By Andrew Williams,
Contributing Editor

In a new initiative, Goodyear Tyres has announced a research project, which may have long-reaching implications for tyre manufacturing as we know it. The company is working with NASA?s Glenn Research Centre to evolve its run-on-flat technology, with the aim of producing tyres for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

For the past year Goodyear has been studying the Apollo lunar rover wheel in order to build up a complete understanding of the demands that harsh, extraterrestrial conditions put on both pneumatic and non-pneumatic tyres.

Goodyear and General Motors were responsible for developing the wire mesh moon tyres for the first lunar landings. Those original tyres, woven out of piano wire, were able to carry a load of about 60lbs for about 75 miles. Their successors will need to carry much heavier loads over far greater distances. Any tyre that can work reliably in such a hostile environment would certainly have numerous commercial uses closer to home.

While the results of this initiative remain in the distant future, these first tentative steps may soon represent a giant leap in terms of tyre technology.

By Andrew Williams,
Contributing Editor

In the interest of safety, leading figures in the tyre industry are requesting manufacturers to implement new standards in tyre-tread depth. Ashley Croft, Chairman of the NTDA?s Tyre Wholesalers Group, has called on suppliers to recognise that a minimum 3mm tread is safer than the current legal level of 1.6mm.

Mr Croft drew attention to a recent law suite in the United States, where Michelin North America are contesting a $32.4m settlement in favour of a driver who was paralysed following an accident in a car that skidded on a wet road, after new tyres were fitted to the front of his vehicle instead of to the rear.

This increased tread depth would improve handling and safety, especially in wet conditions. Government statistics highlight the importance of the issue. Figures for 2004 reveal that 20% of serious or fatal accidents involved skidding in wet conditions.

Two road safety organisations, BRAKE and Green Flag, have added their support to the campaign, claiming that an increase in tread depth law to 3mm would have a huge impact on road safety. Leading insurance company Norwich Union have also added their support to the claim.

Mr Croft praised the proposed EC Regulation requiring labelling and marking to grade rolling resistance and wet-grip performance. He stated that such grading would enable consumers to make a more informed choice at the time of tyre purchase.

For sometime ETYRES have been keen supporters of this change. For a dramatic illustration of the importance of tread-depth watch our safety video, where Vicki Butler-Henderson gives a graphic demonstration of the differing wet-grip performance between tyres with the minimum legal tread-depth and those with the preferred 3mm of tread.

We believe safety is paramount, and it is pleasing to see that the leading figures in the industry are now moving in this direction.

By Andrew Williams,
Contributing Editor

Signs are appearing that leading tyre manufacturers are reacting to consumer demand and embracing environmentally-friendly technology to produce tyres that are ecologically sound, in both usage and production.

Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) is a relatively recent addition to the terminology of tyres, and one that we at ETYRES have highlighted over recent months [Years?]. Tyres made from the new tyre compounds, incorporating a percentage of silica, produce less friction between road and tyre, and allow the wheels to roll more freely. The first, and possibly most appealing, advantage of tyres that roll more easily is that they reduce fuel consumption. Put quite simply, it takes less fuel to push the tyre along the tarmac. Industry experts claim that the use of Low Rolling Resistance tyres can reduce fuel usage by up to 4%.

Burning less fuel is obviously a financial bonus for motorists, but it also lowers carbon dioxide emissions, which is good for the environment. The eco-friendly nature of these tyres is further highlighted by the fact that their production is also better for the planet. They use fewer raw materials, and are made by processes that emit less CO2 than traditional tyre making.

It seems to be a win-win situation, so why aren’t we all driving on LRR tyres? As you might have expected there is a drawback to LRR. Making tyres that run slickly and smoothly serves to lessen their traction, and affect performance when braking, and in wet conditions. Until now! Leading producers Pirelli, claim to have overcome these drawbacks, with the recent launch of their EcoImpact tyres. Pirelli Tyres’ Managing Director, Francesco Gori, has stated that Pirelli have managed to produce an LRR tyre that combines Low Rolling Resistance with improved braking-performance and durability. The new Pirelli Cinturato EcoImpact reduces rolling resistance by 20%, and cuts fuel consumption by 4%, while displaying improved braking and extending wear time by 30%. This represents a huge step forward in ecological-tyre production.

At the same time, market research by Michelin has revealed that manufacturers are keen to follow the green route. During a recent roadshow their representatives found that car producers are prepared to pay a premium for environmentally-friendly Low Rolling Resistance tyres. The increased production of such tyres would help the industry to meet EU demands for a reduction in CO2 emissions from 130 to 120 grams per kilometre.

The final bonus for the motorist is that these tyres should be cheaper than their less environmentally-friendly counterparts. The LRR tyres require less raw materials, and should therefore lower production costs.

The future appears to be not only green, but friendly to the economy as well as to the environment.

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