In recent years, automotive safety has taken center stage in India. Growing concerns about road accidents, coupled with increased awareness among consumers, have prompted car manufacturers to prioritize safety features like never before. From robust chassis designs to advanced driver-assistance systems, the industry is making strides in protecting drivers and passengers. The rising popularity of NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) testing and the resulting safety ratings further reflect this positive shift.

Recent headlines have been buzzing with the remarkable achievement of the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire scoring a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests – a feat that has sent ripples of excitement and optimism throughout the market.

While crash test results and sophisticated safety technologies grab headlines, a crucial element often goes overlooked: tyres. Think of your car's safety as a multi-layered net. Airbags, seatbelts, and structural integrity are vital components, but your tyres form the critical point of contact with the road. They are the foundation upon which all other safety systems rely.

In this blog, we shed light on the role of tyre technology in vehicular safety, all with the goal of making Indian roads safer, one tyre at a time.

How good tyre traction enhances your car’s safety?

At the heart of tyre safety lies traction – the grip between your tyres and the road surface. This grip is needed for acceleration, braking, steering, and maintaining control, especially in challenging driving conditions. The ability of your car tyres to maintain contact and provide sufficient friction directly impacts your safety.

Traction in Everyday Driving:

In normal driving conditions, good quality tyres with adequate tread depth ensure a consistent grip on the road. This allows for smooth acceleration without wheel-spin, controlled braking without skidding, and precise steering responses. This consistent contact is what enables you to confidently navigate everyday traffic and road conditions.

Traction in Tricky Situations:

However, the true test of a tyre's traction capabilities comes in tricky situations such as:

• Wet Roads: Properly designed tyre treads channel water away from the contact patch, preventing hydroplaning and maintaining grip on wet surfaces.

• Uneven or Rough Roads: Durable tyres with strong sidewalls can withstand the impact of potholes and uneven surfaces, ensuring consistent contact and control.

• Loose Surfaces: Tyres with specialized tread patterns provide better grip on loose surfaces like gravel or mud, preventing slippage and loss of control.

How tyres aid the ABS and EBD systems?

Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety systems like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). More importantly, these features, once reserved for higher-end models, are now being offered from the base variant onwards by most Indian car companies. This wider availability signifies a crucial step towards enhanced road safety for a broader range of consumers.

While these systems are crucial for preventing skids and ensuring optimal braking, their effectiveness heavily relies on the tyres' ability to maintain traction.

What is ABS?

ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard or emergency braking by rapidly    the brakes. This pulsing action allows the tyres to maintain rotational grip and prevents skidding. Essentially, ABS helps you maintain steering control while braking heavily, enabling you to maneuver around obstacles if necessary. However, if your tyres are worn or have insufficient tread, their ability to grip the road is compromised, reducing the effectiveness of ABS even as it pulses the brakes.

What is EBD?

EBD works in conjunction with ABS by automatically varying the braking force applied to each wheel based on factors like vehicle load, speed, and road conditions. It ensures that each tyre receives the optimal braking force without locking up, enhancing overall stability and reducing stopping distances. If your tyres have uneven wear or are incorrectly inflated, EBD's ability to distribute braking force effectively is diminished, potentially leading to longer stopping distances or loss of control.

So, ABS and EBD are only as good as the grip your tyres provide. They work in tandem with your tyres to enhance safety, but tyres remain the foundation of the entire system. Without proper traction, even the most sophisticated safety features cannot fully compensate for the lack of grip.

Tyres also work in synergy with your vehicle's suspension system to provide a smooth, stable, and safe ride, protecting you and your passengers from shocks and vibrations while maintaining control.

How tyres assist the suspension system of your car?

The suspension system consisted of components like springs, shock absorbers (dampers), and struts. It cushions the impact of bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces, preventing these shocks from being transmitted directly to the occupants and the vehicle's chassis.The suspension system also ensures that the tyres stay in contact with the road surface, regardless of irregularities like body roll, pitch, and sway during cornering, braking, and acceleration. Here's how tyres complement and enhance the suspension system's effectiveness:

Damping Road Vibrations: Tyres, particularly their sidewalls, act as an initial layer of cushioning, absorbing small vibrations and reducing the workload on the suspension. Properly inflated tyres with healthy sidewalls can significantly improve ride comfort.

Maintaining Consistent Contact Patch: The flexibility of tyres allows them to conform to the road surface, ensuring a larger and more consistent contact patch, even on uneven terrain. This maximizes grip, especially when the suspension is working hard to maintain stability.

Supporting Suspension Geometry: Tyres of the correct size and specification help maintain the suspension's designed geometry. Incorrect tyre sizes or profiles can alter the suspension's behavior, affecting handling, stability, and even leading to premature wear of suspension components.

Impact Absorption During Sudden Maneuvers: In emergency situations, such as sudden braking or evasive maneuvers, the sidewalls of the tyres flex, absorbing some of the lateral forces and contributing to vehicle stability. This works alongside the suspension to keep the car balanced and under control.The Synergistic Effect: Comfort, Control, and Safety

The combination of a well-maintained suspension system and appropriate, properly inflated tyres creates a synergistic effect, resulting in improved ride comfort, enhanced vehicle control, and increased safety.

Safer tyres for India with Apollo Tyres

Apollo Tyres is committed to creating safer tyres for India, and has been the choice brand for stock tyres by OEMs and car owners alike since its inception. This dedication to quality and safety reflects the growing importance of tyres in the Indian automotive landscape. The Alnac and Apterra series from Apollo are among the best car and SUV tyres in India.

From providing the crucial grip for acceleration and braking to working in tandem with advanced systems like ABS and EBD, and complementing the suspension for a smooth ride, Apollo Tyres play a multifaceted role in ensuring your safety and comfort. So, it's essential to understand that tyres are more than just rubber and air; tyres are the foundation of your vehicle's safety and performance. Understanding this vital contribution is the first step towards making informed decisions about tyre selection and maintenance.

In the end, here are some key takeaways from our experts for safer driving.

Proper tyre balancing and inflation: Correct inflation ensures optimal contact with the road, while proper balancing prevents vibrations and uneven wear, leading to better handling and longer tyre life.

Careful upsizing of tyres: Wider tyres with a larger sidewall can provide better traction and handling on bumpy roads, but may not be suitable for all driving conditions or vehicles. While wider tyres may offer enhanced grip on rough surfaces, they can also impact fuel efficiency and handling dynamics. Always consult your vehicle's manual and a tyre expert to determine the right tyre size for your specific needs and driving conditions.

Regular inspection of tyre tread: Even wear and reduced vibrations are essential for maintaining tyre longevity and preventing tyre failure. Regular tyre checks and maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become safety concerns. Make it a habit to check your tyre pressure, tread depth, and overall condition regularly. Address any concerns immediately with a qualified tyre professional. 

For more assistance, visit an Apollo Tyres shop near you or contact us at 1800 212 7070.