Imagine never having to pump up your rubber again! That’s the idea of the new Self Inflating Tyre (SIT).

It uses the principle of an in-built ‘peristaltic pump’, which is basically a thin tubing of rubber that uses the rolling effect of the wheel to constantly top up the pressure.

The system also includes a special valve that ensures the tyre is not over-inflated. Czech-based Coda Development is behind the technology, which is designed to prevent people running on underinflated tyres. Doing so reduces grip and increases fuel consumption, plus the chances of a dangerous blow out.

And while auto-inflating tyres already exist for commercial vehicles, they use more complicated and pricier air compressor and pump systems, which limits their applications.