Eli5 Why do tires use air instead of solid rubber all the wsy?

Question

Wouldnt a solid rubber tire do the same job with no risk of punctures?

In: 296

Answer 1

Heat. The answer is heat, thermal gradients would destroy a solid rubber tire in short order. Suspension could be softened up to compensate for stiffer (solid) tires, but they do not dissipate heat well.