Car tire manufacturers Bridgestone and Michelin are currently developing tires that they say will never puncture.
Bridgestone is currently leading the way, saying it has developed an ‘air-free’ tire that can support a one-tonne vehicle traveling at just under 40 mph.
If the technology proves successful, it could pave the way for more widespread use of autonomous vehicles.
It may even help prolong the life of tires on consumers’ cars and possibly cut down on tire replacement bills.
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How the airless tire technology works
As reported in the Financial Times, new computer-enabled structures and materials are behind the advances made by Bridgestone and Michelin.
However, while progress appears to have been good, they will take time to dislodge pneumatic (air-filled) tires.
Currently, Bridgestone is trialing its new tires on shuttle and tourist vehicles in Japan.
The testing comes as the country is looking to bring autonomous driving to the masses.
These will be particularly helpful for those in more rural parts of Japan where there is a lack of drivers.
Bridgestone says computer simulations have helped the company create tires with a new spoke structure inside the rubber tread.
The spokes, in theory, can flex at higher speeds and weights than a conventional tire.
Yet that won’t affect the fuel consumption of the vehicle, nor will it increase drag or impact on safety.
Some don’t believe the Bridgestone tires are practical or cost-effective
However, despite the research Bridgestone has put into them, not everyone is convinced.
In fact, rival Michelin is one of those who are unsure.
Michelin’s chief executive, Florent Menegaux, has said that replacing all conventional tires with this new kind is ‘a utopia that will cost too much.’
While Michelin has developed these tires, called Tweels, for lawnmowers, it believes the leap to road cars is too great.
Menegaux expanded on that point, saying: “To go from a lawnmower to a car, to drive at 50km an hour, poses other problems.”
Despite the potential issues, Michelin is still exploring the tires, even if it isn’t ready to put them into production.
Bridgestone, meanwhile, is also forging ahead undeterred, seemingly convinced it can make the technology work.
If either manufacturer can do so and crack the market, this revolutionary new tire could make some serious money.
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