Roadway Tire

The modern automotive industry is looking to nature for inspiration. Their ultimate goal is to reverse their negative impact on the environment by changing their old practices and rethinking the way they make vehicles. This has been something of a top-down change. New materials are being utilized in manufacturing that have never before been considered for use in vehicles. It is not a stretch to say that one day in the future a car will be widely available that runs on algae or waste or something altogether insane. The goal is a clean, safe, efficient, and powerful ride. Of course, that also means a tire that is all of these things and more.

Tires, as well as the rest of the vehicle, are being redesigned and reconstituted, in some instances radically. They are being tested for their impact on fuel efficiency. They are being retreaded, recycled, and reused for any number of applications. Improved performance is key to a better and safer car, and it starts with the part that meets the road. As well, new materials are being introduced in the making of tires that lessen their intrinsic impact on the environment. One such company is looking at a rather exotic material as a new alternative to messy and unclean tires.

Yokohama, a Japanese tire manufacturer, is utilizing plant waste in their new tire models. The dB Super E-spec tire is made with natural rubber mixed with orange oil. This oil is derived from the byproducts of Japanese orange juice production, and has some surprising effects on performance. The tire generates less heat on straight stretches, while adhering to the road and softening during cornering and braking. The new model is lighter and thinner, as well as being better able to retain air. It is a bit more expensive than conventional models, however. This will undoubtedly change in the future as this technology catches on globally.

In 2002, Congress passed the TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act) which ordered that new tires be outfitted with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS).  When the law was passed, security measures were not discussed, only instructions on what the TPMS will do.  TPMS uses the sensors to measure the air in the tires, sends the data to the vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) which, in turn, tells the driver how much air pressure is within the tires.  While TPMS does seem to eliminate the problem of not having properly inflated tires, because the driver always knows how much air is in the tires at any given time, the future is still not clear on how TPMS will be used.

Vulnerability

All TPMS units consist of abattery powered Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) on each tire.  The RFIDs are what transmit the readings of the tires to the ECU.  The RFIDs each have their own 32-bit ID and the RFIDs transmit the information without encryption.  Since the information is unencrypted, in theory, it could be interfered with and potentially hacked by someone who is within range, researchers have learned that someone within 40 meters has access, of the RFID.  Since the tires measure air pressure, the RFIDs could be hacked to reveal how far the driver goes each trip, as well as record the destination of each trip that the driver ends up.  In theory, a driver can be followed by the RFIDs and if someone were trying to prove that a driver goes to certain place that the driver may not want revealed, the hacker could use the RFIDs to prove that the driver did in fact go to such a destination.  However, the opposite is also true.  Since the RFIDs are not encrypted, they could be programmed with false information, which could, in theory, accuse an unknowing person of driving somewhere that they have never been.  The possibilities for ill will are actually countless, because third parties are a possibility as well as roadside tracking points which can theoretically house all of the data, for whatever reason.  Hopefully these dangers stay theoretical, but only time will tell.

Going green is more than just reusing your grocery bags.  It involves getting the most out of the things that you depend on.  Companies that are concerned about conservation are thinking of new ways for objects that have outlasted their usefulness.  Several states are signing on to the idea of using scrap tire chips to replace stone aggregate in septic system leach fields.

Benefits

Usually, when tires are no longer useful to the driver, and are not converted into anything, they go into a landfill.  Scientists have discovered that scrap tires can be just as cost efficient as stone for use in septic system leach fields.  And since a great amount of stone is needed to do the job of leaching a septic system efficiently, the amount of tires that could be recycled is a very significant number.  The amount of tires that an average septic system job could require could be in excess of 2,500 scrap tires.  If using scrap tires for septic system jobs could become the norm, scrap tire heaps that just take up space in landfills could be a thing of the past.  Tires, valuable to vehicles as they are, would become even more valuable because they would contribute to people’s needs during all stages of its life.  And if tires could end up cheaper than using stone in the near future, the tire heap eyesores that people drive by could be a thing of the wasteful past.  The ability to use tires long after they could be driven is a great discovery.  Just as the safety provided to the driver is priceless, the added benefit of tires being able to be used past their prime is also a value that does not have a price tag.

A more environmentally-friendly mindset is being adopted by a number of modern industries. Consumer products are being manufactured with eco-friendly materials. New innovations are paving the way for a future of decreased greenhouse gas emissions and more efficient fuel. Research into biochemical technologies for sources of energy that may have never before been realized as viable fuel. The goal is a clean, renewable energy source that is sustainable as well as widely available. As well, current fuel sources must be extended, recycled, and remain viable for as long as possible. Basically, it is quite the uphill battle for a clean planet.

The automotive industry is, without a doubt, produces most of the pollution that humanity is responsible for. It is quite the dark proclamation, but it is a reality. Automakers are coming to terms with the detrimental manufacturing practices, and many are taking great steps to curb pollution and promote a green mindset. Engine designs are being pursued that allow for greater fuel economy, technology is being developed that allow the driver to monitor their tire pressure at all times, and new fuel sources are being sought and researched.

One of the dirtiest parts of a vehicle, in terms of both manufacturing and waste management, is the tire. Eight gallons of petrochemical fuel goes into making one tire. The very processes that allow for a safer, stronger tire ensure that it is incredibly difficult to get rid of at the end of its usable life. There are several alternatives to simply throwing out the tires, such as retreading and using them for building materials. A New Albany, Indiana company is thinking a bit differently when it comes to recycling tires.

Rubber Rok is a brand of tire chips that C.C.E., Inc. is responsible for marketing. What use would someone need for tire chips? The brand is being presented as a environmental alternative for the stone aggregate in septic tanks. This is not a new use for these rubber products, but it has been a few years since this was a major application. As well, C.C.E., Inc. is thinking even bigger for its tire chips. A few applications that are being proposed include use in basement construction or for playground surfaces.

In the past, drivers would have to use a tire gauge to find out if there was sufficient air inside of them.  Now, with the advent of technology, checking the tire pressure is as simple as turning on your vehicle.  Tire Pressure Sensor Monitors are able to check the air inside of your tire, so you never really have to pull out the tire gauge to check your air pressure.  However, there may be problems in the future.

Weaknesses

Researchers from the University of South Carolina and Rutgers University have discovered that the readings from the sensors could be monitored or even hacked into.  Potentially, all it takes is programmable radio equipment and the necessary software.  An ambitious hacker might be able to manipulate the tire pressure monitor sensors so that other parts of the car would be affected.  At the less dangerous end of the spectrum, whoever has tampered with the sensors could tell the car to spontaneously honk its horn, but at the dangerous end of the spectrum, brakes could be disabled.  With the right equipment and the identification unique to the tire sensor, which a seasoned hacker shouldn’t have difficulty finding, all of the dashboard controls could be tampered with, or all of the electrical items on the car could be disabled.  Fortunately, tire sensors don’t relay information frequently, usually just at 60 to 90 second intervals.  Since technology is playing a larger part in modern vehicles, hopefully this research will motivate the manufacturers and developers to create technology that can’t be tampered with.

Inspiration is something that everybody requires. Many people mistakenly think that true inspiration is reserved for creative individuals. It is true, that a little spark can lead to beautiful paintings, influential music, and blockbuster films. The truth is that everybody gets inspired, becomes motivated, to achieve something or to change something in their lives. Inspiration can come from literally anywhere. Anything from a simple view of nature to something as complex as a dream can inspire someone. There is no saying what form the inspiration will take, or when it will strike. However, motivation and inspiration mean nothing if the one they will strike does not act on it.

Influence can be found in strange places. About twelve years ago, John Scott was driving in his home state of Wisconsin when he noticed that the car in front of him had a heavy load in its trunk. The weight was so that the tops of the rear tires were greatly tipped to the inside of the car. This gave Scott, a real-estate agent, an interesting idea: what if all the tires were always tipped at such an angle? With a little research, Scott found that altering the tire angle, or camber, was a practice that was already utilized in professional vehicle racing. With some help from his father, John got to work on applying this technology for a consumer market.

Scott’s new model of tire, known as CamberTires, features an asymmetric mold where the outer sidewall is higher than the inner sidewall. Wheel alignment must be adjusted when the tires are in use, but there are already a great deal of improvements. Negative camber is used in racing for a higher turning speeds, and the same quality can be seen in consumer use. A shorter stopping speed was also noted during testing. CamberTires is still in the prototype phase, but plans are in the works for a full range of sizes and models.

Alternative energy is a very interesting and upcoming property. As the world readies itself for the inevitable move away from fossil fuels, new technologies and sources of fuel are being developed to sustain the population’s energy needs. Learning from the applications and consequences of fossil fuel use, the new aim is for a fuel or energy source that has a minimal impact on the environment by way of greenhouse gas emission. As well, the energy must come from a renewable source that can be readily tapped whenever it is required. Many companies, automotive and otherwise, are investing a great deal of money and resources to the applications of possible alternative sources of energy.

One of these companies is none other than the Ford Motor Company. Their new engine designs have been indicative of a move toward sustainable and efficient energies, a new development cements their commitment. Later this year, Ford’s assembly facility in Wayne, Michigan will begin conversion and adaptation for a 500-kilowatt solar panel array and battery storage system. This will accomplish two ends: for one, it will make Ford’s assembly process a more environmentally-friendly endeavor; also, it can serve as a test for individual smart grids that rely on solar technology for energy.

The large solar array will be able to charge a battery station when it is not in peak use, allowing for energy when the sunlight is not abundant. The facility will install 10 new electric vehicle charging stations, used to power EVs that deliver materials and people to different buildings within the facility. This will also test the viability and application of electric technologies in Ford’s consumer models. Ford is expected, with this array, to save upwards of $160,000 in energy costs for this plant alone.  There is no further word on whether this trend will continue with Ford’s other parts assembly plants, but it is not far-fetched to imagine it will if this plan is a success.

Every driver knows the meaning of the stop light colors.  However, if you were to base your knowledge of the stop light colors on the behavior of the drivers that you see regularly see driving on the city streets and freeways, you would think that many drivers are color blind.  The name of the game in driving is getting to your destination safely, and safety always requires following rules.

Red Means Stop

With the ease and availability of technology, many cities are recording the behavior of drivers.  When you are driving, be mindful of the lamp posts that aren’t really lamp posts, but cameras mounted on posts.  Most of the time, many of the cameras are not blatantly labeled as cameras, but have a small disclaimer that is difficult to see while driving.  These cameras don’t have the ability to make you stop for a red light, however, they will take a picture of you when you don’t take the time to stop at a red light.  After the picture is uploaded, the local traffic agency will find your license plate and send you a copy of the picture.  Procedures vary once the picture has been sent, but usually a fine is involved or having to appear in court.  Whichever consequence your particular jurisdiction practices, in the end, after the time you spend having to prove your innocence or settle for a lesser consequence, not stopping at a red light is not worth it.

Stop, Then Continue Driving

Paying a fine for running a red light is a better deal than sustaining physical damage.  Driving has consequences, and those who insist on driving with total disregard for traffic rules put others at risk.  Slowing down when a light is yellow, in order to fully stop at a red light is a much better deal than making a light, but inadvertently causing an accident.  That’s why driving a vehicle with properly inflated tires and fully functional brakes are so important.  You never know when you have to just stop, and if your vehicle isn’t properly maintained, you are putting yourself, your passengers and others at risk.  Follow the rules, take the high road and defer to the driver who is in a mad rush, and live to drive another day.  Have a safe drive.

Greener vehicles and more fuel-efficient parts are becoming the norm for the automotive industry. Manufacturers and designers are constantly coming up with new and innovative ways to lower emissions, increase fuel economy, and maintain consistent power and performance. It can sometimes be a hard road to realizing this goal, but the results are working to improve the environment. That being said, innovative ideas that have any hope of changing the world must be realized gradually. Automakers are coming to terms with their environmental impact, and are beginning to actively change their habits.

Beyond the tires, the part of the vehicle that has the biggest impact on emissions is the engine. The harder the engine works, the more fuel it consumes in less time than usual. The reason for the engine working harder could include anything from the engine’s own intrinsic properties, under-inflated tires, or the type of fuel being used. A major motor company is looking at the engine for new ways to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and is establishing a new standard for future engine designs.

The Ford Motor Company has recently announced new engine builds for the 2011 models of its popular pickup truck, the F-150. One of the announced builds features a new technology by the name of EcoBoost. This model represents the introduction of direct injection technology for trucks, but its name says it all. Ford has designed the engine to match the torque and power achieved by larger engines, but with 20% better fuel efficiency. As for emissions, the new engine model cuts pollutive exhaust by 15% when compared to these larger engines. The design is still in its infancy, but Ford wishes to further develop this technology and intends to one day make this standard on all vehicles. More information can be found here.

Motorcycle tires have the special privilege of markings that denote tread pattern.  If the arrows pointing the tread direction are placed on the body wrong, the wheels will simply not work.  Correct tread direction plays a large part in the usefulness of a motorcycle, and since motorcycle wheels will not function properly if mounted incorrectly, the motorcycle will simply not move.  One way to verify if the wheel has been placed properly is by checking the painted balance dots.  A number of manufacturers mark the area that must be aligned with the valve stem in order to facilitate installation

Tread Depth

Since motorcycle treads are constructed differently than standard passenger vehicles, it’s only natural that they are measured differently.  Whereas the treads on standard passenger vehicle are questionable using a penny as a measuring device, treads on a motorcycle are measured against a quarter.  Placing the quarter within the tread, check to see if the top of Washington’s head is visible.  If you can see the top of the tire, even with the quarter tucked between the tread grooves, then it’s time to replace the motorcycle tire.  Another way to help familiarize yourself with your motorcycle tread is by reading the tires.  On the sidewall, there is a four digit number, usually directly following the Department of Transportation tire identification number.  The first two digits of the number point to the week that the tire was manufactured, so the number would range from 01 for the first week of the year to 52, for the last week of the year.  Finally, the last two digits signify the year the tire was made.  The century annotation is missing, but it would be safe to assume that the tires were made during the past 10 years.

No matter what the vehicle, from skate boards to passenger vehicles, tires are an essential part of the vehicle.  As long as maintenance is a priority, maintaining your vehicle should be no problem at all.