BRIDGESTONE | TUBE VERSUS TUBELESS
Tube Type Tyre
DOES A TUBELESS TYRE OFFER BETTER STABILITY AND ARE THEY EASIER TO BALANCE? Yes, tubeless tyres offer better stability. The main reason for this is the lower aspect ratio (sidewall height divided by tyre section width) meaning a tubeless tyre will offer much better stability than a tube type tyre. A smaller aspect ratio means a lower sidewall height combined with more rigid radial tyre construction so that tubeless tyres offer much better road holding capabilities and handling when negotiating bends at higher speeds. The one piece rim used on tubeless tyres make wheel balancing easier, since it has fewer parts and components and is also lighter.
CAN TUBELESS TYRES BE REPAIRED? Yes, tubeless tyres can be repaired very easily using the same method of repair as tube tyres. (Please refer to RQRA Issues no. 4 & 6 for explanation of proper repair of tyres)
IS THE MOUNTING (FITTING) PROCEDURE DIFFERENT? Mounting tubeless tyres is much easier than tube type tyres as you have to mount the tyre only on a one piece rim. But in the case of tube tyres you have to assemble the tube and flap inside the tyre first then mount them on rim consisting of several pieces. Cleaning the rim is critical because the
tyre depends on the rim for its air seal. Make sure the inside of the tyre is clean and dry. If tyres have been stored outdoors, any water must be removed. The valve stem must also be inspected to ensure it is tight in the rim.
Tubeless Tyre
WHICH TYPE OF TYRE PERFORMS BETTER WHEN PUNCTURED? A tubeless tyre will definitely be the safer option in the event of a puncture. A tubeless tyre will leak air at a much slower rate than a tyre with a tube. The inner lining of the tyre will attempt to form a seal around the penetrating object which will normally result in a slow leak. In contrast when the inner tube of a wheel is punctured, air will escape much faster since there is no sealing effect. The risk of experiencing a blowout or running flat is much higher with a tube type tyre than with a tubeless tyre, since the inner tube might pop like a balloon if punctured. When sudden loss of air occurs during a blowout the vehicle will lose traction and will be thrown off balance which could result in a serious or fatal accident.
real QUESTIONS real ANSWERS JANUARY 2012
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