Still Going
If you blow a tire, you're in bad shape. Unless . . .
Tire safety is still a hot topic after Firestone's recall of
more than 6 million tires. Can anything help control a blowout if
it happens to you? Yes: a steel wheel belt that fits on the
rim's wheel well. When you have a blowout, there's no
longer any air pressure to hold your tire in place. As the tire
becomes free to move about, its sidewall surges into the wheel
well, reducing driver control. Special steel wheel belts provide a
cushion for the deflated tire so the rim doesn't hit the
ground, giving you a much greater chance of stabilizing steering
and regaining control of the car.
"Our steel safety bands allow you to continue at highway
speed until you can pull over or reach a garage," says Rick
Cole, CEO of Tyron Automotive Group. Available in different sizes
for sedans, SUVs, pickups, RVs and trailers, a set of four Tyron
bands starts at about $300. Installation starts at about $35. Look
for the product in automotive and tire stores.
At press time, no other companies offered similar devices, but
copycats are bound to appear. Some auto manufacturers, including
Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Ford and Land Rover, are already installing
Tyron bands as standard or optional equipment.
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Jill Amadio has reported on the automotive industry for 24
years as an editor and consultant.
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