Autoblog

Tread-depth test should defer to quarter, not penny

Dan Roth — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:32:00 EST

We've always found that our tires get squirrely in the wet before they fail the old penny test for tread depth. The Tire Rack, supplier of black round things and other accessories, are suggesting that the price of your safety has appreciated by 24 cents. For years, the penny test has been a quick way to turn a common item of pocket detritus into a tread-depth gauge. Hold Abe upside down, and if the tread clears the top of his noggin, you've got at least 2/32nds of an inch of tread. When tread gets down that low, however, things start to get hairy. 2/32nds is the minimum depth that warranties on the tires will be honored, but that doesn't make it wise to cruise around on rubber that tired. We were once treated to a nasty little bit of unexpected oversteer when taking an off-camber turn downhill during a rainstorm with tires that barely passed the penny test.

The Tire Rack is encouraging drivers to use a quarter instead of a penny. Using George's melon as a guide in the same way as the penny, the minimum tread is 4/32nds, double the penny test. It could be argued that there's a lot of miles to be had during that 2/32nds delta, but your life, and that of your passengers, is far more valuable than a few miles on a set of tires. In Tire Rack tests, the "quartered" tires had significantly better grip and shorter stopping distances in the wet. The hope is that awareness will increase and lives will be saved. There's no need to wear your tires so low - it's not like they're slicks - and it's one of the cheapest measures you can take to ensure the safety of you and your cargo.

[Source: Tire Rack]

UPDATE: The Tire Rack also offers up this video to show the difference in stopping distances between new tires, tires worn down to a quarter's measurement (4/32"), and tires worn down to a penny's measurement (2/32"). The difference between all three is pretty dramatic, especially the "quartered" and "pennied" that are separated by only 2/32" of tread life.

Continue reading Tread-depth test should defer to quarter, not penny

Tread-depth test should defer to quarter, not penny originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Tire Ring - may you never tire of one another

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

We've seen automotive inspired jewelry before. Bracelets that look like chains, shift gate earrings, even piston-shaped pendants. But for all you gear heads out there who might be heading down the aisle soon, we offer a suggestion for a way to personalize your commitment to your betrothed, while showing your love for wheels too. Brian Bergeron Designs offers a range of tire-inspired rings for men and women that will proclaim your dual passions to all.

Inspired by car, mountain bike and motorcycle tires, they are available in silver, gold or platinum, ranging from $64.50 for bike styles to more than $5000 for a platinum car tire ring. Seems a perfect way to let that special someone know how much of a grip he or she has on you.

[Source: intogear.blogspot.com]

The Tire Ring - may you never tire of one another originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Aug 2006 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin

John Neff — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Technology, Mazda

The Mazda RX-9 is an advanced concept that came out on top in this year's Michelin Design Challenge. It's a hybrid featuring a 2.5L V6 and wafer-thin electric motor, but features a couple of technologies not seen before in the race for higher fuel mileage.

James Owen Design is the one-man firm responsible for penning the vehicle's shape. The slick skin features electrostatic collectors that can collect electrical charges that build up on the exterior panels while driving through dry air. The electricity is store in capacitors that can then feed the hybrid drivetrain along with the onboard regenerative braking.

What's more trick are the vehicle's tires, which feature Electroactive Polymers (E.A.P.) that with varying levels of voltage from the vehicle's electrical system can actually change the shape and depth of their tread pattern. The rubber donuts can go from flat and smooth to knobby and grippy, or even ride high on their centers for ultra-low rolling resistance.

Follow the jump for further exposition provided by James Owen himself and for additional images. High res images can be found at the above links.

[Source: James Owen Design]

Continue reading Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin

Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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