Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Documented Experiment by MythBusters Shows How a Manhole Cover Was Installed in Place of a Flat Tire, Allowed the Vehicle to Reach 64 km/h, Maneuver, and Remain Intact Even Under Impact, Raising Questions About Strength and Stability
MythBusters tested whether a manhole cover could replace a flat tire by installing the piece on a running car and reaching 64 km/h, in an experiment conducted by Jamie and Adam and recorded in a recent video.
Experiment with Manhole Cover to Replace Flat Tire
The team decided to check if a manhole cover could serve as an improvised alternative for a flat tire. The proposal was simple and straightforward: remove the piece from the ground and bolt it in place of the damaged wheel.
Jamie and Adam conducted the test on the MythBusters show, currently also aired on YouTube. The goal was to confirm if the theory had any practical basis or if it was just an unlikely idea.
-
Friends have been building a small “town” for 30 years to grow old together, with compact houses, a common area, nature surrounding it, and a collective life project designed for friendship, coexistence, and simplicity.
-
This small town in Germany created its own currency 24 years ago, today it circulates millions per year, is accepted in over 300 stores, and the German government allowed all of this to happen under one condition.
-
Curitiba is shrinking and is expected to lose 97,000 residents by 2050, while inland cities in Paraná such as Sarandi, Araucária, and Toledo are experiencing accelerated growth that is changing the entire state’s map.
-
Tourists were poisoned on Everest in a million-dollar fraud scheme involving helicopters that diverted over $19 million and shocked international authorities.
Right at the start, Adam stated that the manhole cover seemed suitable. According to him, the fact that it was round and made of metal suggested compatibility with the function of wheel.
Size of the Manhole Cover and Adaptation to the Vehicle
One of the first points analyzed was the size of the manhole cover. According to the team, the piece had dimensions considered perfect for the car used in the experiment.
Jamie explained that it would only require cutting holes for the screws and securing the manhole cover to the vehicle’s structure. The adaptation required simple adjustments before the final installation.
However, two problems were identified. The first was related to the width of the piece, which was only one inch, a factor that could compromise traction.
The second problem concerned the material. The manhole cover was made of cast iron, a material described as quite brittle by its nature.
Practical Test and Performance at Speed
With the theoretical stage concluded, the team decided to carry out the practical test. Jamie and Adam fastened their seatbelts before attempting to move the car.
After an intense start, accompanied by sparks, the vehicle began to move. The manhole cover remained secure even under acceleration.
Adam managed to reach 64 km/h, equivalent to 40 mph. The car traveled down the straight, successfully performed a reverse maneuver, and climbed back to the top.
According to the record of the experiment, the manhole cover worked perfectly throughout the journey. The stability was attributed to the proper fit on the rear axle.
Maneuverability, Strength, and Reaction of the Duo
During the test, the vehicle demonstrated stability and control. Adam even managed to parallel park, even utilizing the manhole cover in place of the flat tire.
After they ended the driving, the hosts expressed surprise at the result. Adam stated that he expected the piece to crack after sliding fixed to the back.
Contrary to expectations, the manhole cover showed no visible scratches or cracks. The material withstood the effort applied during acceleration and maneuvers.
The experiment confirmed that, despite the limitations initially pointed out, the theory could work in controlled conditions. The experience showed that the idea considered far-fetched delivered practical results.
In the end, the duo highlighted that the theory, described as crazy, turned out to be feasible within the tested context. The manhole cover maintained structural integrity even under load and speed.
The test was part of the series of experiments conducted by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman on the MythBusters show. The video documents all stages, from preparation to the conclusion of the trial.
-
-
3 pessoas reagiram a isso.