SpeedComfort - more comfort, more safety from Semperit

Safety and comfort were the keywords in the development of SpeedComfort, the latest tyre from Semperit Ireland, which was launched at an exclusive drive event in Punchestown, Co Kildare in July. Speed Comfort is designed specifically for small and family saloon cars, which makes up a high proportion of cars within the Irish market.

In addition to safety, mechanical and acoustic comfort are particular strengths of Semperit SpeedComfort - these refer respectively to suspension and road noise. Semperit development engineers have created the tyre with ‘high-damping’ technology, the use of absorption rubber compounds along with ‘decoupling grooves’ in the tread, to aid suspension and dampen the shocks caused by unevenness in roads.

Low noise emissions, achieved through a specially developed harmonious tread pattern, make for more pleasurable driving and are of increased importance in the light of impending EU legislation on noise.
‘Speed Comfort’ is an all-round tyre for the family motorist - the sector of the market which Semperit has always concentrated on in Ireland,’ commented Geoff McIlwaine of Semperit Ireland. “Safety and long service life are always important considerations in this sector, but the added comfort of this new tyre - particularly given our poor road surfaces - is sure to find favour with the everyday driver.”

The flat contour of the Speed Comfort ensures even ground pressure distribution, meaning the tyre will wear evenly, thereby increasing its service life. The tyre is well suited to Ireland’s weather conditions, as tread pattern elements were co-ordinated to achieve the tread rigidity needed for precise handling in the wet and damp. Resistance to aquaplaning has been improved by three % over its predecessor, the Semperit Top Speed 2.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr McIlwaine lamented our continued neglect of tyre safety, which sees upwards of 200,000 cars on our roads on illegal tyres. He called for consideration to be given to introducing a higher legal tread regulation, as the current 1.6mm limit cannot ensure safe driving in the wet. At this tread depth, 80% of the tyre pattern’s efficiency has already been lost. He pointed out that Semperit research shows only 40% of drivers claim to check their tyres regularly.

According to Semperit, while the National Car Test has had a positive impact on the tyre market, it is time that speed rating was included as a compulsory item. “With the proliferation of more powerful cars, the importance of having the correct rating has grown. Handling and cornering in particular suffer if the speed rating is insufficient for the car,” said Mr McIlwaine.