Michelin launches aftermarket tire sealant

Shahrzad Pourriahi, Crain News Service

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France (Dec. 15, 2015) — Group Michelin has launched in Europe an aftermarket emergency tire repair product — Michelin Tire Sealant — that the company said can be removed from the tire with warm water after it's used.

Making the sealant removable “makes it more likely that the puncture can be permanently repaired,” Michelin said.

“Motorists simply apply the sealant through the valve, confident that the tire will inflate to a safe level, even if the puncture has been driven on for a considerable distance,” said Simon Bates, marketing and communications manager for Michelin Lifestyle Europe,  a Group Michelin business unit.

The sealant, Michelin said, “enables the motorist to repair the puncture effectively and allows them to be on their way quicker and more safely than changing the wheel in a hazardous location such as on a motorway.”

Motorists are able to drive up to 50 mph after using the sealant, Michelin said, but should have the tire checked over by a professional as soon as possible.

Michelin said its “user-friendly” sealant, which comes in a 500 milliliter can, is suitable for car tire sizes up to 245/55 R17. Michelin did not disclose what materials make up the sealant.

Michelin said it had conducted internal tests on the product that involved a nail (4 mm diameter, 2 inches long) puncturing a 205/55R16 tire, which was then run for 62, 125 and 250 miles.

At each of these points the nail was removed and the tire sealant was applied. According to Michelin, the product sealed the hole effectively, allowing the tire to be reinflated and driven up to 250 miles, or double the distance of leading competitor products.

Michelin said the product could specifically help the growing number of motorists without spare tires or with a space-saver tire.

The product is not expected to be sold in North America.

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This article appeared on the website of European Rubber Journal, a London-based sister publication of Tire Business.