Quality and knowledge
High testing standards with strict quality control
Ultra-Seal maintains a strict quality control programme. From start to finish, each master batch is sample tested and must meet a rigorous 8,000 kilometres performance test prior to being assigned a certification batch control number.
Some of the in-house testing is performed on a dynamometer test wheel, which was designed to meet the US Army Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) requirements. This equipment allows us to run test samples at specific speeds, load requirements, temperatures and more. By utilising a dynamometer test wheel, any designated number of kilometres can be accrued while running a longevity or performance test, thereby producing accurate and reliable documentation. Ultra-Seal maintains the highest standards in quality control by means of independent testing laboratories, in-house testing, and actual in-field test programmes.
All of Ultra-Seal’s attributes and claims are documented and backed by federally recognised independent tyre testing laboratories, independently controlled fleet testing, and includes tests performed by government agencies worldwide.
All testing has proven that Ultra-Seal is actually a true tyre life extender as well as an exceptional sealant. Ultra-Seal maintains copies of the various independent test programmes that will substantiate the claims of positive air retention, positive secure repairs, ability to extend tyre life, endurance and performance.
Tyre knowledge
Tyre sealant products have a rich history. The Ultra-Seal product has over 40 years of operation history, and has become what it is today through years and years of development, optimisation and continuous tests in several applications. The formula is so unique and unrivalled, that a wise decision has been taken to never patent the product; only in this way, the product and its ingredients are the best kept secret in the world of tyre sealants.
Besides several clear benefits that Ultra-Seal gives in terms of cost savings and extending tyre life, there are many less obvious advantages. There are a lot of external factors that – negatively - influence tyre life and the quality of a tyre, which are either being eliminated or balanced by the use of the Ultra-Seal product.
Influence of pressure on tyre life
Tyre life is very dependent on the correct tyre pressure.
Tyres lose pressure over time, because of porosity in the tyre and because of small air leaks between the tyre bead and the rim, and the valve and the rim.
Ultra-Seal forms an air-tight layer over the entire inner surface of the tyre, thus preventing most air loss due to the natural porosity in a tyre, as well as the air loss between the bead of the tyre and the rim.
When tyres are underinflated, the tyre life is reduced for a number of reasons i.e. heat buildup, increased stress in tyre side walls, excessive tyre wear and increased fuel consumption due to higher rolling resistance.
An independent investigation by Goodyear, showed that 68% of the trucks are driving on underinflated tyres. Ultra-Seal can avoid this.
‘Running tyres at 20% underinflation can even reduce tyre life up to 50%.'
A puncture will be repaired immediately and permanently for the remaining life of the tyre, which keeps the risk of casing damage to a minimum.
Excessive heat buildup due to underinflation can lead to ply separation in the tyre casing, causing fatigue and eventually blowout. Ultra-Seal functions like a thermal conductor that leads the heat away from the stress area and helps to preserve the casing. The same conclusion is drawn by Bridgestone Tyres Australia:
Underinflation also causes an excessive deflection of the tyre side walls, which generates stress in the casing. This stress also leads to fatigue and eventually blowout. The deflection of the side walls also leads to irregular tyre wear.
The fatigue in the tyre casing, caused by driving with underinflated tyres for the full life of the tyre, is not always visible during casing inspections. When retreading the tyres this then goes undetected but it will be a weak spot in the tyre that may cause a tyre failure.
Driving with underinflated tyres results in increased rolling resistance, which leads to extra tyre wear and, even more important, will have an extreme impact on fuel consumption. Tests conducted by DAF Trucks have found that driving with 20% underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 5%. ‘Tires underinflated by 15% will cause fuel penalties of around 2.5% and 30% underinflation will increase fuel consumption by 5%.’ - Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
Fuel consumption.
The difference in a truck’s fuel consumption between summer and winter is 11.5% on average. It is therefore important to take this into account in a test phase with products such as Ultra-Seal. We consider it important for the factors to be consistent and transparent when measuring everything, in order to achieve a reliable and result.