Grullon

Latin American distributor of Ultraseal, Manuel Grullon, has no doubt about the tyre sealant's benefit to Jamaican motorists. He is also confident that the product should do well at next week's roll-out.

The Dominican Republic businessman, along with local partners, Mario Machado and John Von Strolley, expounded the virtues of the polymer solution at a poolside launch last Tuesday at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel.

"Ultraseal will increase the life of your tyre by 25 per cent," Grullon told Automotives. He said the California-produced sealant would give motorists "peace of mind".

"You'll never worry about a puncture or blow-out again," he said.

one-time application

Grullon, who is also chairman for a Dom Rep-based gcs systems company, explained that the blue liquid solution is injected into the tyre through the valve, using special equipment.

"This one-time application lasts for the life of the tyre and protects against under-inflation and heat," he said. "It also helps with fuel economy."

The LatAm distributor said if the tyre should develop a puncture, the sealant would plug the hole after "one to two revolutions".

"It's that quick and easy," said Grullon.

The businessman was quick to point out the solution did not protect against sidewall damage, but slowed the deflation process.

"This could mean the difference between life and death," he said.

He stressed the product was safe, environmentally friendly and could be cleaned up easily with water.

"It won't corrode rims or won't dry out ... It's not flammable and is non-toxic ... It is completely safe," he said.

The sealant will be available in three grades: high performance, commercial and extra-heavy duty.

how much to use

But how much is needed per vehicle?

"A small sedan uses about 44 ounces, while a suburban ... around 80 ounces," he said. "Ultraseal will retail at $95 per ounce," Grullon said.

Automobile dealer and partner John Von Strolley is upbeat that the tyre sealant will take off locally.

"With our road conditions, I think Ultraseal will do well," he said. Von Strolley also sees a profitable market for the sealant because to its special properties.

"The heavy-duty grade is bullet-proof," the auto dealer said. "And, this is ideal for the army and vehicles used by security companies," he continued. He further said the product was currently used by the US army, US postal agency, as well as NASA's lunar buggies.

Grullon told Automotives he was hoping to have dialogue with another local sector, but said he was unable to give any details.

"In the Dominican Republic, insurance companies give rebate to persons who travel with the Ultraseal in their vehicles," he said. "We want to look into introducing that in Jamaica," he added.

brian.bonitto@gleanerjm.com

A car drives over nails at the demonstration and launch of Ultraseal, tyre life-extender and puncture sealant on Tuesday, October 27. - Winston Sill/ Freelance Photographer