Run-Flat Tire, Seal Inside-Technology

• Seal Inside tires are not run-flat tires. Their legal grading is the same as with standard tires. A combination of Seal Inside and standard tires is permitted.
• 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.

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 1: Identifying Run Flat Contiseal Sealant Logo

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

• If a foreign object with a diameter up to 5 mm punctures the running surface of a mobility tire, the sealant immediately closes the puncture and seals it to prevent air leakage.
  Fig 2: Identifying Pointed Foreign Object Punctured Through Mobility Tire

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
• The sealant is designed to seal most punctures caused by a foreign object, which has a diameter up to 5 mm.
  Fig 3: Identifying Function Of Sealant After Puncture In Tire

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
• 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.
• Mobility tires have all the same characteristics as tires without the Seal Inside technology.

Mobility Tires, Handling

• When working with mobility tires it is especially important to pay attention to cleanliness and to how the tires are stored.
• The sealant in the inner side of the tire running surface is not protected and therefore is subject to any type of dirt.
• It is recommended to store the tires in large bags or something similar.
• As with other tires, the mobility tires should be checked regularly for signs of cuts, punctures and air pressure loss.
• The tires should be inspected at least one or twice a month and/or always after a long trip.
• If punctures or damage are not taken care of in a timely manner, the result may be a loss of pressure and/or the tire could fail.
• Mobility tires with cuts or punctures must be immediately inspected.
• It must be decided if the tire should be removed and scrapped.
• Mounting and dismounting a mobility tire is identical to that of a standard tire.