This is an interesting idea, one that might not get into production however it could lead researchers in a direction that creates a new product that is safe and easy to manufacture. Michelin has developed an airless tyre that is 3D printed rather than moulded using several materials for structure and life. The name of this project is “the Visionary Concept” and the idea was … [Read more...]
Run-Flat Tyres
Over the years many companies have sold the consumer on the benefit of having a run-flat tyre. In fact for a while, they were standard fit on many Austin and Morris Metro cars in the UK during the 1980s. There are advantages and disadvantages of having these types of tyres fitted - the clear benefit is that should the tyre be punctured, the driver can still continue their … [Read more...]
Airless Tyres
The next evolution of the humble vehicle tyre is on it’s way! Tyres have come a long way since the start of their life when they were solid and wrapped around a steel or wooden rim. In fact the earliest known “tires” were made of leather or steel and held the wheel components together. It was during the late 19th century that Robert Thompson and John Dunlop separately … [Read more...]
Cross-Ply & Radial Tyres
I originally wrote this article in 2008 for my podcast after I had found an old TV advertisement on YouTube showing the dangers of mixing cross-ply and radial tyres on the same axle. The result could be circular driving with ends swapping direction! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrRz_ItWWDw The tyre as we know it today came from the minds of two Scotsmen: John Boyd Dunlop … [Read more...]