Dunlop Talk About Wet Grip
Page 33
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE latest results of research by Dunlop engineers into wet grip of giant tyres was released yesterday. Since skidding accounts for 30 per cent of the road accidents in this country, Dunlop has been concentrating on improving giant tyre design to give wet-road performances approaching those of private cars.
Using a 16-ton-gross four-wheeler, the engineers found that, at 50 m.p.h., a complete state of aquaplaning develops on a
smooth road when there is a film of water the thickness of a penny.
As a result of these researches, Dunlop claim that their seven-ribbed multi-knifecut tyres like the Highway 70 can significantly reduce stopping distances because the tread is able to move a greater volume of water.
Tests have also been carried out with psvs. and trucks to study braking and cornering efficiency; again, say Dunlop, these show ilignificant improvements.