Tire performance over life time: Wet Braking

Tire performance over life time: Wet Braking. In the dynamic world of tire technology, one name has consistently redefined the boundaries of performance and longevity—Michelin. Over the years, this industry titan has unwaveringly led the charge in ensuring tire performance is sustained throughout a tire’s lifetime, a commitment that has left an indelible imprint on the global tire industry. Their assertion to be the best in this arena is not an empty boast; it is a claim backed by a lineage of unparalleled innovation and quality.

It was Michelin who introduced us to the narrative of ‘Performance over Lifetime’, a concept that has redefined consumer expectations and set new standards for tire manufacturers worldwide. They recognized early on that a tire isn’t just about initial performance; it is about consistently delivering that performance over its entire lifespan.

Ensuring long-lasting tire performance yields far-reaching benefits that go beyond mere vehicular efficacy. A tire that maintains optimal performance over its life not only enhances driving experience and safety by ensuring predictable handling and braking, but also has positive environmental implications. Extended tire usability leads to fewer tire changes, subsequently decreasing carbon emissions associated with tire production and disposal, promoting sustainable mobility—a cornerstone of Michelin’s corporate philosophy.

Wet braking, an aspect often overlooked in the general discourse about tire performance, plays a crucial role in vehicle safety, especially in unpredictable weather conditions. Michelin has been pioneering in providing superior wet braking performance over tire lifetime, raising the bar for what drivers should expect from their tires in inclement weather conditions.

But in this rapidly evolving industry, resting on past laurels is not an option. As we delve deeper into the world of tire performance over lifetime, particularly in the context of wet braking, a question looms: is Michelin still at the helm of this trend, or have its competitors finally caught up? As we endeavor to answer this question, we shall scrutinize the claims, the data, and the current landscape of tire performance in the following discourse. Buckle up, for we’re in for an enlightening ride.

Results

Results below were taken from the 2023 Tyre Reviews Performance Tyre Test which includes 6 top tires in the market. The graph below shows the wet braking at worn, standard temperature (18°C) and cool temperature (8°C). All 6 tires ( Continental PremiumContact 7, Michelin Pilot Sport 5, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, Bridgestone Potenza Sport & Yokohama Advan Sport V107) was included in the graph. Continental PremiumContact 7 was set as the refence hence it is placed at the 100% mark.

The tire size of interest for the test is a 225/40 R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan & Mercedes-Benz Slc 200. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is the highly sporty Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Wet Braking @ worn state (2mm)

In the quest to ascertain the superior tire when it comes to wet braking performance over a tire’s lifetime, our findings are predicated on a comprehensive comparison of tires from six leading manufacturers. These tires were artificially worn down to a tread depth of 2mm and run-in later, to simulate realistic worn conditions and evaluate the wet braking performance.

The results are as follows:

1. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 posted a wet braking distance of 40.5m.
2. The Bridgestone Potenza Sport matched Goodyear’s distance with 40.5m.
3. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 came in with a braking distance of 41.7m.
4. The Continental PremiumContact 7 reported a wet braking distance of 42.2m.
5. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 reported a distance of 43.4m.
6. Lastly, the Yokohama Advan Sport V107 demonstrated a braking distance of 44.9m.

In this analysis, a greater wet braking distance signifies inferior performance as it translates to a longer distance needed for a vehicle to come to a complete stop when braking in wet conditions. From these results, it is evident that the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport emerged as the top performers, both clocking in a wet braking distance of 40.5m. Contrarily, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5—while not the worst in the list—didn’t clinch the top spot, recording a wet braking distance of 41.7m.

It’s important to note that these results represent a pivotal shift in the tire performance landscape. This is a significant moment, as Michelin, long hailed as the king of performance over tire lifetime, has now been surpassed by other manufacturers in the specific context of wet braking performance. This prompts a reevaluation of the industry pecking order, underscoring the dynamic nature of tire technology and the relentless pursuit of excellence by tire manufacturers worldwide.

Worn state (2mm) in Wet Braking:

• 104% Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
• 104% Potenza Sport
• 101% Pilot Sport 5
• 100% PremiumContact 7
• 97% Ventus S1 evo 3
• 94% Advan Sport V107

Wet Braking, worn state (2mm) vs new

Comparing a tire’s performance in its worn state (at 2mm) versus its new state provides crucial insight into its overall consistency and longevity. It becomes a testament to the tire’s ability to maintain its quality over time, underpinning the concept of ‘performance over lifetime.’ Here, the percentages reflect the extent to which each tire was able to retain its new-state wet braking performance when worn to 2mm.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 led the pack, maintaining an impressive 71% of its new-state performance in its worn state. Close behind, both the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 managed to retain 70% of their original wet braking performance, demonstrating their respective commitments to consistent performance over time. Following these leaders, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 held onto 67% of its initial wet braking capability. The Yokohama Advan Sport V107 came in just below this, retaining 66% of its new-state performance when worn. Finally, the Continental PremiumContact 7 preserved 64% of its wet braking performance from its new state to the worn condition. While still significant, it was the least effective of the group in maintaining its original performance.

Despite the ranking, it is important to emphasize that the competition was incredibly close. The difference between the highest and the lowest retention rate was a mere 7 percentage points, indicative of the high standards set by these leading tire manufacturers. As they continue to innovate and improve, it will be fascinating to see how these numbers evolve in the future, and whether Michelin can reclaim its throne in this fiercely contested field.

Worn state (2mm) vs New in Wet Braking:

• 71% Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
• 70% Potenza Sport
• 70% Pilot Sport 5
• 67% Ventus S1 evo 3
• 66% Advan Sport V107
• 64% PremiumContact 7

Wet Braking, warm vs cold

When evaluating tire performance, the effect of temperature cannot be overlooked. The braking characteristics of tires can vary significantly based on the ambient temperature, largely due to its impact on the tire’s compound.

The glass transition temperature of a tire’s compound plays a critical role in this. When the temperature drops below the glass transition temperature, the compound hardens. This reduces the micro contact area of the tire with the road surface, which in turn leads to diminished grip and consequently, impaired braking performance. This is especially noticeable in summer tires, which are designed to perform optimally in warmer conditions.

In the provided data, it’s clear that as temperatures dropped, the wet braking distances increased for all tires, demonstrating the general trend that colder conditions can negatively affect the wet braking performance of summer tires.

@ 18°C in Wet Braking:

• 100% PremiumContact 7
• 95.8% Potenza Sport
• 94.8% Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
• 93.8% Ventus S1 evo 3
• 93.1% Pilot Sport 5
• 91.2% Advan Sport V107

@ 8°C in Wet Braking:

• 100% PremiumContact 7
• 94.6% Ventus S1 evo 3
• 90.9% Pilot Sport 5
• 88.9% Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
• 88.6% Potenza Sport
• 86.4% Advan Sport V107

Comparing the wet braking performance in normal and cool conditions, we can observe some fluctuations in the rankings.

1. The Continental PremiumContact 7 had a wet braking distance of 27.1m in normal conditions, but this slightly worsened to 27.9m in cool conditions.
2. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 reported a braking distance of 29.1m under normal conditions, which increased to 30.7m in cool conditions.
3. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 showed a braking distance of 28.6m under normal conditions but saw this worsen to 31.4m in cooler temperatures.
4. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 displayed a braking distance of 28.9m in normal conditions, which increased slightly to 29.5m in cool conditions.
5. The Bridgestone Potenza Sport had a braking distance of 28.3m in normal conditions, but this worsened significantly to 31.5m in cool conditions.
6. Lastly, the Yokohama Advan Sport V107 demonstrated a braking distance of 29.7m under normal conditions but this increased to 32.3m under cool conditions.

When considering the effect of cooler temperatures on wet braking, the Continental PremiumContact 7 and the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 showed the least deterioration in performance, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 displayed the most significant performance decline. This suggests that tire compounds and designs of Continental and Hankook may be more resilient to temperature changes as compared to others, at least in the context of wet braking.

Therefore, while tire performance over lifetime remains an important measure, it’s clear that temperature sensitivity also plays a significant role in real-world performance, and should be a critical factor when choosing the right tire.

Summary

In this comprehensive examination of wet braking performance across various leading tire manufacturers, we’ve identified key findings that potentially reshape the landscape of the tire industry. Firstly, when considering tire performance over lifetime, particularly in the context of wet braking, Michelin, long revered as the leader in this domain, has been superseded. Both the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport emerged as the top performers with their shorter braking distances, demonstrating the dynamism and competitive nature of the tire industry.

In terms of retaining new-state performance when worn, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 led the pack, managing to maintain 71% of its initial braking performance. However, the competition was closely fought, with a difference of just 7 percentage points between the best and worst performers, reflecting the high standards maintained by these leading manufacturers.

Additionally, a critical consideration in tire performance is the impact of temperature, particularly in relation to the glass transition temperature of the tire compound. As temperatures dropped, wet braking performance generally worsened across all tested tires, most notably for the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6. The Continental PremiumContact 7 and the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, however, showed less deterioration, indicating a possible resilience to temperature changes. Ultimately, while the tire’s performance over its lifetime remains a critical factor, real-world performance is significantly influenced by temperature sensitivity. Thus, a tire’s performance across varying temperatures should be a key consideration when choosing the right tire.

In conclusion, this analysis has revealed an exciting shift in the tire industry, with Michelin’s long-standing dominance in performance over tire lifetime being challenged, and the impact of temperature on performance coming to the fore. The tire industry is clearly not static, with manufacturers continuously pushing the boundaries to ensure superior performance, safety, and sustainability.