A tyre puncture on the road can be a significant safety hazard and disrupt travel, especially in Malaysia, where heavy rainfall, high traffic, potholes, and road debris are common. The waiting time for assistance and repairs can be lengthy and inconvenient. Self-sealing tyre technology offers a solution, providing road users with greater confidence during their journeys.
Continental is addressing the needs of Malaysian drivers by expanding its innovative ContiSeal technology to a wider range of products and rim sizes. This expansion aims to make this technology accessible to more car owners, enhance driver safety, and address the unique challenges of Malaysian roads, transforming how tyre punctures are handled.
First introduced in 2003, ContiSeal technology has been refined over two decades. It can immediately seal 80% of all punctures and 99.9% of punctures up to 5mm in diameter. Through a vulcanisation process, the durability and elasticity of ContiSeal tyres are enhanced, reducing cavity noise by up to 3dB due to the minimised mass space within the tyre.
Capable of sealing holes up to 5mm in diameter, ContiSeal creates an airtight seal that prevents air from leaking. The sealant layer, applied to the inside tread area, ensures the tyre maintains its integrity and performance even under challenging conditions. This means that in cases of foreign object penetration, such as nails, there is no immediate need for roadside tyre changes, and the holes remain sealed even when the puncturing object is removed.
ContiSeal’s performance remains unaffected by environmental factors, with a service life exceeding that of the tyre itself, providing continuous protection throughout its lifespan. Unlike run-flat tyres, ContiSeal tyres perform like standard tyres without sacrificing comfort and require no specific vehicle modifications. ContiSeal tyres maintain their integrity and performance even after a puncture, allowing unrestricted driving and can be repaired if necessary.
While initially more expensive, self-sealing tyres offer long-term cost savings by reducing the need for roadside assistance, towing, or frequent tyre replacements. Continental guarantees ContiSeal under their standard manufacturing warranty, providing pro-rated warranty reimbursement for any defects in sealing performance for punctures within 5mm in the tread area. Additionally, the Total Confidence Plan (TCP) offers one-to-one tyre replacement for unexpected road damage within the first year, with claims easily managed through the Conti TCP app.
Despite the immediate fix provided by ContiSeal, follow-up maintenance is essential for long-term safety and performance. Many drivers may not notice a puncture due to ContiSeal’s effective self-sealing ability. Continental recommends using a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to monitor any pressure drops and regular tyre checks by specialists to ensure ongoing tyre integrity and longevity. Drivers are advised to visit a dealer for thorough inspections to prevent moisture from entering the tyre through any puncture, which could damage its internal structure.
Continental plans to fully incorporate ContiSeal technology by July 2024 across popular tyre models, including the UltraContact UC7, PremiumContact C, and UltraContact UC6 SUV, in sizes ranging from 16” to 20”. These tyres will be available at participating dealers nationwide and on Continental’s official Shopee and Lazada e-commerce stores. This strategic move signifies Continental’s commitment to expanding the reach of this innovative technology to more Malaysians.
For more information on ContiSeal and Continental’s latest tyres, please visit https://www.continental-tires.com/products/b2c/car/continental-tire-technologies/contiseal/.
