NEWSROOM

By Aaron Lindstrom, Enterprise Fleet Management

When it comes to getting a grip on the road, all vehicles depend on tires. Because tires are the vehicle’s only system that has direct contact with the road, they are affected by every maneuver of the steering wheel, brake or gas pedal. And, although all tires are black and round, there are signifi cant differences that can have a tremendous impact on a vehicle’s safety and handling, as well as help to reduce pollution and fuel waste.

As explained simply by howstuffworks.com, modern tires are comprised of between 19 to 25 different components and built from the inside out. The core of every tire is an inner liner that is responsible for giving the tire shape and holding air. Fabric belts are wrapped around the inner liner and the bead is fastened to the bottom of the fabric belts, holding the tire to the wheel.

On top of the fabric belts are the steel belts, which give the tire stability and make the tread pattern as flat as possible to give the tire more contact with the road. And on top of the steel belts is the tread, which comes in different patterns and compounds for the different types of performance the tire is designed to provide. For example, performance tires that are designed to “stick” to the road usually are made with a softer tread compound, which generally results in a shorter tread life.

Lastly, the sidewall gives the tire it stiffness and ride characteristics, with taller and softer sidewalls absorbing more bumps and shorter, stiffer sidewalls providing better cornering ability and sharper steering response.

As major tire manufacturers invest billions of dollars each year for research and development, they have created notable advances in safety, performance and appearance, including the following improvements and innovations:

Increased Fuel Efficiency
Tires not only affect the handling and performance of a vehicle, they also can be an important environmental asset. Specially engineered low rolling resistance tires (LRR), which create less friction during operation than a conventional tire, contribute to better fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions. Featuring lightweight, high-strength construction, LRR tires can help your car get up to three percent more miles to a gallon of fuel. Because of their fuel efficiency, LRR tires are standard equipment on most gasoline-electric hybrids on the road today and as an option on many others. As replacement tires, they cost an additional $3 to $12 per tire, an amount that may pay for itself at the gas pump.

Enhanced Safety, Performance & Economy
Another important innovation is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, also known as the Remote Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is designed to enhance vehicle safety, performance and economy. Utilizing pressure sensors and a reliable means of transferring information from inside a pneumatic tire to a gauge type display located in the vehicle control panel, drivers know whether tires need to be inflated or deflated to achieve optimal driving performance.

Generally speaking, direct tire pressure monitoring systems accurately measure and display tire air pressure for under-inflation conductions of less than 20 percent of the recommended cold inflation pressure, as well as tire air temperature. Some systems also can identify tires with pressure defects, punctures, or early warning for fast to slow leaks, as well as spare tire pressure.

Reduced Noise
A new tire designed with the SUV driver in mind is a mixture of toughness, utility and style. In addition to featuring reduced inside noise while still providing the desired on- or off-road performance, these tires also reduce punctures by adding a thin layer of Dupont “Kevlar” to the inner liner of the tire.

Run-Flat Tires
New tire technology is helping avoid the danger and inconvenience of flat tires along with saving space and reducing weight by eliminating a spare tire. These new tires include one type that will support the car for up to 50 miles at 55 miles per hour after it loses pressure, and another type that will support the car for up to 125 miles at 55 miles per hour after the tire deflates. Although both types of these tires can rarely be repaired and most often must be replaced, they each give drivers a better opportunity to get to their destination, a safe place to stop or a service center.

Better Load Ratings for Trucks
Heavy load ratings for truck tires also are improving. Newer, more versatile tires are capable of supporting the weight of hauling while giving passengers a smooth ride, which means light truck owners no longer have to choose between passenger comfort or safely hauling a full load. Even though these tires may be a little more expensive, they eliminate the need for decisions regarding a tire’s load carrying capability or ride quality.

The time has come to recognize that of the many variables affecting vehicle fuel economy, the connection between tires and the rate of fuel consumption is significant. And with most tires being replaced every three to five years, resulting in approximately 200 million replacement tires purchased each year, there is no doubt that it is very important to get a grip on new tire technology.