Run-Flat Tire, Seal Inside-Technology

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 and 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. 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.

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 1: Identifying Run Flat Contiseal Sealant Logo
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

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

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.