Monday, 09 March 2015
Armed with 27 years’ experience at Michelin, Tom delivered his presentation which included the role of a tyre, tyre construction, how vehicle handling is affected by a tyre, latest tyre identification markings, radial and cross ply tyres, grip, and video footage showing some startling effects on vehicle handling due to low tyre pressures.Most of us think of a tyre’s role as just being a cushion between the wheels and road surface. A number of well, probably already known but never fully appreciated, facts of a tyre’s role were highlighted and expanded upon, such as:• To hold a volume of air which primarily holds the weight of the vehicle.• Be able to withstand a higher number of deformations than any other part of the car.• Be able to operate in any weather conditions.• Be able to operate quietly.• Be able to withstand correct wear and tear.• Withstand member abuse and neglect.• Provide grip on a wide variety of surfaces and operate in any weather condition.• Supplement the vehicle’s suspension system and give quick steering response.• Transmit traction and braking forces and give directional stability.The facts highlighted how we all take for granted just how much the tyre does and goes through during our everyday journeys.Tyre construction was covered. Too many components go into a tyre to cover but the bead wire, casing ply, butyl inner lining, bracing plies, zero degree belt, tread patterns and compounds were all covered and discussed.Latest European legislation dictates that every new tyre must have a wet grip, fuel efficiency and external noise grading – rating from A to G. The difference between an A and a G rated tyre in terms of fuel efficiency is in the region of 7.5% which reportedly could be the difference of approximately one gallon of fuel for each tankful.A wet braking difference between an A and a G rated tyre at 50mph is reported to be in the region of 30%.Whilst the latest legislation will give consumers more choice and information, it may also add to the bombardment of information and technology the lay person is subjected to in the ever changing and developing world of the modern day motor car.Before a questions and answers session, video footage was shown of the dramatic effects low tyre pressures can have on vehicle handling, both in the wet and the dry. In one extreme case where a vehicle was cornering hard, the tyre running on a low pressure actually totally deflated after the seal to the wheel rim separated.The evening was rounded up in the usual way with the London Region’s members showing their appreciation to the guest speaker. Darren Morgan
Log in using your IAEA account where you will be able to read IAEA updates, update your personal and business details and much, much more.
Look out for our new revised magazine in the first quarter of 2024 - reach out to our editor if you have any content to share.
For more details or if you have an enquiry, please get in touch by calling 01296 642895. Or if you prefer to use our contact page to email us.