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Smithers Studies, Compares Run-Flat Tires

25 September 1998

Smithers Studies, Compares Run-Flat Tires

    AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 25 -- Smithers Scientific Services Inc.
has conducted a complete analytical, physical and chemical analysis of the
tire industry's latest development -- the run-flat tire, a unique new product
designed to travel up to 50 miles at 55 mph after complete loss of air
pressure.
    Smithers has evaluated three new run-flat passenger tires -- the Goodyear
Eagle Aquasteel EMT (extended mobility tire), the Michelin MXV4 ZP (zero
pressure) tire, and the Firestone Firehawk SH30 RFT (run-flat tire).
    All three tires have unique features, according to the Smithers study.
    The Goodyear Aquasteel EMT tire has seven tread plies of material
comprised of rayon, steel and aramid, plus sidewall plies of rayon and steel,
while the Michelin MXV4 ZP has four tread plies of material, including rayon,
polyamide and steel, plus three sidewall plies of rayon.  The Firestone SH30
RFT tire has three rayon sidewall plies and five tread plies, utilizing rayon,
steel and nylon.
    All three tires have a maximum inflation pressure of 44 psi and use
conventional passenger car wheels.  All utilize a low-pressure warning device
inside the tire which reads out exact tire pressure on a dash-mounted screen
to alert the driver when the tires might be underinflated.
    In addition to the comprehensive analysis of the tires, the Smithers study
examines the featured unique sidewall designs, inflated and uninflated tire
footprints, the run-flat support medium, technical details and observations of
the low-pressure warning system and load deflection characteristics.
    The study also includes rolling resistance properties and a dynamic force
and moment analysis, with and without air pressure, to help identify the
specific run-flat mobility and vehicle stability properties.
    Market studies conducted more than three years ago by J.D. Power and
Associates suggested nearly 90 percent of consumers were interested in the
run-flat tire for their safety and continued mobility, even when flat.
Currently, three original equipment vehicles are produced with run-flat tires
with the spare tire and jack eliminated -- Ford Lincoln Continental, Chevrolet
Corvette and Chrysler Prowler.
    Further details and findings of the run-flat tire study are available at
Smithers by contacting David E. Williams at 330-762-7441, or fax 330-762-7447,
or e-mail (DWilliams@Smithersmail.com).