Tyres that talk to your car's ESC

Continental has developed a tyre that knows it's losing it's grip before a car does?! This new technology will revolutionise Electronic Stability Control (ESC). With tyres being the only contact point between you and the road we expect rapid development and change to the tyre industry. Existing systems and sensors respond quickly but only at the point of slippage. Richard Durance, Continental Automotive Engineering Manager, said: " If the tyre itself could feed into the ESC, the limits would be detected earlier and the vehicles sytems could adjust to better maximise the friction and grip potential".

How it works

The technology is known as eTis, or electronic tyre information system. Built into the inner liner of each tyre, sensors monitor wheelspin and slip and convey information via an RF link direct to the car's computer. This will replace tyre-pressure monitors and weighing less, depending on an OEM's battery life, look tempting to manufacturers to take up, due to the road safety PR performed by big car companies. Notwithstanding, one in every three new cars use Continental tyres.

You heard a glimpse of the future first here!

Mark Koppen

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