SPARE TIRES TO DISAPPEAR WITH RUN-FLAT TECHNOLOGY

Run-flat and self-sealing tires are discussed as weight-saving replacements for the spare tire. Currently, Dunlop alone offers a run-flat tire, the Denovo 2, with sales confined to the European market. The low profile outline and thick sidewall construction (increased stiffness) enable the tire to support itself without air. A special rim with positive-bead locking feature ("Denloc") prevents the tire from being dislodged from the wheel in case of a puncture. A deflated Denovo driven 68.5 hours at an average speed of 52 mph has shown only minimal wear. Firestone's version of the run-flat, the Advanced Concept Tire (ACT), is still being evaluated. Should a flat occur, the ACT would settle down into the wheel rim; it can be driven smoothly and safely after going flat up to 50 miles. The wheel rides on the reinforced "shoulders" of the tire. Currently under development are driver warning systems for low air pressure which are necessary for the widespread use of run-flat technology. Uniroyal is offering a self-sealing tire as an option on some General Motors models. In separate sections, a Firestone list of 11 typical misconceptions about tires is presented, and comments are provided on the Department of Energy sponsored demonstration projects of converting old tires into energy and useful products.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/2554683
• Corporate Authors:

  Bobit Publishing Company

  2500 Artesia Boulevard
  Redondo Beach, CA  United States  90278
• Publication Date: 1980-8

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 21-23
• Serial:
  • Automotive Fleet
  • Volume: 19
  • Issue Number: 10
  • Publisher: Bobit Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 0005-1519
  • Serial URL: http://www.fleet-central.com/af/home.cfm

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Development; Drivers; Inflation; Research; Spare parts; Tire pressure; Tires; Types of tires; Warning systems
• Uncontrolled Terms: Research and development
• Old TRIS Terms: Run flat tires; Self sealing tires; Spare tires
• Subject Areas: Research; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00379114
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-030 174
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 30 1983 12:00AM