See Through Tire

[Bigwoods]

A friend sent me this and I couldn't believe it. I Googled it and found a bunch of stuff on this new tire from Michelin

SEE THROUGH TIRE
Radical new tire design by Michelin. The next generation of tires.
They had a pair at the Philadelphia car show.

The tires are airless and are scheduled to be out on the market very soon.

The bad news for law enforcement is that spike strips will not work on these tires.

This is what great R&D will do, and just think of the impact on existing technology:

A. no more air valves...
B. no more air compressors at gas stations...
C. no more repair kits...
D. no more flats...

These are actual pictures taken in the South Carolina plant of Michelin.









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[Nitetimes]

Why don't I like that??
I've seen that before and it just seems wrong in so many ways.
Cleaning comes to mind, what a nightmare that would be!
Oh yeah, it's ugly too!
I think I'll stick with air.

[silkstone]

Although I'm sure production would include a sidewall, I still think they would ride like square wheels in our wonderful -30'C winters..... and what about weight load changes.... eg: trailer tongue weight..?

[Leon]

It's probably designed to react as well if not better than if it had air. I sidewall may not be necessary because support can be designed into the webs which aren't possible in an air tire.

[Wimperdink]

not sure why this is coming out as "new" technology.... but i guess it takes money to advertise.

Rubber Spokes Give Bounce to Airless Safety Tires (May, 1938)
Filed under: Origins, Automotive — @ 11:09 am
Source: Popular Science 5-1938

[eamarquardt]

When "Cousin Vinny" arrived in Alabama, he had a major shimmy in his front end caused by that good old Alabama mud. Without sides, this design would be a good mud (or any debris) catcher and would easily be thrown out of balance. But might be stiffer and roll more round for better mileage.

Cheers,

Gus

[Scooter]

We already have run-flat tires on the market. I don't think see-through tires would sell; they'd have to put sidewalls on 'em. Then you get back to run-flats, which we already have.

Although I don't think current run-flats are intended for long term use.

[Miriam C.]

Oh that's a great idea. Just ask the folks in Indiana, or any other flood and freeze state, if they want tires that all the water can freeze between

[Creamcracker]

We already have run-flat tires on the market. I don't think see-through tires would sell; they'd have to put sidewalls on 'em. Then you get back to run-flats, which we already have.

Although I don't think current run-flats are intended for long term use.

Not sure what you mean here with the phrase "long term use" -- do you mean after you get a puncture -- when punctured they have to be repaired just like any other tire wth air in them. However they are good for 50K - 60K depending on the tire. The ones on our Mini- Cooper S gave us a little over 45K but then again that was on a Cooper S

[madjack]

Oh that's a great idea. Just ask the folks in Indiana, or any other flood and freeze state, if they want tires that all the water can freeze between

...we don't have much trouble with snow and ice, down here BUT, what a nice place to collect mud and gravel, so you can throw it at the rest of the cars ............
madjack

[Jst83]

Oh that's a great idea. Just ask the folks in Indiana, or any other flood and freeze state, if they want tires that all the water can freeze between

Oh yeah frozen rain that could freeze my tires to the ground

[Miriam C.]

Oh that's a great idea. Just ask the folks in Indiana, or any other flood and freeze state, if they want tires that all the water can freeze between

Oh yeah frozen rain that could freeze my tires to the ground

Scott, I had a picture in mind of the flooded then frozen towns. Those wheels would be stuck really good huh.

[Bigwoods]

I think we are all too practical. I could see them on a Pimpmobile with lighted wheel wells in Southern California. Just thought it was unique.

[halfdome, Danny]

Saw that a couple years ago. We have a car with noisy low profile tires from the factory, very hard ride. Besides being very ugly I would think they would be very noisy and hold debris like others have said. I wonder if they whistle or make a fan noise? Danny

[Nitetimes]

It says they are scheduled to be out soon, but I just don't see them being very popular except maybe for high end sales. For all the obvious reasons above plus as I see it unless they can be mounted on standard wheels that is going to add a considerable expense to them. It looks like you have to replace the wheels every time you change your tires, I can't see that being a very popular thing to do. If I buy custom wheels I only want to buy them once not every time I wear my tires out.

I could see them on a Pimpmobile with lighted wheel wells in Southern California. Just thought it was unique.

I can certainly see that happening, I just don't think they're very practical for most situations.
They are unique, no doubt about it!!