What’s the Science Behind Goodyear’s Tyre Technology?

When it comes to tyres, Goodyear is one of the most trusted and well-known brands worldwide. But what exactly goes into developing their innovative tyre technology? As a leading tyre manufacturer for over 120 years, Goodyear has continuously researched and innovated to create tyres that deliver high performance, safety, and reliability.

At the heart of Goodyear's tyre technology is advanced science and engineering. Goodyear employs hundreds of scientists, chemists, and engineers to deeply understand tyre mechanics and push the boundaries of materials science. By leveraging state-of-the-art research methods and testing procedures, Goodyear is able to constantly enhance their tyre designs.

Developing New Tyre Materials

A key focus for Goodyear is developing new rubber compounds and materials for tyre construction. Goodyear operates large research laboratories where chemists and compounders formulate thousands of experimental polymer-based rubber compounds each year. These compounds are tested and analysed to find the optimal blend of ingredients that enhances wet traction, tread life, rolling resistance, and other key performance factors.

Goodyear also analyses the molecular structure of polymers using techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. This reveals how changes at the molecular level affect a tyre's overall durability, grip, and ride quality. Beyond rubber, Goodyear studies alternative materials like silica as well as nanomaterials to build into tyre constructions.

Tyre Design and Prototyping

Bringing a new tyre design to life takes extensive prototyping and road testing. Goodyear's engineers use sophisticated modelling software to simulate tyre concepts and predict how they will behave. Virtual modelling provides valuable feedback before physical prototypes are built.

3D printing has become a game-changer, allowing Goodyear to quickly create tyre prototypes for evaluation. They can iterate and tweak the design based on real-world testing. Prototypes get assessed at Goodyear's advanced testing facilities and on vehicles on closed tracks. Hundreds of factors are measured including rolling resistance, tread wear, hydroplaning resistance, cornering grip, and mileage.

Rigorous Testing Procedures

Goodyear operates large, state-of-the-art testing sites around the world where tyres undergo gruelling evaluation procedures. For example, at Goodyear's Luxembourg facility, tyres are put through extreme heat resistance and performance tests.

The San Angelo, Texas testing site can simulate nearly any road condition with its high-speed tracks and test surfaces. Tyres are evaluated for dry and wet braking, slaloms, impact resistance, and more. Goodyear also uses real-world fleets like taxis to validate tyres on public roads across continents.

By combining lab data, simulator modelling, and physical testing, Goodyear can refine tyres to meet target metrics for each vehicle application.

Automation and AI

Goodyear is integrating more automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence into their research and manufacturing processes. In tyre plants, AI-enabled systems spot defects in real-time during production to minimise waste. Robotic arms also automate certain steps for improved efficiency and consistency.

In R&D, machine learning algorithms help Goodyear analyse complex data from material tests and tyre modelling. This supports data-driven decisions when developing new tyre designs. Goodyear also applies AI to predict tyre performance degradation and recommend optimal service intervals.

Focus on Sustainability

With growing awareness of environmental impact, Goodyear is directing innovation toward more sustainable tyres. This includes tyres that use renewable, plant-based materials as well as tyres that increase vehicle fuel efficiency through lower rolling resistance.

Goodyear is also pioneering new methods of recycling tyres into raw materials for new products. At their Wingfoot Factory in Ohio, old tyres are converted into electricity for the manufacturing plant in a zero waste loop.

Looking Ahead

As electric and autonomous vehicles emerge, Goodyear is evolving tyres to perform optimally on these next-gen cars. By leveraging over a century of tyre expertise with the latest technology, Goodyear aims to continue leading the way with smarter, safer, and more sustainable tyres.

At Brendale Goodyear, a leading Goodyear-authorised tyre dealer in Brendale, we also offer tyre fitting service. For quotes you can book or call our team of experts. With advanced equipment and training, we can deliver high-quality tyre solutions tailored to your vehicle.

In summary, rigorous science and testing underpins the development of Goodyear’s innovative tyres. With state-of-the-art facilities and continuous research, Goodyear is pushing the boundaries of tyre technology and performance. Sustainability and intelligence are also becoming embedded into their tyres to meet the mobility needs of the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials does Goodyear use in their tyres?

Goodyear uses specially formulated rubber compounds that contain ingredients like styrene-butadiene, polybutadiene, silica, carbon black, steel, and other polymers. They continuously research new materials to enhance tyre performance.

How does Goodyear test their tyre designs?

Goodyear uses virtual modeling and simulations as well as physical testing at high-tech facilities. Tyres undergo evaluations for traction, treadwear, noise, rolling resistance, impact resistance and more. They are also tested in real-world conditions across continents.

How does Goodyear incorporate sustainability into tyres?

Goodyear is developing tyres with renewable materials that have lower rolling resistance to increase fuel efficiency. They are also pioneering tyre recycling methods to reduce waste and reuse materials.

What is Goodyear developing for electric and autonomous vehicles?

Goodyear is evolving tyres with features like sound absorbency, connectivity sensors, and tread designs optimized for electric cars. Their focus is on intelligence, efficiency, and noise reduction for autonomous driving.