As time goes on, it becomes increasingly clear that the future of tires is airless. After all, the concept of the inner tube dates back to the end of the 19th century, when Dunlop invented it. It was obviously a rather ingenious idea since it is now used by almost every vehicle on the planet. There is only one small problem though: a puncture can easily ruin everything! In 2022, it’s really time to find a more efficient way to get around, don’t you think?
That’s exactly what manufacturers have been working on for the past few years. Michelin, as we’ve already mentioned, is focusing on the UPTIS or Unique Punctureproof Tire System technology, but they’re not the only ones! Goodyear is also developing such a model and, earlier in May, we were finally able to find out more.
Over 120,000 kilometers of testing
As with the other models of this kind, virtual or real, that have been presented lately, the Goodyear tire has a honeycomb construction that relies on the flexibility of the material. Its tread is quite classic, but its beehive-like structure provides comfort and cushioning similar to a regular inner tube. In other words, the best of both worlds!
For the time being, the American manufacturer is still in the testing phase in the production of its puncture-proof tires. In Europe, these tests were spread over a distance of more than 120,000 kilometers during which the tires were put to the test. High and low temperatures, wet and dry roads and even speeds of over 160 kilometers per hour did not stop them. That’s pretty reassuring, though!
Tires for autonomous cars?
Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait a few more years before we can get our hands on these futuristic tires, which still don’t have a name. The American company is primarily targeting the commercial autonomous car market rather than the passenger car market. Not to mention the legal issues behind the launch of these new tires, such as approval by various transportation authorities around the world. While I’m looking forward to seeing them for the first time, we have to applaud their prudence!
If it proves to be as safe and efficient as the other Goodyear lines, I have no doubt that we should see them on Blackcircles.ca within a few years! In the meantime, we’ll have to make do with good old-fashioned tubes like the Wrangler Duratrac or even the Assurance Comfortdrive.
