THE INFLUENCE OF VEHICLE TIRE CHARACTERISTICS ON DRIVER OPINION

An introduction to vehicle steering response dynamics is followed by a discussion of the influence of pneumatic tires on driver subjective ratings concerning vehicle steering and handling characteristics. An empirical study investigating driver sensitivity to the effects of low profile radial-ply and standard radial-ply tires is described. It was found that the subjective ratings of ordinary drivers could be systematically related to objective measures of vehicle directional response. Most important in affecting favourable ratings were short lateral acceleration and yaw rate response times and higher levels of control gain for these parameters. Low profile radial tires were rated relatively more favourably than standard radials mainly in respect of a combination of steering "feel," stability on dual carriageways, and roadholding on straight roads and on freeways. In contrast, standard radial tires received relatively higher ratings concerning the amount of steering return strength and the degree of comfort experienced on rural roads. Future research directions discussed include investigating the effect of these directional response parameters on driver behaviour. Also, discussed was the need for a systematic investigation of "steering esthetics," where there would be concern for a wide range of influences on driver feedback through the vehicle's steering system. Included would be steering torque, the amount of "work done" in steering, gains and response times for lateral acceleration and yaw rate, and the linearity of response for all of these parameters.

• Corporate Authors:

  Cranfield Institute of Technology

  Technology Assessment and Applied Psychology
  Cranfield, Bedford MK40 0AL,   England 
• Authors:
  • Brindle, L R
• Publication Date: 1984-9

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 9 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Comfort; Consumer behavior; Consumer preferences; Drivers; Driving; Handling characteristics; Mechanical acceleration; Motor vehicles; Pneumatic equipment; Radial ply tires; Rural highways; Stability (Mechanics); Steering; Tires; Yaw
• Old TRIS Terms: Pneumatic tire; Radial tires
• Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00394042
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-037 772
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: May 31 1985 12:00AM