Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/34500
AIR INFILTRATION Air infiltration is an “inside-out” damage. The air inside the tire is much higher (80-120 psi) than atmospheric pressure. Modern tubeless tires have a major advantage over a tube-type tire. When a tube-type tire is punctured, it only takes seconds to become flat. A tubeless tire may take weeks or months for the air to escape – this is because the inner-liner (airtight lining) is integral to the tire. One issue with tubeless tires is that even though they may take a long time to go flat, the air is still trying to get out. As the high pressure air makes its way back through the puncture channel, it can separate products within the tire. The cause of air infiltration can be from: • nail or other puncture • objects left in the tire • bad repair • bead damage from mounting/dismounting • anything that has caused the innerliner to become damaged A dual tire can show this effect on the upper sidewall, bead area, or between crown belts. Nine times out of ten, though, it will be in the upper sidewall and manifest itself as a flap or “smiley face.” A more severe form of air infiltration on dual tires results in belt separation and subsequent rapid air loss. Just as the MICHELIN® X One® tire reacts differently to air pressure settings, it also reacts differently to air infiltration. The usual effect of air infiltration on an MICHELIN® X One® tire can be seen between the top or protector ply and the tread rubber. Air infiltration always results in removing the tire from service (dual or wide single); however, not having belt separation or large sidewall ruptures could prevent rapid air loss events. 34 MICHELIN X One Tire Maintenance ® ®