CAR engineers are haunted again by the ghost of very low-pressure tires, which they had hoped several years ago was laid. These tires are one of the elements of airplanes that they hoped not to have to adopt. As was the case with the balloon tire of 10 years ago, the super-balloon was offered by tire companies in answer to a demand of car owners for a replacement tire that would give a softer ride. The question now disturbing car engineers is whether super-balloons must be offered as regular or optional equipment on new cars.
They have an eye and sales appeal but doubts exist regarding their safety in event of blow-out, their susceptibility to puncture, their relative mileage life, their effect on steering and the like. Mr. Lemon discusses these points and the engineering changes that will be necessary in the chassis if super-balloons are to become regular equipment.
