Wouldnt a solid rubber tire do the same job with no risk of punctures?
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Solid rubber tires have their purpose, but it’s not on cars.
Yes, solid rubber tires would be more durable, but it has it’s drawbacks. Air filled tires are designed to compress and flex to absorb bumps and grip better. Also, you need a different amount of tire flex based on your needs. If you’re just driving on the highway, use what the door panel recommends. If you are running off road, decrease the PSI for better traction.
Forklifts use solid rubber tires though because they don’t need as much grip compared to a car, the move slowly, and generally are used on flat surfaces. You would have a real bad time if you hit a pothole at 65 mph with solid rubber tires.
Also, as others have mentioned, solid rubber tires would be really heavy. Unsprung mass is a pretty big factor in vehicle performance. Not only are you CARRYING that much more weight, but the engine has to work harder to TURN that heavy mass. AKA less fuel economy/worse performance.
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