Tubes & Its Types

Automobile tubes are more essential & effective element of wheel-tyre-tube assembly until tubeless tyre was innovated. Tubes are inflated with high compressed air inside the tyre casing, to supports or to increase load carrying capacity of tyre. A conventional tyre always coupled with a tube; obviously it called tube-with-tyre or inner tube with tyre. A tubes are made up of natural or synthetic rubber, they gives more strength and load carrying capacity.

There are most three iconic types of tubes available for different automobiles application. They are;

1. Standard tubes
2. COMBAT tubes
3. Bullet resisting tubes

Standard tubes are generally used on every automobile as well as bicycles. COMBAT tubes are just like standard tubes, but they are smaller and used on milletry vehicles along only with COMBAT tyres. They have smaller circular cross section area which easily fitted inside the tyre. The bullet resisting tubes are heavy, thick in construction, and obviously they are bullet resisting and puncture resistant also.

Fig 1: Types of tubes

1. Standard Tubes:

Standard tubes (fig.1-a) are circular rubber containers that fit inside the tire hold the air that supports the vehicle. Though it is strong enough to stand only a few pounds of air pressure when not confined, the tube bears extremely high pressures when enclosed in a tire and wheel assembly, because the tube is made of comparatively soft rubber to fulfill Its function, it is easily chafed, pinched, punctured, or otherwise damaged. Standard tubes generally are made of butyl, a synthetic rubber that has air-retention properties superior to natural rubber. Standard tubes are made of one layer of rubber molded in the shape of a doughnut. They are used regularly for standard tires. [1] [2] [3]

2. COMBAT Tubes:

Combat tubes (fig.1-b) are constructed the same as standard tubes except that they are smaller than standard tubes with the same size markings. Because the inside cross section of combat tires is smaller, combat tubes only will be used with combat tires. However, in the event that combat tubes are not available, it is permissible to use the next size smaller standard tube. [1] [2] [3]

Combat tubes are important when safety, fuel efficiency and longevity are top priority as well as your driving style and conditions. Combat-compatible tubes-&-tyres that are an exact fit for Military uses like combat operational bikes, trucks, tanks and aircraft.

3. Bullet Resisting Tube:

Bullet-resisting tubes (fig.1-c) are of a heavy, thick construction that automatically seals bullet punctures. Bullet- resisting tubes are identified by their extra weight and thickness and generally have green-painted valve stems. [1] [2] [3]

Next Article: "Wheels and Tyre Troubles"

References:

[1] Principles of Automotive Vehicles, Department of the Army, 1985 - Vehicles, Military.

[2] Operator's, Unit, Direct Support, and General Support Maintenance Manual for Care, Maintenance, Repair, and Inspection of Pneumatic Tires and Inner Tubes, Part 101, Headquarters, Department of the Army, 1990 - Inner tubes.

[3] Principles of Automotive Vehicles, Issues 9-8000, By United States. Dept. of the Army, United States. Dept. of the Air Force.