Car manufacturers demand tyres that not only demonstrate top performance but are also quiet, helping to increase car comfort. Continental has introduced ContiSilent, a new technology that substantially reduces tyre noise inside the cabin by up to 9 dB.
The secret of ContiSilent is a coating that is bonded to the inside of the tread area after the tyre production process. This special layer of foam has a strong damping effect on the sound waves caused by the rolling tyre, so that no matter what surface the vehicle is driving on, the noise level reaching the cabin is substantially reduced.
All ContiSilent tyre components and the tread pattern are adopted from standard production tyres, with performance characteristics such as braking, handling or wet performance seeing no alteration. ContiSilent tyres are compatible with standard rims and fitting processes.
Audi is the first manufacturer to take an interest in the new reduced noise tyres, fitting them as standard to several of their vehicles already with more on the way including the flagship A8 model.
The decreased noise levels are attractive to EV owners – providing Continental make their Contisilent in a broad range of suitable sizes – as dramatically reduced engine noise levels are an inherent part of electric cars characterisitic behaviour, yet so is a perceived increase levels of tyre noise as a result of the quiet environment. Actually reducing the tyre noise level by 9db, a significant level, would be a great advantage on long drives in particular.
Source; Continental
