When you are driving your car, no matter how careful you are, you have to be ready for unforeseen incidents, such as a puncture. A puncture can be caused due to a number of reasons, and then, it will require you to reach out to an auto repair shop to get it fixed. However, in recent years, thanks to the tremendous technological advancements and innovations in the tyre industry, there is now a new type of tyres that can help you deal with such punctures without any hassle or going to an auto repair shot. Yes, we are talking about self-sealing car tyres. However, is it really all that what the hype makes it out to be? If you are unsure, why not read the following blog as it explores the various pros and cons of self-sealing tyres and then determines whether these tyres are fit for you or not.

What Are Self-Sealing Tyres?

First, let us try to explain more about these tyres. Self-sealing tyres, as is clear by their name, are a type of tyre that can seal themselves when punctured, thus preventing the air from leaking out. This ensures that you can continue driving with the tyres, safely, even after a puncture.

These tyres are designed with a special material that flows and plugs any small puncture wound on the body of the tyre, effectively repairing it. Many high-end brands are offering self-sealing tyres, and although these tyres might differ in some other features, the fundamental feature of self-sealing is evident and present in all these tyres.

How Do They Work?

Self-sealing tyres have a layer of viscous material just below the tread on the inside. When the tread gets punctured, this viscous material, which can remain soft and flexible even under extremely high or low temperatures, easily flows out and covers the punctured area, hence sealing it. Even if the puncture is huge, and it reaches the structural belts of the tyre, this viscous material can be forced out by the resultant air pressure, and lodge itself in the punctured area, once again completing the seal.

Here is a detailed process that exhibits exactly how this sealant works:

• First, the puncture occurs as a result of a nail, screw, or any small, sharp debris on the road.
• Then, the sealant (viscous material) inside the tyre flows toward the punctured area.
• After covering the area, the viscous material gradually hardens, thus preventing the air from leaking out, this entire process is so smooth that sometimes the driver even remains oblivious to anything.

Although, you have to understand that self-sealing tyres only work on small punctures, that are easy to repair. If your tyres get a big or deep cut, huge cracks, or bursts, then self-sealing tyres will prove to be useless.

Pros Of Self-Sealing Tyres

Before buying self-sealing Car Tyres in Bridgend, you should know the various advantages and disadvantages they have. These are:

Better Safety

These tyres offer better safety than traditional tyres. Although rare, punctures can lead to tyre blowouts, which can cause you to lose control of your car suddenly, and thus, result in a dangerous accident. Thus, using a self-sealing tyre can prevent any unforeseen events, especially if you are an aggressive driver and love to drive at a higher speed.

More Convenient

These tyres are also far more convenient. If you use a self-sealing tyre, you don't have to worry about subsequent punctures, thus allowing you to focus on your drive. Also, in case of any accidents, you don't have to be stuck on the side of the road, waiting for assistance. With self-sealing tyres, you can simply continue driving as if nothing happened.

Reduced Tyre Repair Cost

Yes, these tyres also help you save money, especially on tyre repairs, as you no longer have to go to get your punctures fixed. However, you have to take into account the initial cost of buying these tyres, but we believe, in the long run, you can save more on tyre repairs than what it costs you to buy these tyres.

Suitable For City Roads

These tyres are more suitable for driving in the city. The roads in a huge city will not only have traffic, but will also have enough debris to cause punctures, be it nails, screws, gravel, or any other small, sharp objects. Thus, you can drive your car confidently on such a road, as these tyres won't get punctured that easily, and even if they do, they can automatically repair themselves, that too, during the drive.

Much More Durable

Self-sealing tyres are not only good at repairing punctures, but they are also much more durable from the start, thus reducing the chance of any punctures in the first place. These tyres are made from high-quality rubber compounds and thus can last longer.

Cons Of Self-Sealing Tyres

But, self-sealing tyres come with their own set of disadvantages that we have listed below. You must read them carefully before deciding to buy these tyres.

Not As Effective

Despite their usefulness, self-sealing tyres aren't as effective as portrayed. They are only able to deal with small punctures. Any large cuts or cracks on the tyre, and self-sealing tyres will cease to be functional. Similarly, they can’t deal with sidewall damage, thus limiting their benefit. Also, they can only deal with a puncture that is along the tread of the tyre.

Limited Availability

You can’t easily get your hands on self-sealing tyres. Not all tyre distributors and retailers stock them due to their limited application, making them somewhat rare. Also, there are sufficient alternatives such as run-flat tyres available in the market, thus further reducing the availability of these tyres.

Cost

You have to be prepared to pay big bucks if you are looking forward to buying these tyres. They can easily cost around, if not more, the price of premium high-end tyres. Thus, any budget-conscious driver will think twice before buying them.

They Are Heavy

Lastly, these tyres are also much heavier than normal ones. This is because of the sealant layer that holds the viscous material. Thus, these tyres can impact your fuel efficiency and lead to extra expenses.