Continental plant reaches ContiSeal milestone

As of this month, 15 million tyres featuring ContiSeal self-sealing technology have been produced at the Continental factory in Lousado, Portugal. The 15 millionth tyre, a size 255/45 R 19 ContiSportContact 5 SUV destined for original equipment fitment on a Volkswagen, was produced on 23 July and gave cause for a minor celebration at the plant.

Continental began manufacturing tyres with self-sealing properties in 2008, initially for what was then the newly launched VW Passat CC. In the meantime, product approvals for these tyres have also been granted by Cadillac, Hyundai, Porsche, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Seat and Skoda. Aftermarket tyres with ContiSeal are now available, too. The ContiSeal range covers a total of 76 summer, all-season and winter tyre sizes for 15- to 22-inch rim diameters and speed ratings up to Y (186 mph / 300 km/h).

According to Continental, ContiSeal technology enables a vehicle to continue its journey in 95 per cent of cases involving damage to the tyre tread. Self-sealing tyres can only be fitted on vehicles equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system that warns the driver of any gradual loss of tyre pressure.