Re: [A/S] More on tires

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tire makers can improve the mileage a tire delivers in two basic ways.  One
is to reduce the internal friction and heat buildup by making the tire roll
better.  This is the logic behind the new "GREEN" passenger car tires which
run comfortably on higher inflation pressures.

The other is to make a harder tread compound.  This is a two edged sword,
since harder rubber typically doesn't have as good adhesion (coefficient of
friction) to the road as a softer compound.  That is one of the reasons high
performance tires typically have a shorter life (mileage) than lesser
performing tires.

So here, the consumer has to go with the value judgment of the tire maker.
Once again, I would give up some mileage for better traction (obviously
within some limits).

Once again, use some judgment when evaluating tire life (mileage).  Often
cheaper tires will give you better mileage. But at what cost or trade off?

Oliver Filippi