Puncture-resistant tire: everything you need to know

To date, the puncture-resistant tire itself has not yet entered the passenger car market. However, Michelin has been working on airless tires for about fifteen years now and should launch puncture-resistant tires on the market from 2024. Other self-healing tire technologies already exist.

🚗 Are there puncture-proof tires?

There is currently no really puncture-resistant tire. In any case, the existing innovations are still intended for military use and are not sold, which means that they are not available to individuals.

On the other hand, there are running tires that allow you to keep driving even with a flat tire. When punctured or deflated, the Runflat bead remains attached to the Jante and thus can retain its original shape. The reinforced sidewall keeps the Runflat running in the event of a puncture.

So, if a runflat tire isn't puncture resistant, it will still avoid using a spare wheel or tire sealant because it allows you to continue driving to the garage where it can be replaced without having to change a wheel in an emergency or call a tow truck.

We can also mention such innovations as the tire. Michelin Twill, a prototype airless tire. This is a hinged unit, which is a single unit consisting of both a wheel and an airless radial tire. Therefore, strictly speaking, it is not really a puncture resistant tire, as it is not a tire in the full sense of the word.

However, without air, a puncture is obviously impossible. But these types of wheels are not designed (yet?) To equip cars. The puncture-resistant Michelin Tweel tire is designed for construction, construction and material handling equipment.

There are also other types of technologies, some of which are currently available on the market, that are less related to puncture-resistant tires than to tires. self-healing tire. This is the case, for example, with the Continental ContiSeal. The tread of this tire is protected by a sealant, which in the case of a perforation of less than 5 mm is attached to the piercing object so tightly that air cannot escape from the tire.

Finally, the puncture-resistant tire itself may hit the automotive market in a few years. Indeed, Michelin has announced the development of a puncture-resistant tire, the Michelin Uptis, to be sold in 2024.

The Uptis tire has already been presented to the public and passed the first tests. It works by replacing the compressed air with blades made from an alloy of rubber and fiberglass. A bit like the Michelin Tweel, the Uptis puncture-resistant tire is primarily an airless tire.

Developed in collaboration with General Motors, this puncture-resistant tire is designed for private cars. It was also featured in a Mini at the Montreal Auto Show. This is a definite advantage for some countries, such as China and India, where the puncture occurs. every 8000 kilometers on average due to poor road conditions.

In Europe and the rest of the West, this puncture-resistant tire will eliminate the need for a spare wheel, which is too heavy for fuel, and saves the environment.

🔎 Can a puncture-resistant tire be fitted to any car?

A puncture-resistant tire, whether it is the future Michelin Uptis tire or current innovations like the Runflat tire or the ContiSeal tire, is not suitable for every vehicle. It must be adapted to the vehicle, especially in terms of dimensions.

First of all, it is necessary that the car rims are designed for this type of tire. Therefore, it is important to respect the tires originally fitted on your vehicle. So don't imagine, for example, that you will be able to install a puncture-resistant Uptis tire on your current car in a few years.

Good to know: A priori, the Michelin puncture-resistant tire will not initially be available in all sizes.

In addition, in some cases it is imperative that your car is equipped with TPMS and therefore pressure sensors. This applies in particular to the ContiSeal tire.

💰 How much does a puncture-resistant tire cost?

Puncture proof tires or similar innovations, more expensive than a regular tire. For now, Michelle has not named the price of his future puncture-resistant Uptis tire. But it is known for sure that it will cost more than a standard tire. Michelin has also stated that the price of this tire will be “justified” given the services provided by this tire.

For technologies already on the market, the price of a ContiSeal tire is around 100 to 140 € depending on the dimensions. The price of a Runflat tire is 20-25% more expensive than a traditional tire: count from 50 to 100 € at the first prices, depending on the dimensions.

Now you know all about puncture-resistant tires! As you can imagine, current tires do not actually prevent punctures, but provide solutions that allow you to continue driving without having to immediately stop to replace a punctured tire. However, this could quickly change in the next few years with the commercialization of airless tires.