There are two main types of tyres available in Australia for commercial and personal vehicle use: tyres with inner tubes and the more recently developed tubeless tyres. So what’s the difference, and are there benefits to using tubeless tyres?

Each type has its pros and cons. The pricing is the biggest factor for most people in deciding which to choose, as tubeless tyres, while lasting longer, are a bit more money upfront. If you are considering tubeless tyres, be aware that they aren’t available for every type of vehicle. Because of this, it may be the case that you will need to choose a variety of tube tyre if you are looking to replace your tyres.

If you’re wondering what the difference between the two is, and if one is more suitable for you than the other, read on.

What is a Tube Tyre

Traditional tyres are made up of a rubber inner tube with a valve for inflation, covered by a rubber outer tyre crossed with tread and reinforced with wire to make it strong and safe. The air-filled tube should fit perfectly on the carcass in order to properly fulfil its function of cushioning against uneven road surfaces.

The main concerns of tube tyres include:

• Ensuring the tube within the tyre is the perfect size to promote longevity
• Increased friction between the tyre and tube that could cause undue heat
• Punctures leading to sudden air loss and potentially a flat tyre
• Outer damage of the tyre that risks exposing the more fragile inner tube

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What are Tubeless Tyres?

Tubeless tyres are now available that do not contain an inner tube, rather the inner layer of the tyre is the tube itself. The tubeless tyre’s internal construction and materials used offer several advantages over the tubed tyre. A tubed tyre may be vulnerable to heat and friction, particularly when the car is travelling at high speeds and this can lead to dangerous tyre blowouts. The tubeless tyre is constructed from high quality, heat resistant materials that reduce air movement and make it largely puncture resistant. The inner tube of a traditional tyre also adds weight and rolling resistance, meaning its tubeless counterpart will both handle better on the road and improve fuel efficiency.

Pros and Cons of Each Tyre Type

Each type of tyre has its own pros and cons as listed below.

Tubeless tyres

Pros:

• Have a compact structure, therefore only a minute amount of air can escape during punctures
• Has a lower weight, which improves handling of the vehicle and boosts the confidence of drivers
• More fuel-efficient due to their design
• Puncture repairs are easier to handle, and sometimes do not even require the removal of the wheel
• You can fill up tyres with liquid sealers, enabling resistance to punctures

Cons:

• They are much more expensive than tube tyres
• Repair costs are very high
• Not available for all car types

Tube tyres

Pros:

• You can fill up tyres with liquid sealers, enabling resistance to punctures
• They are able to run on reduced pressure for short distances
• Repair costs are reasonable

Cons:

• Have an inner tube that, when punctured and flattened, will make driving hazardous or impossible
• Is a heavier wheel, which affects the overall handling of the vehicle
• Less fuel-efficient due to their design
• Puncture repairs are more in-depth, and wheels will have to be removed during the process

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How To Choose The Best Tyre For Your Car

When choosing tyres for your car, it’s always best to get the recommendations of a professional. However, the carmaker will also offer recommendations. You can find these in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Recommendations are defined by speed and load rating as well as by size. These specifications are what you need to know when you shop for new tyres for your car.

Usually, a car maker won’t specify a particular brand. That’s left up to the owner. However, as a guide, you can use the brand that was fitted when the car was new. Generally, if you are given the choice between a variety of tyre options, it’s recommended to trust the brands you know. With leading tyre brands, you have the integrity, experience, and investment in technology to base your decision on, whereas with others, there’s little history to base their track record on and often no consumer support network. A professional can go through the pros and cons of each brand and each option to help you choose what’s right for you.