A Summary of What to Watch For
With car technology evolving faster than ever before, we tend to overlook the most important part of the car - the tires. Tire technology has remained basically the same for many decades. However, the tire industry is about to change that.
Connected Tires for Better Grip
For those of us driving in snowy climates, we know the importance of having a better grip on the roadways. Tires that have sensors to evaluate the grip are coming. Goodyear revealed the IntelliGrip concept. These tires would have special treads to sense different road conditions, improve stopping distance & cornering response, and give you more stability no matter your speed.
Pothole-proof Tires
Maxion Wheels, a tire innovation company, is currently making Acorus tires.
These tires have several layers with a collapsible sidewall so you will no longer have to worry about a flat tire due to a puncture.
Environmentally-Friendly Tires
We all know tires are made of rubber. But you may not realize that manufacturing rubber causes a ton of air pollution, fire hazards in landfills, and contamination of water and soil from the plastics in the rubber. Continental Tire is currently working on eco-friendly tires. These tires will drastically reduce waste and pollution.
Self-Healing Tires
Current tires are made with heat and sulfur, a process called vulcanization. Once the tire is punctured, it loses its original strength. Scientists have tweaked the vulcanization process to make a tire that can heal itself and maintain strength without the aid of sealants.
Puncture-Proof Tires
Many companies are creating airless tires that don’t need air pressure to keep their shape. Michelin’s Uptis (unique puncture-proof tire system) have spokes inside instead of air. Not only is it flat proof, but it will also last longer than traditional tires because the treads are thicker and they will always be at the perfect PSI. And, manufacturing of these tires is more environmentally-friendly than current tire manufacturing.
Regrowing Tires
Goodyear is developing a tire that never has to be changed simply because the lightweight tire frames would “grow” tread by using a replaceable capsule filled with a special liquid compound.
Transforming Tires
The US military’s research and development has created a wheel that can transform into a triangular caterpillar track in a second. This technology was developed solely for future tanks and assault vehicles; however, many things created for military purposes such as GPS have made it to civilian life. These wheels would be great in snow and rain as they have much more traction.
Energy-Generating Tires
These tires have a layer under the rubber outer that actually converts heat into electricity. Goodyear Eagle 360s are spherical wheels. Powerful magnets would allow the car to float on top of the wheels and rotate them. This technology would provide greater mobility and self-rotation to extend the life of tire treads and calculate the best traction. They would also increase reliability by eliminating the need for axles, control arms, or mechanical brakes.
Goodyear NASA Memory Alloy Tire
In partnership with NASA, Goodyear created Memory Alloy tires that are made of nickel-titanium alloy. It can form around the terrain better than metals or rubber can but goes back to the original shape at the right temperature. These provide long durability without giving up performance.
In the coming months, we will take a closer look at some of these so keep following us. And as always, if you are in need of tires, contact Hooper Tire Outlet where you can get $10 off your purchase of $100 with an online coupon.