More grip: tyres optimise traction

New limit values for brake and tyre wear are currently being introduced to ensure that cars, buses and other vehicles produce fewer pollutants. With the upcoming Euro 7 emissions standard, the European Union is setting new limits for tyre wear and durability requirements, among other things. In future, these requirements will also apply to new tyres as a separate technical component.

The tyre industry meets such requirements with various solutions for longer durability and low wear. Innovative treads with a high proportion of natural resins reduce the rolling resistance of tyres and avoid unnecessary abrasion. Newly developed synthetic rubbers also allow the tyre to bond more strongly with the road. Special sipes have also been developed for the tyre tread to improve grip and braking performance.

The lower rotational mass of tyres also ensures optimised braking performance. Manufacturers in the industry are therefore working on new lightweight solutions that also improve steering behaviour and acceleration. An optimised design with less material input ensures weight reduction. Current research projects are already working on lightweight tyres made from recycled materials.

Reducing rolling resistance, weight and noise levels is particularly important for electric cars - this saves electricity and increases the range per battery charge. New tyre models with particularly low rolling resistance and weight-optimised construction are therefore being developed especially for this type of vehicle. New all-season tyres for electrically powered cars and SUVs have exceptional grip even in moderate winter road conditions thanks to a high sipe density in the tread.

Tyres with improved mileage are available for vehicles of all drive types. New standards in grip are also set by all-round models for motorbikes and bicycles, which combine safe driving with comfort and sportiness. Current models for motorbikes offer plenty of grip on different road surfaces and are characterised by high mileage and riding stability. Lightweight tyres with minimal weight are currently being developed for racing bikes, which have particularly low rolling resistance and good grip.

THE TIRE COLOGNE 2024 will show what other innovations the international tyre and wheel industry is developing for more grip and lightness on the road. As a central industry meeting point and topic driver, the Cologne trade fair in June will once again provide important impetus for the entire world of tyres.

Author: Leif Hallerbach I Broekman+Partner