Tyre specialist ATS Euromaster has produced a film demonstrating the dramatic effects of inflating a truck tyre which has previously suffered run-flat damage which it says could be “equivalent to being hit by a truck.”
Richard Byrne, group head of health, safety & technical services said: “If a tyre contains insufficient air to carry its load, run-flat damage can be caused to its internal structure, rendering the tyre no longer serviceable. It must never be repaired or inflated, as the structure could fail and cause an explosion.
“When this happens the compressed air – as much as 130psi in a standard 295/80 R 22.5 – surges into the surrounding area at violent speed and with a force equivalent to 12 tonnes.
“It is crucial that technicians do not stand immediately in front of the tyre’s sidewalls during inflation – or let anyone enter this area. It can literally make the difference between life and death.”
