What technology comes with top dollar rubber?
So you’ve decided to invest in quality tires? Great! You’ve opened the door to countless cutting edge, high-tech features.
Having the right rubber hoops wrapped around your car’s wheels is more important than you think.
By Basem Wasef
For instance, Yokohama’s so-called Advanced Inner Liner
not only enhances performance and fuel efficiency by reducing rotating
mass, the feature also minimizes air loss which, in the long run, can
enhance tire longevity. Toyo’s Silent Wall system significantly reduces
road noise, while Continental’s Extreme Contact DWS tires feature novel
indicators with lettering that disappears when it’s no longer safe to
drive under certain conditions. When tire wear makes it unsafe to drive
in the rain, the letter “W” disappears from the tread. Similarly, “S”
indicates snow worthiness and “D” reflects when there’s sufficient
rubber for dry traction.
Run-flat tires also cost a premium, but save the weight
of a spare tire and reduce the risks associated with changing a flat by
the roadside.