You've heard of zipper ruptures; ever seen one? Me, neither -- until now.

British tire specialist ATS Euromaster released dramatic video footage showing the catastrophic effects of inflating a truck tire that previously suffered run-flat damage.

The video forms part of a comprehensive training DVD produced in-house and being shown to ATS Euromaster's 2,300-person team.

Richard Byrne, who heads up health and safety at ATS Euromaster, explains that when a tire is run underinflated, run-flat damage can be caused to its internal structure, rendering the tire no longer serviceable. It must never be repaired or inflated, as the structure could fail and cause an explosion.

"When this happens the compressed air - as much as 130psi in a standard 295/80 R 22.5 - surges into the surrounding area at violent speed and with a force equivalent to 12 tonnes. If you are standing in the way it's like being hit by a truck."

The complete training DVD teaches technicians how to recognise the four basic stages of run-flat damage - crucial to anyone who may inflate a heavy tire - and is designed to ensure a tire which has suffered run-flat damage is never re-inflated and put back into service.

Byrne adds: "It is crucial that technicians do not stand immediately in front of the tire's sidewalls during inflation - or let anyone enter this area. It can literally make the difference between life and death."

You can watch the video below or on YouTube. The slow-motion video clearly shows where the "zipper rupture" got its name.