Each day as you drive on straight roads, bumpy roads, around corners, at high speeds and low speeds, your tires are constantly responding to the forces of the road. And more importantly, they are channeling acceleration, braking, and steering power to the road.
Tire DynamicsThe part of the tire that stays in contact with the road is known as the contact patch. As your vehicle moves, the contact area between the tire and the road surface changes constantly which, in turn, affects the tire's performance from moment to moment. Until Toyo engineers developed a revolutionary new design approach, there was no way to simulate and measure these changes.
New Super-Computer AnalysisUsing a proprietary tire-analysis program, Toyo engineers can simulate the contact patch changes in variable driving conditions for hundreds of tire designs.
Our engineers can examine internal stress and road contact patterns and test new design theories, all without actually building the tire. Once the prototype is built, it is torture-tested at Toyo test facilities.
Design GoalThe larger the patch, the better the traction, steering response, and overall performance. However, as a vehicle moves, the contact area decreases. In designing ultra high-performance tires, the goal then becomes to minimize this reduction in the contact surface and control the changes, so that when some reduction does occur, it occurs smoothly and predictably.
Maintaining The Maximum Tire/Road Contact AreaThe conventional method used to minimize changes in the tire contact area has been to increase tread rigidity. The tread profile becomes lower and the contact patch becomes more stable. But, as the contact area is stabilized, the ride quality suffers. In fact, until recently, it was believed that optimum performance and a comfortable ride were incompatible. Toyo refused that assumption. A solution had to exist and Toyo found it.
Dynamic Stability Optimized Contact II TheoryIn searching for new ways to maintain the contact area, Toyo engineers focused first on the belt tension in the tread. Belt tension has a major influence on both the contact surface and the tire characteristics that control ride quality.
Super-computer simulations showed that contact stability is greatly improved during cornering by increasing the tension in the center of the tread. Yet increasing tension in this area does not have a negative effect on ride quality. Indeed, performance and a smooth ride were compatible.
Toyo engineers then identified a precise balance of shoulder tension which improved performance and maintained a comfortable ride.
Using Dynamic Stability Optimized Contact II Theory, Toyo engineers were able to develop the first tires that successfully balanced a smooth ride with high-performance handling and stability in a low profile radial tire.
Toyo further improved ultra high-performance tires with Spiral Winding and a Rim Flange Protector. Our research and development efforts have pioneered advancements in large truck tires. Using High Elongation Steel Cord and Belt Defender Technology allows Toyo to extend its casing warranty longer than any other manufacturer.