Tubeless Tyres

MRF makes tubeless tyres for a wide variety of vehicles. Tubeless tyre is a tyre that does not require a separate rubber inner tube for inflation. Inner liner/layer of the tyre is the tube itself. The inner liner/layer is constructed of halo-butyl/chlorobutyl and other materials. These chemicals are basically resistant to heat and reduce permeation of air.

The rim of the tyre will act as a sealant for the air inside the tyre. The air valve is directly kept on the rim to pump air directly into the tyre. If a tubeless tyre gets punctured, air escapes only through the hole created by the nail, leading to a gentle deflation of the tyre. Thus giving a substantial time between a puncture and a flat tyre. In case of a total loss of air inside the tyre, it is likely that the bead (part of the tyre that is shaped to lock into the edge of the rim upon inflation) will collapse inside the rim-well rather than come off it.

In the Indian market, 3 repairing methods are available. 1. PLUG METHOD. (Mushroom type). This method is strongly recommended by Bridgestone. The repair from tyre inside gives a permanent, strong and airtight repairing. 2. FILLER METHOD. This method is recommended by Bridgestone and is commonly used in the market. This method is cost effective and saves labour time. 3. PATCH METHOD. Bridgestone does not recommend. Applying a patch inside the tyre stops air leakage due to puncture, but steel belts get exposed to water moisture.

http://www.bridgestone.co.in/ Tyres /Tyre Knowledge/Tubeless Tyres

For, tubeless tyre users, puncture kits are also available at all Goodyear tyre shops. Tyre can be repaired in a few easy steps. The use of liquid sealants does not meet standard requirements of puncture repair and is not permanent repair.

Advantages:

The advantages of the tubeless tyres include less accident that occurs due to tyre burst, especially at very high speed. In case of conventional tyres, temperatures generated at high speed (more than 100 Kmph) expand the tube which can burst easily in case of sudden sharp penetration causing grievous accident. Also, incorrect tyre fitment, or friction between the tyre wall and inner tube generating excess heat causing a blowout.

In other advantages of tubeless tyres compared to tube type tyres are better fuel efficiency as light weight due to absence of the tube, better heat dissipation as air in direct contact with rim, less balance weight required as no unbalance due to tube. 

Tubeless tyres can avoid other tube troubles like ballooning, open splice, spurious tubes, pinholes, tube mounting damage and cost of a tube and its maintenance.

Disadvantages:

Tubeless tyres are heavier than the standard tyres. They are costlier compared to normal tyres. They worn out easily and should be replaced regularly. A thread goes off easily and it should be replaced or else it will result in sudden damage to the vehicle and reduces the control of the vehicle. Small roadside puncture repairers cannot fix them. Needs proper tools so that the tread is not damaged in dismount (mount). Cannot be used on very badly rims. 

http://www.autocarindia.com

Advantages of tubeless tyres outweigh the disadvantages when compared to conventional tyres.

Update 1 [24.01.2014]:

JK TYRE: HIGH PERFORMANCE TUBELESS TYRES