In response to a marked increase in spiking incidents reported in the country, Pretoria based SVI Engineering, a specialist manufacturer of armoured vehicles and products, has conducted a real-world demonstration of the “Flats Over” run flat tyre safety band system.
The increase in spiking incidents, particularly on main routes around Gauteng and often at night, has been noted by authorities. Criminals place spikes in the road, puncturing tyres and forcing vehicles to stop or even crash, leaving occupants vulnerable to attack and robbery.
Known as “Flats Over”, the run flat protection system is imported and certified in England, Germany and Brazil. It comprises a robust rubber ring spilt into two halves, with a cable structure to tighten the device around the rim inside the standard tyre.
Each ring forms a smaller, durable “spare wheel” inside a tyre. The rubber rings provide protection against wheel damage during sudden tyre pressure loss, including spikes or ballistic attacks, and remain fully functional after multiple direct gunshots. In addition, the run flat system serves to minimise wheel damage.
To simulate a scenario, SVI fashioned a set of spikes and headed to the Gerotek testing facility in Pretoria. An armoured Toyota Land Cruiser 79 single-cab bakkie was used for the test and fitted with a set of heavy duty run flat rings.
“It’s telling that what ultimately forced us to stop was that we ran out of time. This is tangible proof that even the most aggressive spikes are no match for the Flats Over run flat solution, which gives motorists the vitally important ability to keep driving,” said Nicol Louw, SVI business development director.
The run flat rings can be fitted to armoured and conventional passenger cars, trailers and most other vehicles that ride on 16- to 23-inch wheels. A set of four Flats Over run flat rings is priced from R43,786 (excluding VAT). The product can be quickly installed by most tyre shops after training.
“One of the most common questions we receive on social media when revealing a new SVI-armoured product is: ‘What about the tyres?’ Here’s your answer. Our imported run flat rings provide proven protection not only against spiking incidents but ballistic attacks as well,” said Louw.
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