Tyres are the one thing that all vehicles have in common\u2014which means that flat tyres seem to be an inescapable fact of driving life.<\/p>\n
Not anymore, said Ary Coetzee, technical and product specialist, Bridgestone South Africa.<\/p>
He said that Bridgestone has now perfected Run Flat Tyres, which permit one to keep driving after a loss of tyre pressure for a certain distance at a designated maximum speed.<\/p>\n
These parameters vary according to the tyre and weight load.<\/p>
\u201cChanging a flat tyre is not only a chore, it frequently puts the driver and passengers in harm\u2019s way – either because of adverse road and\/ or climatic conditions or because the incident occurs in a dangerous location.<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen, particularly, are put into a vulnerable position when a flat occurs,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe good news is that Run Flat Tyres offer a reliable solution to the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bridgestone\u2019s pioneering research into Run Flat Tyres dates right back to the 1980s when it began producing a sidewall-reinforced tyre for disabled people.<\/p>\n
By 1987, the first Run Flat Tyres were produced as original factory fitment for the Porsche 959.<\/p>\n
The next development was tyre-monitoring systems to alert drivers to a loss of pressure, along with the development of better sidewall inserts to allow for driving after a drop in tyre pressure.<\/p>\n
The first Run Flat Tyres went on sale in North America under the Firestone brand, followed by the first run-flat version of an Expedia S-01 high-performance tyre.<\/p>\n
In the 2000s, Bridgestone began supplying Run Flat Tyres for certain models of BMW, and R&D collaboration on this technology was initiated with Continental Tyres.<\/p>\n
By 2005, Bridgestone had shipped more than three million Run Flat Tyres globally and continues to supply the largest number of Run Flat Tyres as original equipment to a range of vehicle manufacturers.<\/p>\n
Coetzee explained that, like conventional tyres, Run Flat Tyres use pressurised air to support the vehicle\u2019s weight.<\/p>\n
However, their sidewall supports allow the tyre to maintain its shape when air pressure is lost.<\/p>\n
These sidewall supports are made of a composite developed in Bridgestone\u2019s R&D labs.<\/p>\n
A new development is cooling fins along the sidewall which help reduce heat build-up in the event of a loss of tyre pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a good example of how Bridgestone\u2019s commitment to research and the eagerness of the high-end marques to adopt innovation has led to massive benefits for ordinary motorists,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cRun Flat Tyres are now ready for mainstream use, with tremendous benefits in terms of safety and convenience.\u201d<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n 5 tips for driving in wet weather<\/a><\/p>\n Tyre tips that everyone can use<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are also other positive benefits.<\/p>\n A vehicle fitted with Run Flat Tyres will not need a spare tyre and wheel, thus saving on materials, with implications for both cost and the environment.<\/p>\n Another long-term benefit will be that the absence of a spare tyre will prompt a redesign of vehicle interiors.<\/p>\n \u201cAs more and more vehicle manufacturers begin to factory-fit Bridgestone Run Flat Tyres, we see that what once considered a novelty or something only for high-end cars is becoming standard,\u201d Coetzee said.<\/p>\n \u201cMeanwhile, in line with Bridgestone\u2019s commitment to innovation, our labs continue their research efforts to find new ways of improving this technology and making it even safer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n