Run-flats Primed To Satisfy J.D. Power Consumers

Goodyear says it is well-positioned for emerging features that J.D. Power and Associates states consumers want in their next vehicles.

According to the study and new federal legislation, run-flat tires figure into emerging technology on new cars and trucks. Nearly seven out of eight consumers place run-flat tires at the top of their list of features desired, J.D.

Power’s study says. More Goodyear run-flat tires are on the road than any other, and most consumers likely will experience that brand in the future as well, according to Bill Egan, chief engineer of advanced tire technology for new vehicles. “Given the media and consumer attention to tire safety, it’s not surprising to see run-flat tires pace the study,” Egan said.

“Run-flats and low-tire-inflation detection systems are obvious features that are top-of-mind for consumers.” The report, now in its second year, shows that consumers want safety-related features more than sophisticated entertainment systems or other convenience features in their new vehicles. Last fall, Congress passed the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act, which mandates new safety standards for tires, including the installation of pressure-monitoring systems by 2003.

Egan said automakers and tiremakers are working together to increase system installations on new vehicles. Federal safety officials estimate that pressure-monitoring systems would cost automakers up to $66 per vehicle. Underinflation is a tire’s biggest nemesis causing more tire damage than any other cause.

Goodyear run-flat tires and pressure-monitoring systems are standard equipment on the Chevrolet Corvette, Chrysler Prowler and two armored BMW sports cars. In addition, new lighter-weight run-flat tires recently became an option on the 2002 Lexus SC 430 luxury performance car. Goodyear’s Eagle F1 GS-D EMT run-flat tire is capable of up to 100 miles at 55 mph without inflation pressure.

The tires are a $400 option on the 300-hp SC 430. “We’re finding that specifically tuning run-flat tires on new exciting cars, such as the Lexus SC 430, is the best way to increase run-flat applications,” Egan said. “Watch for more fitments down the road.

” Goodyear has several run-flat-tire programs ongoing at its technical centers in Akron and Luxembourg. The company also is involved with other tire manufacturers (including Michelin’s PAX system), inflation-pressure sensor firms and governing bodies to implement run-flat-tire performance guidelines and standards for the industry..