The tire industry is one of those industries that never stagnate. It is in a constant evolution to satisfy the most demanding requests of end consumers. Looking at the car manufacturing industry as a whole, we notice that improving performance and comfort are among the basic priorities of manufacturers. While cars improve their horsepower and aesthetics, tires must also ensure an increased level of safety in addition to all aspects of performance.
In fact, tires are arguably the most crucial component in the construction of a car. Namely, they assume a huge chain of internal and external responsibilities that they must face. They are not just a contact surface between the vehicle and the road. Rather, tires are the "puzzle element" that ensures that drivers reach their destination safely and comfortably.
With this introductory note, I want to talk about technological advancements in the tire industry. The manufacturers are constantly competing with each other to offer the driver a driving experience that he has never had before. Let's see what performance aspects the tire industry is currently working on to better understand what the near future has in store for us.
What Are The Primary Goals Of Tire Manufacturers?
Taking into account that the tires are responsible for the way the car behaves on the road, the manufacturers will not stop improving the overall driving performance. Cars and their tires constantly face a series of impacting factors. Motorists drive in an aggressive style that inevitably severely affects the integrity of the tire. Even if the driving style is judicious, the tire is still subject to other stress factors. For example, wet roads always generate risks of hydroplaning. This means that the water on the road can easily lift the tire off the road surface, losing both contact and traction. As a result, the car becomes vulnerable to slipping and losing control. Learn more about how tires behave in wet conditions.
Last but not least, tires are subject to interaction with bad roads. As such, wear and tear and cracks, bulges, or cuts are almost inevitable. The modern tire industry can be proud of quite optimal solutions for these common issues. Manufacturers have created special tire designs to evacuate water efficiently. Also, they changed the composition of the tires so that they maintain grip on wet roads. Also, they have increased the durability of the tires so that they are more resistant than ever to damage.
However, the ambitions to improve the industry are ever greater. All the solutions created by the manufacturers solve the problems only for a short term. As such, the problems faced by drivers are a good premise for the advancement of the tire industry. Manufacturers want permanent solutions, and not just temporary ones as it was until now.
Tech-Advanced Tire Improvements Already Available
Many tire manufacturers, especially the giants of the industry, are developing their technologies to upgrade the capabilities of modern tires. They collaborate closely with vehicle manufacturers. As a result of these collaborations, tires fit like a glove for performance cars, superbly coping with their demanding requirements. For this, tire makers use upgraded raw materials and design technologies to create futuristic tires.
A technologically advanced tire provides exceptional performance in various road and weather conditions. Harsh winter conditions or heavy rains are still a problem as they were decades ago.
Some good examples of advanced tires include but are not limited to self-inflating, multi-chamber, chip-embedded, and all-in-one tires. These can withstand far more challenging conditions than the traditional ones that we still see in the mass market.
Advanced tires revolve around the idea of removing tire pressure and air from the equation. This means that they are airless, which solves the problem of flat tires and tire punctures. Neither wet roads nor high speed can affect the stability, comfort, and superb handling of these tires. Last but not least, advanced tires boast a phenomenally low rolling resistance, which is beneficial both for the environment and for the drivers' wallets.
Advanced Technologies In The Tire Industry
Firestone Hydro-Grip Technology
Let's see more clearly what technologies the manufacturers have developed and what are their benefits. Let's start with the Firestone tire brand, which has some very interesting tire models in its portfolio. It is about WeatherGrip tires that include the patented Hydro-Grip technology. This, in combination with full-depth grooves, literally cuts through the water, reducing the hydroplaning effect to zero. That's not all, Firestone also thought about the ultimate comfort of its drivers. The tire maker has endowed the tires with interlocking grooves and high-density sipes that increase comfort and ensure consistent traction.
Goodyear Weather Reactive Technology
Climatic conditions greatly influence the behavior of tires. They change their pressure with temperature drops or increments. Also, they tend to become more rigid as time cools down. Goodyear thought to produce tires that do not depend on time so much. This means that the performance of the tires remains constant regardless of temperature fluctuations. For this purpose, the tire maker invented Weather Reactive Technology that maintains the performance capacities by reducing weather impact on tires. The Goodyear Assurance Weather Ready series of tires is a good example that illustrates the power of this technology. The technology involves the combination of center 3D Tredlock Technology outboard tread ribs. As a result of this combination, the tire braking and cornering are spectacularly safe and balanced in any slick situation.
Pirelli Technologies
I admit that I love the Pirelli brand with its technologies. Maybe it's a subjective opinion, but I find it to be one of the most advanced tire makers in the industry. And I will justify my point of view. This brand has a Research and Development department that gathers true scientists around the table. They have spectacular visions that they translate into technologies. As a result, Pirelli tires are not only high-performance but also fabulously safe.
The Seal Inside and Run Flat Technologies are among the most remarkable. They ensure the continuity of comfortable and safe driving when the tire loses air. On the other extreme, Pirelli develops technologies that allow absolute noise inhibition, communication with the engine, as well as changing the color of the tire to match the color of the vehicle. How does that sound?!
Pirelli Connesso™ App
This time, we are not talking about an actual technology, but about a mobile application. Vehicle owners receive real-time information about the condition of their tires through an app. In addition, the driver has access to professional instructions and recommendations in cases of emergency.
Drivers who install this application have real-time information about the tire pressure level. Also, they are informed about the temperature rating and are alerted when tires accumulate excess heat. Through this application, drivers can easily and hassle-free find maintenance services such as rotation, balancing, or alignment. All of this is available through the Pirelli Concierge™ program.
It seems that Pirelli cares about the driver's comfort and peace of mind. The driver is aware of the condition of the tires and is alerted as soon as something goes out of the norm. Thus, the owner has enough time to take measures and prevent the situation from worsening. In the same context, the application informs about the pressure level, the tire wear, and the temperature level in the tire. As a result, this mobile technology tightens the connection between the driver and the tire in a safe and extremely comfortable driving experience.
Pirelli PCNS Technology
The abbreviation refers to Pirelli Noise Canceling System technology. So, as you can imagine, is a technology aimed at suppressing noise while driving. The thing is that the technology also targets a significant reduction of vibrations, increasing the degree of driving smoothness.
The technology includes the use of sound-absorbing sponges that block the transfer of noise in the cabin. Statistically, this technology reduces up to 50% of noise compared to other tires.
Turns out that the noise while driving is caused by the air in the tire cavities that circulates during wheel revolution. This circulation is transmitted in the cabin if the tire does not have noise suppression systems. The innovative Pirelli sponge absorbs this air circulation, reducing its transmission in the cabin. Pirelli P Zero is one such model. Learn more about the best tires for the quietest ride.
Pirelli Seal Inside™ Technology
This technology is somehow similar to the run-flat tire one. This means that the driver can continue to drive safely even if the tire has suffered a puncture. The point is that the tire has a "self-sealing mechanism" after damage that ensures further ride. Such a tire reduces the risk of accidents due to deflated tires by up to 85%!!! That sounds really surprising! After a possible puncture, the tire maintains its optimal pressure level until you get home or to a technical center.
The secret behind the technology lies in the special material that forms a sealing layer inside. After a puncture, the material does not allow the loss of air, as its sealing layer extends over the micro-portion affected by the puncture. In most cases, drivers do not even realize that their tire has suffered a puncture. The idea is that the Sealing Mastic sticks to the damaging object. Further, the mastic creates a seal around it. This means that you can continue driving with a damaging object in the tire without it losing air. Even if the object is removed, the mastic ensures the sealing of the small hole, preventing further air leakage.
Pirelli Color Technology
This technology is used in a limited series of tires. The Pirelli Color Edition tires offer drivers the option of choosing the color of the tires matching the car. The different chromaticity of these tires does not somehow influence their performance. However, it certainly raises the field of aesthetics and customization of tires to a higher level.
Bottom Line
These are just some of the technologies available in the tire industry. Be sure that soon, we will learn about technologies that we never imagined could exist. It is not for nothing that brands with such technologies are among the most expensive. They invest millions in development and research to optimize both performance and tire safety. The evolution of the tire industry continues and in a few years, the current tires will be just legend. We just have to wait! Drive safe and opt for advanced tires. These are the best for ultimate performance and superior comfort.
