If you think that luxury tyres are just a bit more expensive than normal models with little justification for their price tags, then it is definitely worth reconsidering your position. Luxury tyres have a raft of technologies that go into their development and construction. Often, the superior performance you will experience when driving on such tyres is worth it, whether you are more used to the busy streets of London or the country’s open country roads. Having a reliable set of performance tyres is worth it especially when navigating challenging road conditions or needing extra control in busy city traffic.
Tread pattern simulation
Designing the tread of a tyre is crucial to its performance in various conditions. Some treads are better for sustained motorway driving at higher speeds while others perform better in wet conditions in urban environments. Nowadays, the top tyre manufacturers use simulation software to help them design the best tread patterns for the given rubber compound and product niches.
MSC Software has a digital tool which is used on a widespread basis in the industry but discerning motorists should note that Michelin makes use of its own proprietary software. Tread matters a lot especially if you are navigating around busy city streets in the likes of London, Liverpool or Leeds. If you are looking to buy quality tyres in London you should visit Elite Direct as here you will find a wide selection of high performance options to pick from.
Noise-reduction technology
Luxury car owners don’t want to hear the rumble of tarmac as they are making their way and tyre manufacturers know this. That’s why many have invested heavily in R&D programmes to help them come up with their own noise-reducing technologies. Among the most advanced today is the Pirelli Noise Cancelling System. This makes use of a special foam in the tyre which not only reduces external sounds but also helps to improve the ride.
Adaptive tread patterns
In addition to a greater focus on tread patterns for various applications in the luxury car market, tyre makers also offer products which will adapt to different driving conditions. A good example of this is Bridgestone’s B-Silent Adaptive Tread technology. In a rather futuristic way, this technology allows the tread of tyres to alter their pattern to cope with whatever conditions are being driven through. For example, the tread will alter its alignment slightly when wet road conditions are encountered, changing back when the tarmac is dry once more.
Some systems will also adapt automatically when snow and ice are encountered. Not only does this help to clear more water from under each tyre, reducing the potential risk of aquaplaning, but it also means that tyres can be quieter when they’re running in the dry.
Smart tyre sensors
More and more luxury tyres are being equipped with sensors these days. They are designed to provide real-time data for the owner to monitor as they see fit. Typically, the sensors provide feedback on temperature, pressure and wear, offering alerts if any get outside of predetermined parameters.
Continental offers ContiSense, for example, which uses electrically conductive rubber compounds integrated into tyres while Goodyear has Eagle 360 Urban, an innovation it hopes will be successful in autonomous vehicles.
Advanced compounds
Tyres are made from rubber compounds but the specifics of how they’re put together involve many technologies ranging from virtual testing to semi-automated finite element analysis nowadays. Products are now made with superbly researched compound structures, such as the high-performance NanoBlend Compound material made by Yokohama.
In summary, luxury tyre performance is derived from many factors today. With so many cutting-edge technologies at their disposal, tyre makers’ top-end products are truly a cut above.
