Self-Repairing Tyres: Will It Be The Future?

Self-Repairing Tyres: Will It Be The Future? | Isn’t it frustrating to pull off a highway just to fix a flat tyre? Thanks to a major breakthrough in science and technology, we have developed a material that makes it possible for tyres to heal and repair on their own quickly. 

This idea of creating self-healing tyre materials is not new though. Back in 2013, Spanish scientists discovered a material that gained  97% of the original tyre stability back within two hours by just letting it rest after cutting it with a sharp blade. 

But what really is it that makes self-repairing tyres the tyres of the future? Well, we have listed some reasons below for you. 

You don’t need vulcanisation for self-repairing tyres.

An important step in the process of manufacturing this tyre of the future is to make sure that it does not need vulcanisation. In 1839, Charles Goodyear added sulfur to the rubber during vulcanisation. That is when the tyre rubber became more durable and turned into the plastic to elastic state but these links can’t be restored when they break so in no way can these tyres be used for the long run. 

To avoid that, scientists have chemically modified rubber to have the same level of elasticity and durability similar to what can be accomplished by vulcanisation. Within a week, a damaged tyre that is made out of this compound can be used again. The healing period is faster when the heat is added to it as it accelerates the healing process. These self-repairing tyres are able to withstand a stress of 754 pounds per square inch. 

There are standards for self-repairing tyres.

In the past, tyre manufacturers did models of tyres that repair themselves when they’re damaged. Supposedly, these models improve road safety as a punctured tyre can lead to a blowout which decreases car handling dramatically, especially during high-speed rides. However, new discoveries have a different approach to self-repairing tyres. Manufacturers of this type of tyre now use a vicious coat under the tread so when the outer layer gets broken, the mass within it can fill in the holes completely. This may already become a permanent solution for car owners so they won’t have to change their tyres even when they are damaged.

What does the future of self-repairing tyres look like? 

Customers can get self-repairing tyres in the near future. While it’s hard to predict which method and technology can be the most reliable, these innovation secures a slot in the future. Self-repairing tyres will allow riders to drive safer and can prevent a lot of road accidents. From now, it’ll only be a matter of time until this technological advancement becomes a standard in all parts of the world. 

If you need new tyres in Brisbane, visit Darra Tyres. If you have any tyre questions, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

About the Author

Kevin has been at the forefront of the tyre industry for over 20 years. Kevin's speciality is in industrial and commercial tyres including the management and upkeep of fleets. Kevin has worked with vehicles his whole career from painting, mechanical, suspension and panel beating he has also spent time in the Australia Army as a driver. He has driven all size of vehicles throughout his career so understands the demands placed on drivers.

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