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ContiSeal Mobility


ContiSeal Mobility

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For the majority of Australian drivers the most annoying problem that can arise is getting a speeding fine, closely followed by a flat tyre.

German tyre manufacturer Continental has gone some way to eliminating the punctured tyre problem, (though unfortunately not the speeding fine) with their just-released ContiSeal Mobility Tyre. It comes standard on the new Volkswagen Passat CC which was launched in Australia in early Feb 2009.

ContiSeal tyres contain a breakthrough in tyre technology. They have a tacky viscous coating, that covers the inside of the tyre from shoulder to shoulder, which instantly seals punctures caused by nails, screws and other sharp objects up to 5mm in diameter. However, it is not designed to seal damage to the tyre side walls.

The viscous coating immediately prevents air loss whether the object remains in the tyre or becomes dislodged. This in turn means the driver doesn't need to stop immediately, perhaps on the side of a dangerous road, and replace the tyre.

Continental recommends the tyre be inspected by a tyre specialist as soon as possible and repaired if necessary, although it's possible you may be unaware your tyre has even had a puncture.

Continental suggests the driving performance of the new tyre is equal to non-ContiSeal tyres and drivers will not be able to tell the difference.

The ContiSeal is recognisable by the nail symbol on the tyre side wall.

Cost and availability may be of concern when replacing the tyre. We contacted three tyre dealers listed on Continental's web site (two metro and one country) and none knew the tyre existed.

When they called back with a supply and fit quote there was quite a variation in pricing, ranging from $595 (country dealer) to $659 and $669 at the two metro dealers. All tyres would need to be specially ordered from the manufacturer and, at the time of writing, there are only seven in Australia.

During the Passat CC's launch the technical guys from Volkswagen tested the ContiSeal tyre by drilling several holes in an inflated tyre on a Passat 18" rim. No leaks were evident when the drill went into or out of the tyre. Volkswagen Australia claimed the Mobility Tyre could reduce the possibility of getting a flat tyre by as much as 85 per cent.

We had the opportunity to view the coating on a tyre that had been removed from a rim. It is a very thick, tacky, black tar-like substance that almost looks as if it has been brushed painted onto the inside of the tyre.

As with all new technology, if you want to be the first to own it you have to be prepared to pay for it - however hopefully this technology will become mainstream within a couple of years. It's always well worth ringing around as many tyre dealers as possible to get the best price - not just for the mobility tyre but any tyre your car may need.

 Quick Specs
Price: From $521 each
Available: Feb 2009
Available on: Volkswagen Passat CC
Pros: Reduced possibility of getting a flat tyre
Peace of mind
Safety
Cons: High cost
Availabilitys

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