Real-world Test Conducted at Gerotek in Pretoria
Watch the Test Video on SVI’s YouTube Channel
In response to a surge in spiking incidents across South Africa, SVI Engineering, a leading specialist in armored vehicle manufacturing, has conducted rigorous real-world testing to showcase the effectiveness of their “Flats Over” runflat tyre safety band system.
Addressing the Rising Threat
Authorities have reported a significant increase in spiking incidents on major routes around Gauteng, primarily occurring at night. Criminals use these spikes to puncture vehicle tyres, forcing them to stop or crash, leaving occupants vulnerable to attack and robbery.
To replicate this hazardous scenario, SVI designed a formidable set of spikes and conducted a test at the Gerotek testing facility in Pretoria. The test vehicle, an armored Toyota Land Cruiser 79 single-cab bakkie, was equipped with heavy-duty runflat rings.
The Runflat Test at Gerotek
During the test, the Land Cruiser accelerated over the spikes, resulting in both tyres on the driver’s side losing pressure. However, the runflat rings inside the tyres maintained the vehicle’s control, allowing the driver to continue driving even as one tyre disintegrated. By the end of the test, the vehicle had traveled 23 km at approximately 50 km/h, with the wheel itself remaining undamaged.
Nicol Louw, SVI’s Business Development Director, commented, “It’s telling that what ultimately forced us to stop was simply the fact that we ran out of time. This is tangible proof that even the most aggressive spikes are no match for the Flats Over runflat solution, which gives motorists the vitally important ability to just keep driving.”
Additional Benefits of the Runflat System
Louw further explained, “This product offers numerous benefits. One common question we receive on social media when unveiling a new SVI-armored product is: ‘What about the tyres?’ Here’s your answer. Our imported runflat rings provide proven protection not only against spiking incidents but also against ballistic attacks.”
The Flats Over Runflat Protection System
SVI is an authorized distributor of the Flats Over runflat tyre safety band system in Southern Africa. This internationally certified product has received accolades such as the VSAG-12 certificate from Millbrook in England, the FINABEL certificate from TÜV Nord in Germany, and the CESVI certificate from CESVI in Brazil.
The Flats Over runflat system consists of a robust rubber ring split into two halves, along with a cable structure to secure the device around the rim inside the standard tyre. This configuration effectively forms a smaller, highly durable “spare wheel” within each tyre.
The runflat rings provide protection against wheel damage during sudden tyre-pressure loss, including from ballistic attacks and road spikes. Additionally, this premium system minimizes wheel damage from potholes.
Cost and Fitment
The runflat rings can be installed on armored and conventional passenger cars, trailers, and most other vehicles with 16- to 23-inch wheels. A set of four Flats Over runflat rings starts at R43 786 (excluding VAT). No special tools are required for installation, and the product can be quickly fitted by most tyre shops after training.
