December 22, 1999 - NASHVILLE, TN Sealix™ Technology In Firestone FT70c Reduces Risk Of Getting Nailed Firestone FT70c with UNI-T® featuring SEALIX® It's something most drivers have heard. A mechanic emerges from the shop after fixing a flat tire and renders the all too familiar verdict: "It was a nail." Sometimes it's a screw, a piece of wire or some other indefinable object that's pierced your tire and caused you grief. Bridgestone/Firestone is out to reduce the problem by introducing a tire that can "heal" itself after suffering small punctures. The Firestone FT70C with UNI-T® featuring Sealix™; incorporates a patented sealant material that can seal most tread punctures up to 3/16" in diameter. It will offer the same outstanding performance in rain, along with snow traction, as the original FT70c introduced in 1997. Test markets throughout the U.S. will start seeing the new tire in March, 2000. "The ability to handle wet weather and seal itself after suffering small punctures is an awesome combination of benefits in a single tire," said Shu Ishibashi, Bridgestone/Firestone Vice-President of Consumer Tire Marketing. "With its various technologies, the Firestone FT70c with UNI-T featuring Sealix effectively addresses two of the most frequently raised concerns of motorists in our customer opinion surveys: flat tires and rainy day driving performance." During the tire's construction, a patented polymer material is spiral layered onto the interior side of the tread area using a unique robotic applicator. The process delivers a uniform coating of the innovative compound, necessary to ensure a smooth ride. When an object up to 3/16" in diameter punctures the tire, the Sealix sealant material creates an instant seal around the hole. When the object is removed, Sealix sealant is drawn into the puncture, creating a seal and preventing a loss of air pressure. Beyond its ability to survive small punctures, the all season tire offers a comfortable ride, long wear and impressive performance in wet weather, particularly in wet stopping capability. The benefits are made possible by UNI-T®. UNI-T® is an acronym for "Ultimate Network of Intelligent Tire Technology." One of its core technologies is a Computer Optimized Component System, CO·CS®, which uses a super computer to help determine an ideal combination of tread design, casing shape, materials and construction for a particular application. Tires with UNI-T® have a special O-Bead® that eliminates overlapped joints in the bead assembly, affecting the way a tire interacts with the rim, and provides a rounder assembly for improved driving and handling stability. The use of L.L. Carbon®, or Long Link Carbon, an advanced form of carbon black that absorbs road stress over a larger area, produces a stronger tire, better able to resist cracking, chipping, tearing and excessive wear. This newest version of the Firestone FT70c incorporates additional UNI-T® technologies to provide its distinctive capabilities. Key Hole Sipes™ enlarge as the tire wears to sustain wet performance. A WeatherGrip™ Tread Compound provides durability along with wet and dry traction, as well as snow traction. A patented tread design with deep rib notches and a continuous shoulder rib contribute to long wear and traction. The tire will initially be available in the following sizes: 75 Series 70 Series 65 Series 60 Series P185/75R14 89S P175/70R13 82S P195/65R15 89S P215/60R16 94S P195/75R14 92S P185/70R14 87S P205/65R15 92S P225/60R16 97S P205/75R14 95S P195/70R14 90S P215/65R15 95S P205/75R15 97S P205/70R14 93S 215/65R16 98T P215/75R15 100S P205/70R15 95S P225/75R15 102S P215/70R15 97S P235/75R15 105S The Firestone FT70c with UNI-T® featuring Sealix™ comes with three warranties: The Sealix Pledge, which provides a two-year free replacement warranty if the tire fails to seal a puncture in the tread area up to 3/16" in diameter. There is a pro-rated replacement for the remainder of the tires life up to 2/32" of tread or up to five years from date of manufacture. A 70,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, providing a pro-rated replacement if warranted mileage is not attained; actual tread life may vary. The Firestone Gold Pledge limited warranty, providing replacement at no charge (excluding taxes and disposal fees) if the tire should fail due to defects in materials or workmanship up to five years. See a Firestone retailer for details and restrictions. "The Firestone FT70c with UNI-T featuring Sealix delivers a very important quality: confidence," Ishibashi said. "With one of our best warranty packages, coupled with self-sealing capabilities and outstanding traction in wet or dry conditions, this tire gives drivers greater confidence to face the road. We're proud Bridgestone/Firestone technologies can create that confidence." Bridgestone/Firestone recommends periodic inspection and removal of any imbedded objects in all tires. The use of Sealix™ tires does not negate the need to follow the important safety information in the Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Maintenance and Warranty Safety Manual. Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is the largest subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the worlds largest tire and rubber company. Bridgestone/Firestone develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, associate and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles. Back to News Page