Latest Innovations in Tires

Your car’s tires impact dozens of aspects of its performance. With the right tires, your car will handle better, offer a quieter ride, and consume far less gas (which is better for the environment, as well). The right tires will also improve the safety of your vehicle, better equipping it to handle a variety of terrains.

Automotive tires have come a long way over the years, improving the technology to provide better traction and handling, better fuel efficiency and a longer life span. Even in the last few years, incredible innovations have been introduced in tire technology.

Whether you are shopping name brands or discount tires, Cincinnati dealer McCluskey Chevrolet offers some of the best deals on the most cutting-edge tires. Here are a few of the latest innovations in tires you might currently find in our selection or can expect to see in the very near future:

Self-Inflating Tires

Maintaining proper air pressure in your tires is key to getting the best performance from them and extending their life span. Yet it can be difficult to keep up with the tire pressure, remembering to check it periodically and then filling up the tires as needed. Many vehicles now come with a tire-pressure monitoring system, but the system is not fool-proof.

Self-inflating tires are among the latest in tire innovations. The tires are constructed with a mechanism that automatically detects tire pressure and inflates the tire as needed. A pump is not needed to inflate the tire, and the driver doesn’t have to take any action. The tires are entirely self-regulating.

Low Rolling Resistance Tires

The one characteristic of tires that has the biggest impact on fuel efficiency is rolling resistance. The lower the resistance, the better the fuel efficiency and the better the tires are for the environment. In fact, 86 percent of the environment impact of tires can be attributed to how they influence fuel consumption.

Innovations in tire technology are focused on producing the lowest rolling resistance possible. This is accomplished by changing the composition of the tires and the tread pattern. Some longer-chain rubber polymers are being used, as are smaller cuts in the tread.

When you buy tires with lower rolling resistance, you will be saving money on fuel and can feel better knowing you are helping the environment.

Quieter Tires for Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles require special tires to meet the needs of their power trains. Electric cars are not as powerful as gasoline-powered cars, so they don’t need performance tires that can reach top speeds or tear through rough terrain. What they do need are tires that can improve their fuel efficiency and provide a comfortable ride.

Tire manufacturers are focused now on producing tires that offer the quietest ride possible — matching the quietness of the electric engine. The world of the future is one of high-range electric vehicles packing the city streets but bringing down the urban noise levels.

Alternative Materials

Petroleum is a primary ingredient in manufacturing tires, but its production also has a negative environmental impact. Tire manufacturers are looking at alternatives to both petroleum and rubber to make their tires more eco-friendly.

Some manufacturers are looking into the use of latex derived from dandelion roots in place of natural rubber. Tire makers are looking at using dandelions with a mutation that produces larger roots so they can get a higher yield of latex.

Other tire makers are looking at adding orange oil to natural rubber to reduce the petroleum required. Orange oil also reduces rolling resistance, creating even more environmental benefits.

Sunflower oil has been found to improve traction, and vegetable oil has been shown to dramatically reduce the use of petroleum required. All of these alternative materials help to reduce the negative environmental impacts of tire production.

Soybean oil is being used to not only cut dependence on petroleum, but also to increase the tread life of the tire. The soybean oil blends more easily with silica, which also improves the efficiency of the manufacturing plant. Using soybean oil helps to lower the impact on the environment in several ways.

Finally, some tire makers are looking at using a product called bioisoprene, which is used as an alternative to petroleum-based isoprene. Bioisoprene will also boost production of synthetic rubber, which will conserve consumption of natural rubber.

Radio-Frequency Identification Technology

Goodyear has been leading the charge with this new technology. RFID, or radio-frequency identification technology, is a small chip that is built into the tire to provide all the identifying information.

Traditionally, tires are stamped with a string of numbers that tell buyers everything from when they were produced to their size and temperature rating. With RFID, all that information will be included on a one-centimeter chip that is embedded in the tire. The information won’t get worn away the way it can when stamped on the sidewall. The information can also be quickly called up with a scanner — a time-saving benefit for owners of large fleets.

Multi-Piece Cushion

The cushion of the tire is like the base of the tread. Tires that have a multi-piece cushion are sturdier, have a longer life span and offer improved performance.

More tires are becoming available with a multi-piece cushion. These tires have multiple layers in the cushion, which provides reinforcement against tread wear. This innovative technology also offers additional opportunities for tire retreaders. There is a thicker base from which to retool the tire, not only helping consumers save money by extending the length of the tire, but also helps the environment by reducing the need to buy new tires more frequently.

Interlaced Strip Technology

The more support a tire has, the better. Interlaced strip technology provides a belt reinforcement inside the crown of the tire, improving the performance of the tire as well as its life span. Tires with this technology will be able to stand up to tougher terrain, and they won’t wear down as quickly.

Interlaced strip technology will allow tires to bear up to 10 percent more weight. These tires are ideal for trucks, SUVs and off-road vehicles that will either tow large loads or that will cut through rocky terrain.

Innovations in tires can be as simple as using a new ingredient that changes the performance of the tire or its impact on the environment or can be as complicated as sophisticated new tread design. Tire technology is changing rapidly to improve performance, reduce fuel efficiency, and protect your safety. It’s an exciting time to be buying a car.

When you are shopping for tires, you should keep an eye out for models with some of this new technology to get the best for your car. For discount tires, Cincinnati residents know to shop McCluskey Chevrolet. We offer a diverse selection that balances affordability against quality. Not only will you find tires that are in your budget, but you will find high-quality tires that have some of the most cutting-edge features.

Visit us today to browse our selection. You may find tires with some of the new technology mentioned above, or you may learn about some other innovative technology that better serves your vehicle. Our sales associates will help you make the best selection for your vehicle.