The glory of tubeless tyres is impeccable. They are increasingly replacing the traditional tyres due to their unique advantages. These tyres offer innumerable advantages for drivers and vehicle owners. However, one common saying about them is that they do not get punctured. Is this true? Find out whether it is true or just another myth in this blog. The Apollo team has come up with this exclusively curated post that will detail everything you must know about tubeless tyres and a tubeless puncture. So, if your vehicle has these tyres or you are planning to buy tubeless car tyres, continue reading.
What are Tubeless Tyres?
As suggested by their name, tubeless tyres do not have an inner tube as present in the normal traditional tyres. They do not require this tube to contain air. So, how do these tyres hold air in them? Instead of an inner tube, a tubeless tyre has its inner lining coated with a special layer that prevents the air from escaping the tyre. The design of these tyres ensure an airtight seal that ensures accurate air pressure without needing a tube.
How Tubeless Tyre Works?
A tubeless tyre looks the same as a tube-type tyre. However, it does not have an inner tube. These tyres form an airtight seal with the rim when seated. A tubeless tyre has a valve directly fitted to the rim instead of a tube. It is fitted so tight that neither the rim nor the tyre can leak air.
Tubeless tyres contain a sealant. This sealant is a liquid poured into the tyre or injected in it through a valve to plug tiny leaks. The liquid stays inside the tyre and automatically heals small punctures.
Advantages of Tubeless Tyres
Tubeless tyres are rapidly replacing the tube type tyres in modern vehicles. One of the most popular advantages that drive this shift is that these tyres allow you to drive a vehicle at low pressures without getting flat. Tubeless tyres do not get flat immediately after a puncture.
These tyres offer greater comfort. Additionally, they offer more grip and speed too. However, this is possible only when proper air pressure is maintained. Tubeless tyres also have lower rolling resistance. As a result they can run faster than the tube type tyres.
Does Tubeless Tyre Get Punctured?
Now, let's come back to the initial question that prompted us to come up with this article- Does tubeless tyre get punctured? Yes, it does. Sharp objects on the road like glass and nails can puncture these tyres. They can also get punctured due to driving on potholes and other rough road surfaces.
Tubeless tyres get punctured the same as the traditional tyres. However, a punctured tubeless tyre is quite different from a punctured traditional tyre. The tubeless tyres are designed to minimise the risk for drivers in case of punctures. They cause much less inconvenience than a punctured tube-type tyre. These tyres do not get flat immediately after a puncture.
Tubeless tyres allow you to drive for a while, even after getting punctured. However, this does not mean you can drive days with punctured tyres. This simply means that they do not immediately get flat and allow you the time to conveniently drive to a mechanic’s shop. But how is this possible? These tyres have an airtight seal between the wheel rim and the tyre. This airtight seal helps to prevent air loss in case of punctures.
Another advantage of tubeless tyres is that not all small punctures need you to rush to a mechanic for repairs. This is because tubeless tyres automatically repair certain small punctures. They contain a sealant that repairs and seals small punctures as soon as they occur.
Also read: What Affects the Life of Car Tyres - Apollo Tyres
Can We Put Tube in Tubeless Tyre?
Yes, putting a tube in a tubeless tyre is possible. However, experts have not advised this. It is simply a temporary solution. But why? Why is putting a tube in a tubeless tyre not advised? Below are the reasons for answering this question appropriately.
Sudden Air Pressure Loss
Installing a tube in tubeless tyres can increase the chances of sudden air pressure loss. This happens as in most cases the tube does not sit properly in the tyre. Losing air pressure suddenly results in loss of vehicle control. Eventually, this can lead to a deadly accident if you are driving at high speed. If you have a tubeless tyre the puncture results in gradual air loss. However, if you insert a tube in it, the air loss is quite sudden as it rapidly escapes through the valve hole.
Enhanced Puncture Risk
Traditional tube-type tyres are designed specially with a smooth inner surface to hold the tube. However, tubeless tyres are not designed this way. If you place a tube in these tyres, the tube will rub on its abrasive inner surface, and the roughness of these tyres can cause frequent punctures.
Unnecessary Layer
Tubeless tyres consist of an airtight inner lining. Now, if you put a tube in these tyres, the unnecessary extra layer will disturb the tyre assembly. Tubes in these tyres increase their thickness, resulting in more heat generation. This leads to premature tyre failure.
Reduced Speed Rating
Another reason why you must not put a tube in a tubeless tyre is that it leads to a reduced speed rating. For example, if your tubeless tyre has a speed of W-rating, your vehicle can run up to a speed of 270 kmph. However, if you insert a tube in it, the speed rating can go down to H-rating, and your vehicle’s maximum speed limit will be only 210 kmph.
Temporary Solution
Even after being warned about the dangers, people use a tube in a tubeless tyre. However, usually, this technique helps temporarily and is not a permanent solution to keep your tires running for long. It helps only until the tyre gets completely torn off.
Also read: Car Tyre Pressure: Everything You Need to Know
Tips to Prevent Punctures in Tubeless Tyres
Preventing punctures and maintaining the tubeless tyres for a long time is quite easy. You just need to follow some simple tips for it. The first and most essential tip is to regularly check tyre pressure. Over inflated or underinflated tyres can enhance the risk of punctures. Therefore, you must always maintain optimum tyre pressure to minimise the risk of punctures.
Another crucial tip is to regularly inspect the tyre tread. You must look for any signs of wear and tear. If your tyres have reached their expiry date or have gone bald, you must get them replaced with new ones. Bald or worn-out tyres are more likely to get punctured.
Avoid driving in rough terrains and one sharp object on the road. We know you will never drive on sharp objects intentionally. However, this tip aims to encourage you to protect your tyres from these objects whenever possible.
Tubeless tyres do not mean that you will never face punctures. Therefore, you must always have a spare tyre with you and a tool kit to replace a punctured tyre in case of an emergency. You cannot always find a mechanic throughout your route. It is why being prepared for the uncertain conditions is essential.
Also read: Taking Tyres Care and Maintenance of it - Apollo Tyres
In the End
Tubeless tyres offer several advantages over the traditional ones. However, both have their unique features, making them suitable for different situations. Also, it is essential to remember that tubeless puncture is a real thing, and you cannot escape from punctures even with these tyres. However, they minimise punctures by automatically healing the small ones. Also, larger punctures do not immediately get flat and allow you the time to drive even with low air pressure. Buy the best quality tubeless and tube-type tyres from the Apollo eShop today to get them delivered to your place and enjoy convenience at its best.