THE islandwide distribution of Perma Seal — a puncture-proof tyre solution launched in September — has hit a snag as principals struggle to find suitable locations to sell the product.

Perma Seal, which promises permanent protection against tyre punctures, is currently available at six locations islandwide; three of which are in Kingston, and should become available at least five other locations in upcoming months.

But according to Abdul Elkhalili, managing director of Perma Seal International, the company responsible for local distribution, they have had to turn down some interested tyre shop owners because they lack proper installation equipment.

“A lot of people call and say that they want (to get involved) but I am not interested in any and anybody because we give warranty on the product and we have public liability and all that,” Elkhalili told Auto.

“You (tyre shops) have to already be in the business and can maintain a certain standard for the product,” he added.

Elkhalili said that the company is looking at well-established tyre shops and automotive locations which can ensure that the solution is applied effectively.

“What we worry mostly (about) is for the air pressure to be clean; making sure that what is coming into the tyre is pure air, not polluted with water. It has to be dry and clean for the material,” Elkhalili explained.

He said that customers have been increasing since the product was launched and that Jamaican sprint sensation, Usain Bolt, is among the list of persons who have had their tyres treated.

Bolt used the product after one of the tyres on his recently acquired, one in the island, Nissan GT-R picked up a screw and went flat, Elkhalili said.

Once applied and driven, the fluid action of the solution causes the entire inside treated surface area of the tire to be coated with PermaSeal.

When the material is exposed to air, it dries and forms a permanent seal.

A puncture will seal almost instantly and very little air will be lost before a permanent seal is made. The solution seals holes up to 1/4″ in diameter.

Cost for the treatment is dependent on tyre size, and ranges upwards of $2,500 for all four tyres, Elkhalili said.

He added more information on the product can be found at www.permasealtire.com.

—Corey Robinson