{"id":14556,"date":"2023-07-05T09:30:59","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T09:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gotire.com\/?p=14556"},"modified":"2025-09-12T13:35:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T13:35:03","slug":"airless-tires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gotire.com\/blog\/airless-tires\/","title":{"rendered":"They Can’t Go Flat: Understanding Airless Tire Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever found yourself stranded on the side of the road with an unexpected flat tire? If so, you’re not alone, and the future of tires might just bring you some much-needed relief from switching out your spare tire in the rain. While there are several concepts for future tires, airless car tires are one of the most exciting innovations. Find out about this compelling new technology, how it works, and most importantly, when you can expect to see it on the road.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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The prototype of an airless tire\u2014UPTIS\u2014by the industry leader Michelin \u00a9michelin.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Understanding airless tires<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, what exactly are these futuristic tires? Airless tires, or non-pneumatic tires (NPT), are exactly what they sound like\u2014tires that don’t need air. They have a unique, spoke-like structure on the inside of a rubber tread, which replaces the need for pressurized air. Picture a tire you can see through, resilient yet flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how do they work while still being as robust and reliable as our trusty, air-filled tires? Well, the design of the spokes inside the rubber tread is designed to flex and bow with pressure, so they can adjust to the road just like your regular pneumatic tires, maintaining a comfortable ride while being immune to punctures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history of removing air pressure from tires<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The concept of tires that don’t need to be inflated has been around since the beginning of the 20th century. The early incarnations of airless tires were designed to reduce the need for precious rubber and used various springs in different shapes and configurations. However, these tires were difficult to make and maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast forward to the 1960s, and we see a resurgence of interest in airless tires, this time for space exploration. NASA developed metal mesh wheels with riveted treads for the Lunar Rover used in the Apollo missions. These airless tires were perfect for the moon’s surface, where sharp rocks and extreme temperatures would have compromised traditional tires and where a puncture could ruin the whole mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In more recent history, companies have been revisiting the concept of airless tires for a variety of vehicles. One notable project is the Resilient NPT by Resilient Technologies, which began in 2002. The design of the Resilient NPT used modern polymer materials formed into a web of honeycomb-like cells that can flex and spring back upon impact, providing the shock absorption traditionally offered by the air in a pneumatic tire. Unfortunately, this tire was expensive and difficult to make, so it’s still not in production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, major tire manufacturers like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Hankook are investing in the development of airless tire technology. Michelin UPTIS tires (Unique Puncture-proof Tire System) are even expected to be an option on some GM vehicles in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages of airless tires<\/h2>\n\n\n\n