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

Expense, partially. Pressurized air is far cheaper than vulcanized rubber and as long as the tire is reasonably thick then punctures are the exception rather than the rule. With the costs of one solid rubber tire you can buy several pneumatic tires, including all the replacements you’d need for punctures.

There’s also the matter of weight to consider as well as shock absorption. Pressurized air tires are just better for the vehicle and riders than solid rubber tires.