QuestionReply:
Thanks for your considerate rely! As to the situation described you seemed to have contradicted your reply, in that, if a driver does not know he has a flat he is MUCH more likely to keep driving on the flat tire for a longer period of time. This will increase the probability that his tire will dismount. I'm not saying there are any easy answers to this dilemma. Facts will need to be developed over time. I suspect the reality of this situation will remain a secret until several deaths occur, and major damage is proclaimed by many users. My question, no doubt, is on the leading edge of the curve of historic (low profile) tire use.
The situation I described was theorized by me ahead of time, and actually happen to an acquaintance only days later. Where there is "smoke from tire use" there is likely a fire to follow. I respectfully suggest you alert drivers to the simple prospects of what might happen. This would be a step in the right direction.
The percentages you speak of regarding flat exposure implies that most drivers are not concerned enough ahead of time to deal with flat exposure proactively. This is true today, but what about being one of those statistics tomorrow. A low profile tire flat on a new tire is fortunately in the low percentage category, but only so far as the tire is new. As you aptly pointed out people do wear there tires beyond what is safe, and will, unfortunately, continue to do so for as long as we are alive. None-the-less they should be made aware of the conditions that might greatly increase their exposure to a potentially destructive event.
Regarding tire sealant draw backs: without a doubt sealing smaller punctures of 1/4 inch would reduce the number of flats by Ten-fold (excluding punctures of greater than 1/4 inch would all but eliminate the greatest exposure the average driver is exposed to, short of a large object that might even be seen by the him).
When you start to discuss sealant's don't put everyone in the same pen. Your summary is just that, a summation about the industry. Our sealant provides a malible solid plug to the puncture instantly. In less than 1/5 th of a second the puncture is sealed and closed off by virtue of this solid, yet mobile material. A rust inhibitor is generously applied to the solution, as well, to insure against rusting, and thus future tread separation.
Your comments regarding the reception, or rather rejection, of using tire sealant proactively due to the cost factor is correct today. If the tread separation problem is now solved the tire manufacturer folks would have less to object to and thus, not continue to scare people away from using a product that will extend tire life, increase gas mileage, and make this a safer and cleaner planet to drive on. Extension of tire life is gained by maintaining maximum inflation (with minimal inflation monitoring required) for the life of the tire.
As to the current tire repair methods being adequate for all concerned, it seems that many folks are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for run flat tires that are thrown away without the possibility of repair. Not so smart when it costs only $15.00 of our product to treat any car tire. I also doubt the argument that present methods are cost effective would hold up to anyone's scrutiny who is standing on the roadside of any freeway, or country road, in the world. Yes, we all are part of a non-proactive society by the numbers. Which brings me to my next statement of arms.
I know you might think this next statement is "off the wall", but stop and think about the next greatest tire flat exposure you will possibly face. As of this very day, the threat of terrorist attacks are becoming increasingly real. It does not take a scientist to figure out the way out of town will not be the freeway, or even a highway. The fastest way out of harm will be a road side, or field, or stream, for sure. Your Achilles tendon to taking your family to safety will be your tires. I certainly hope you have thought this one out ahead of time and have our tire sealant (calking tube applicator) in your trunk That is, if you have not, yet, treated your tires with our sealant ahead of time. This is a message to those who like to think ahead and be prepared for the worst yet to come. It unfortunately does look like this trauma is coming down the road at all of us!
Jack Hull, President, Traknseal tire sealant
AnswerJack,
Actually, I didn't contradict myself. I think that in spite of the fact that a low profile tire would not transmit its loss of pressure as soon as a high profile tire, the low profile is more likely to stay seated for longer than it would take for the driver to recognize the condition.
But I also stand behind my statements regarding the general public. They have not embraced sealants and all indications are that they won't in the future. They are also not embracing runflat tires either. I don't get it, but that appears to be the situation.
I wish you luck in changing this perception and I also wish you luck with your product.
