Integrated Wheel System (IWS) is based on a new tyre-rim connection technology that provides a run flat capability. The complete IWS system can be used to substitute standard tyres and rims, with neither assembling nor balancing being required.

When the tyre is worn out or in the case of punctures, the system can be replaced easily without special machines.

The result of the newly designed IWS system is a tyre/wheel combination which can offer run-flat capability without impairing any other tyre property.

In the case of IWS, intensive research on rubber-metal bonding technology has allowed the tyre and rim to be connected directly. This means that because the tyre bead is no longer necessary, the design of new rim contours is possible.

The key benefits of the IWS are;

• Extended mobility in the case of tyre failure, even when more than one tyre is flat. Continental puts the IWS’s run flat capability at 20 miles - far enough to leave critical situations. For small cars that are normally not used for large distances, the IWS run flat capability eliminates the need for a spare wheel.

• Reduction of weight and rolling resistance. This is a significant point as current run flat systems have disadvantages in terms of increased weight and higher rolling resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.

Goodyear’s Extended Mobility Tire (EMT) tyre technology permits the motorist to drive up to 80 km at speeds up to 80 kmh on a totally deflated tyre, thereby consigning the misery of being stuck on the hard shoulder of a motorway with a flat tyre to the past.

Significantly EMT tyres also help avoid accidents should sudden deflation occur. EMT tyres need no special wheels although the use of a low pressure monitoring system (although not essential) is recommended. There is no complicated procedure required to fit the tyres, which can be fitted using standard machines.

• An aramid spiral overlay in tread area provides high speed performance and reduce centreline buckling under low inflation.

• The outer ply in the sidewall shifts the neutral axis of bending outwards providing greater compressive stiffness in the inner ply.

• The inner ply, meanwhile is heat tolerant and capable of taking the compressive stress in low inflation conditions.

• Rubber inserts made of resilient compound is incorporated in sidewall to provide high stiffness with low hysteresis.