. Companies offering courier and car-sharing services require low-maintenance, durable tires that can be recycled and equipped with sensors for monitoring road conditions.
The rise of sedan-sharing and online car-pooling has made it even more critical for vehicles to have reliable tires, as downtime due to a flat tire affects profitability.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has been exploring non-pneumatic tires to meet these changing demands. In a test conducted on a Tesla Model 3 sedan at a track in Luxembourg, Goodyear's airless tires demonstrated their capabilities.
These innovative tires aim to address the need for low-maintenance, robust, and puncture-proof options in the evolving automotive landscape.
Michelin, a market pioneer in airless wheels with its introduction of the Tweel in 2005 for slow-speed vehicles like farm machinery, is pushing the boundaries by applying airless tire technology to road-going vehicles.
This transition presents new challenges, as designing airless tires for standard vehicles differs significantly from the requirements of slow-speed applications.
Michelin's ambition extends beyond just puncture-proof tires; they have a multi-year plan to develop 3D-printable airless tires made entirely from recycled and recyclable materials. The goal is to create almost maintenance-free tires, with the only required upkeep being regular retreading of the tire's marks.
While this innovative approach holds great promise, it also entails significant challenges. Rigorous testing and standardized regulations will be necessary, and tire manufacturers will need substantial investments to establish new manufacturing facilities and supply chains. Achieving these goals will require several years of dedicated effort.
Despite the challenges, tire makers remain hopeful that their early entry into this field will drive technological development and bring forth a new era of tire innovation to meet the changing needs of the automotive industry.
In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, the advent of airless tire technology is reshaping the future of mobility. As electric and autonomous vehicles take center stage, the demand for tires that can adapt to the changing needs of these innovations has grown significantly.
Traditional pneumatic tires are being challenged by airless counterparts, which offer enhanced durability, lower maintenance, and puncture-proof features, making them ideal for courier services and car-sharing programs.
