Tubeless tire is likely to become the most profitable tire product in the future, asserted Zhang Chunsheng, deputy director of the all-steel tire R&D center of Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co.
Unlike traditional pneumatic tires which require a separate inner tube, tubeless tires have continuous ribs molded integrally into the bead of the tire; in this way, they are forced by the pressure of the air inside the tire to seal with the flanges of the metal rim of the wheel, according to an industry insider.
Compared with traditional tires, tubeless tires would be much safer, more economical and more fuel-efficient, said Ge Guorong, vice general manager of Hangzhou Zhongce.
According to Ge, the weight of a tubeless tire could be17kgless than a traditional one. Therefore the weight of a heavy-duty truck, normally equipped with 18 wheels, could be reduced by as much as300kg, and consequently improving the fuel efficiency in a much more noticeable way.
Moreover, the special design of tubeless tire could make it much safer than traditional ones. Without inner tubes, tubeless tires could largely avoid accidents that may result from incorrect tire fit, or excess heat or puncture due to friction between the tire wall and inner tube.
If a tubeless tire gets a small puncture, air would escape only through the hole, leading to a gentle deflation, while it could be much more dangerous if the same occasion takes place on traditional tires -- the rapid deflation of the tire could result in sudden loss of control of the vehicle, according to Zhang.
(Contributed by Olivia, olivia@tireworld.com.cn)
