Converting Tubed Tyres to Tubeless: Feasibility, Benefits, and Alternatives

Introduction

When it comes to upgrading your car's tyre system, the transition from tubed tyres to tubeless tyres can offer several advantages. However, many drivers are skeptical about the feasibility of converting existing tubed tyres to tubeless. This article explores the challenges, benefits, and alternatives to help you make an informed decision about your tyre choice.

Understanding Tubed and Tubeless Tyres

Tubed Tyres: These tyres are equipped with an inner tube that helps retain air. When a puncture occurs, the tyre must be demounted from the rim, and the tube is patched. This process requires various tools such as tyre levers, a pressure gauge, a pump, and puncture repair kits.

Tubeless Tyres: Tubeless tyres have a built-in seal that creates a tight fit with the rim. This design eliminates the need for an inner tube, reducing the risk of punctures and making the repair process simpler. However, tubeless tyres require specialised rims to prevent air leaks.

Challenges of Converting Tubed Tyres to Tubeless

While the concept of converting tubed tyres to tubeless might seem appealing, it is not without its challenges. The primary concern is the inability of tubed tyres to maintain the high pressure required for tubeless systems. Even if you cut the sidewall of a tubed tyre and insert a tube, the design and production variations can result in weak spots that might burst at unexpected times.

The following points illustrate these challenges in greater detail:

Pressure Handling: Tubed tyres are not designed to hold the pressure required for tubeless systems. The high pressure in the tyre can compromise the weakest point, leading to potential bursts. Design Compatibility: The rims used with tubed tyres are not air-tight and could lead to improper seating, leading to air leaks. Using tube tyres on tubeless rims is not recommended for regular use. Risk and Safety: Converting tubed tyres to tubeless can pose significant risks. Drivers rely on their tyres for safety, and a substandard conversion could lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Alternatives and Solutions

Considering the challenges associated with converting tubed tyres to tubeless, it is essential to explore alternative solutions:

TUbliss System

The TUbliss system from Nu etech offers a unique solution. This system features a very small, high-pressure inner tube that inflates right next to the wheel and tightly seals the tyre to the rim. It also prevents air leaks around the spoke holes. The tyre can be separately inflated using a secondary air valve.

This approach minimises the risk of damaging the inner tube during puncture repairs, allowing for simple repairs using standard plug kits. Note that this system requires drilling a secondary hole in the wheel to accommodate the extra valve.

Benefits of Tubeless Tyres

Despite the challenges of conversion, the benefits of tubeless tyres are compelling. Here are the key advantages:

Improved Safety: Tubeless tyres reduce the risk of catastrophic tyre failure, enhancing overall road safety. Easier Puncture Repairs: With tubeless tyres, punctures can be repaired using standard plug kits without the need for demounting the tyre. No Pinch Flats: Running low tire pressures with tubeless tyres reduces the risk of pinch flats, particularly useful for off-road driving.

In conclusion, while converting tubed tyres to tubeless is not feasible, investing in tubeless tyres and the necessary tools can significantly enhance your driving experience and safety. Whether you opt for standard tubeless tyres or consider advanced systems like the TUbliss, the benefits make the initial investment worthwhile.