Autonomous cars are just around the corner and this means that relevant problems and issues need to be tackled before they surface. Yes, that is the problem posed by new technologies; you have to be sure about the pros and cons and be ready to tackle anything that might hamper the development of new technology. Considering all this, at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show, Goodyear has unveiled two concept tyres that have been designed specifically for the autonomous cars of tomorrow. The two designs include one tyre that is capable of making the car move sideways while the other one is capable of sensing road conditions and then adapt to them. The Tyres Of Future For Autonomous Cars By Goodyear 2
Eagle-360
The first concept that was unveiled is known as Eagle-360. Yes, the name says it all actually. This is the spherical tyre that connects to the car via magnetic levitation instead of axles and is thus capable of rotating on any axis in any direction. This allows the car to become highly maneuverable and renders it capable of navigating smaller car parks and become highly efficient in utilising the road space. The Tyres Of Future For Autonomous Cars By Goodyear also features sensors that allow it to gain information about local environment and is capable of carrying out communication with other vehicles or the local traffic control system. It also monitors the tread along with tyre pressure and rotates itself to maintain an even wearing out of surface and thus, provide longer mileage. The tread features a 3D printed biomimetic design that mimics the pattern of brain coral; it works like a natural sponge, stiffening in dry condition and softening in the wet for reduction pertaining to aquaplaning and subsequently improves handling.
Intelligrip
The other concept tire revealed has been named as Intelligrip. This one sports the idea that is already being worked upon. Although it looks like a conventional tyre, it is capable of communicating with autonomous vehicle’s control system and can ascertain the road surface and weather conditions via advanced sensors. It monitors the wear of tyre and also the pressure and temperature of tire. It has been designed to work in collaboration with the anti-collision systems and is capable of automatically detecting and adapting to road conditions while also capable of adjusting the cornering, stopping distance and stability.The Tyres Of Future For Autonomous Cars By Goodyear Joseph Zekoski, Goodyear’s senior vice president and the chief technical officer says, “By steadily reducing the driver interaction and intervention in self-driving vehicles, tyres will play an even more important role as the primary link to the road. Goodyear’s concept tyres play a dual role in that future both as creative platforms to push the boundaries of conventional thinking and testbeds for next-generation technologies.”
Source: Goodyear Unveils Spherical Tires That Will Allow Cars To Move Sideways
We always recommend that you purchase new tyres. There is no true way of knowing what damage there may be to a part worn without x-ray eyes!
The sale of part worn tyres is subject to the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 (reg.7.), which is part of the Consumer Protection Act. The legal minimum for tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but to be legal to sell part-worn tyres must have at least 2mm – just 0.4mm more than the legal limit. The tyres should not have cuts, lumps or any other damages that will compromise its structural integrity, have passed an inflation test and be marked with the part worn stamp. Motorists are reminded to check that the tyre being offered to them meets these requirements before purchasing and to consider purchasing a new tyre which has none of the potential issues of a used example.
At 2mm tread remaining the tyres wet braking ability has diminished so much that it’s on the border of being unsafe. And the mileage that remains on a tyre of 2mm tread is so low that it is just not economical. Add to this that a great number of used tyres are of Chinese origin and are not constructed to the standards of major brand named tyres such as Goodyear and Michelin. Why take the risk?
The sale of dangerous tyres to unsuspecting motorists has led to the conviction of six retailers of part worn tyres from the Brent and Harrow area of London within the space of a week. Top Tyres & Auto Parts Ltd (Wembley); Whitchurch Road Tyres (Harrow); Pinner Road Tyres Ltd (Harrow); Quick Car Repairs Ltd (Harrow); Mr Walazedeh trading as Harrow Tyres (Harrow); and 3D Tyres Ltd (Wembley) faced 36 charges of supplying unsafe tyres, not complying with the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994. All six pleaded guilty and were ordered to pay a total of £18,009.40 in fines, including individual penalties for company directors, costs and victim surcharges. The risk to road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, posed by the offenders’ sale of dangerous and incorrectly labelled tyres was roundly condemned by Brent and Harrow Trading Standards, TyreSafe and the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) whose cooperation led to the successful convictions.”One retailer wilfully selling dangerous tyres is one too many but the conviction of six in a week highlights just how many part worn dealers are flouting the law and their duty of care to the public,” said Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “Tyres are a primary safety feature on a vehicle, significantly affecting braking and steering performance – fitting sub-standard tyres endangers lives.
Cllr James Denselow, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards, said: “It is simply unacceptable for tyre companies to be taking shortcuts with part-worn tyres, putting drivers and their passengers at risk, in order to maximise profits. As a cheaper alternative to buying a new tyre for a car, this kind of offence also hits the poorest who cannot afford brand new tyres the most, so the outcome of these cases are particularly satisfying.
I would ask anyone thinking of buying a tyre to check it carefully before buying, looking out for cracks, tears, the state of the tread and of course that it is properly marked as a part-worn tyre, before handing over the cash. Trading Standards will never tire in their efforts to ensure the public are kept safe. I hope that these convictions serve as a warning to other tyre companies, that if they do risk public safety, there will be a hefty price to pay.
Source: www.tyresafe.org – Sale of Dangerous Tyres Leads to Convictions
Traditional performance and safety combined with the new environmental features of the “Green Performance” philosophy. Developed to offer road holding on wet and dry roads, driving comfort and a longer life, the Cinturato family stands out for its low environmental impact.
The use of new eco-friendly materials and the lower rolling resistance help reduce the vehicle’s CO2 emissions. The Cinturato family’s summer tyres comprise three different products, developed for different types of use: from compact city cars to prestigious saloons.
Bridgestone POTENZA range represents the pinnacle of Bridgestone’s dedication to motoring perfection, combining Formula 1 precision with the dynamic versatility to conquer the challenges of today’s roads, whatever the conditions.
For the ultimate in safety, performance and sheer driving pleasure, satisfaction has but one name: POTENZA.
Smartwear technology in the Goodyear OptiGrip tyre reveals new grooves and compound over time, ensuring high levels of performance throughout its life. So even after 20,000 miles it gives a 20%*, or 11 meters, shorters braking distance in the wet than other leading tyres.
EfficientGrip from Goodyear; the tyre choice for reduced fuel consumption without reducing other performances. It has the great handling and braking qualities you’d expect from a Goodyear tyre,
while providing excellent mileage and reduced fuel consumption due to its outstanding rolling resistance.
Goodyear Eagle F1: Consumer of high performance vehicles still look for safety first when it comes to choosing a tyre. Closely followed by performance and comfortable drive.