Run-Flat Tire, Seal Inside-Technology, Structure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Audi SQ8, 2023 Audi RS Q8, and 2023 Audi Q8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The vehicle can be equipped with run-flat tires as an option.
The Seal Inside technology is a system that allows the vehicle to continue driving even if the tire has been punctured by a nail or screw: a protective coating on the inside of the tire automatically seals any holes caused by a screw or a nail.
This way no air can escape. The sealant can work on almost all types of leaks, that result from objects with a diameter of up to 5 millimeters.

CAUTION:

It is mandatory for run-flat tires to have a tire pressure monitoring system in the vehicle. Refer to TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM .

Fig 1: Overview Of Tire Construction

Courtesy of AUDI

Shell
Belt Edge
Self-Sealing
Layer of sealant material is only inside the running surface.
Nylon Layer
Top Layer

NOTE:

It is not recommended to use a mix of different tire types meaning run-flat and "normal" tires.

Mobility Tires

The seal inside technology has already been incorporated by the tire manufacturer into the tire manufacturing process.
The seal inside technology is a self-adhering, viscous sealant, which is evenly applied to the inner side of the running surface from shoulder to shoulder.
The sealant is an integral component of mobility tires.
There is a special logo on the side wall of the tire which identifies it as a mobility tire.
Example: the sidewall of a Continental tire

Fig 2: Identifying Run Flat Contiseal Sealant Logo
Courtesy of AUDI

CAUTION:

The sealant is not intended to be a permanent tire repair after a puncture has happened.

If a foreign object with a diameter of up to 5 mm punctures the running surface of a tire, the sealant immediately closes the puncture immediately and seals it to prevent air leakage.

Fig 3: Identifying Pointed Foreign Object Punctured Through Mobility Tire
Courtesy of AUDI
The sealant is designed to seal most punctures caused by a foreign object, which has a diameter up to 5 mm.

Fig 4: Identifying Function Of Sealant After Puncture In Tire
Courtesy of AUDI
The Seal Inside technology reduces the frequency of flat tires, but it is not intended to make is possible to drive on a tire which has minimum tire pressure or is completely flat.