In addition,
Why sculpture depth have been:
The depth of a tire sculpture reaches up to 8 mm. Similarly, but some of our readers have noticed on their cars a lower depth on certain types of tires. Meanwhile, But why?
The depth of the sculptures of a car tire is an essential element of road safety. Meanwhile, On average. Nevertheless, a new tire presents a depth of sculpture located between 7 why sculpture depth have been and 8 millimeterswhile a winter tire can reach up to 9 millimeters. This design makes it possible to effectively evacuate water. snow or mud, thus reducing the risk of aquaplanning and improving adhesion on different types of roads.
As you are undoubtedly not without knowing it, over time and the kilometers traveled, this depth gradually decreases. In France, the legal limit of wear is set at 1.6 millimeters. Beyond, The tire is considered non -compliant and must imperatively be replaced. It is however advisable not to wait to reach this threshold. especially for winter tires, whose efficiency is strongly reduced as soon as the depth drops below 4 millimeters.
Less material for a lifespan still less?
Except that some of our readers have noticed some recent changes on their new vehicles. This is particularly the case of Pierre. a faithful reader of Auto Plus magazine which asks us a question why sculpture depth have been relating to the tires of its Dacia Duster brand new in magazine n ° 1 923: “The Continental Ecocontact 6q tires of my Dacia Duster new are only 4 mm deep in sculpture, against 7 to 8 mm on the gums of my previous cars! Would we reduce the lifespan of tires to encourage a more frequent replacement?”
Excellent question which, indeed, can emphasize some questions about the real motivation of manufacturers as to this drop in depth. It is our specialized journalist Jérôme Fombelle who provides him with such a precise and reassuring response. Indeed. the Ecocontact 6Q tires actually display sculptures a little less deep than usual: Around 6 mm according to Continental, and not 4 mm.
A technical choice to meet future standards
The official reason? A technical compromise aimed at to reduce rolling resistancewhich contributes to lowering fuel consumption and CO emissions2. It would therefore not why sculpture depth have been be a strategy intended to deliberately shorten the lifespan of the tires.
This tendency to reduce the quantity of raw material to lighten tires. reduce their resistance to rolling should also become widespread among manufacturers. At the expense of longevity? Not necessarily, assures the tire union, which specifies: “Large manufacturers compensate by using more abrasion -resistant eraser mixtures. This also has the advantage of reducing the dispersion of particles in the wild.”
An issue all the more important as the future Euro 7 standard plans to limit the abrasion of tires. to reduce their environmental impact.
Further reading: Decoration and design week #249 – In Pelloche, three Bordeauxes make the photo as before – In Bali, a brutalist villa with swimming pool inspired by the parasitic film – Olivier Gaudry, painter in letters in Toulouse: a craftsman who resists the era of all-in-numbers – David Armstrong, the underground in full light – Liberation.