The Michelin Latitude Sport 3 Selfseal summer tire is a landmark model, as it was the first to test a range of original technical solutions that were later used in other tires of the French brand. Their presence is due to the high dynamic characteristics of sports modifications of modern crossovers and SUVs. It is their owners who are the main target audience for this model.
Selfseal
One of the innovations was the Selfseal technology. It is designed to increase the reliability of the tire when operated in conditions where the tire is subjected to aggressive mechanical stress. Initially, this technology was used in tires offered in the markets of South America and China, where it provided them with a significant advantage over competitors in the form of improved rideability. The essence of this solution is the use of some physical properties of natural rubber, namely its ability to fill voids. Based on this material, a sealant is made that eliminates mechanical damage to the tread as it occurs during operation. At the same time, their size can be quite significant. The French manufacturer claims the ability to tighten through holes with a diameter of up to 6 mm. Unlike similar means offered separately, this solution does not affect the wheel balance and rolling resistance.
Stiff and lightweight carcass
Another technology that later found application in other tires of this brand was Dynamic Response. It consists of a reinforced carcass structure, supplemented with a cord made of intertwined aramid and nylon threads. The solution was extremely effective, as it allowed to improve several very important operational properties at once. The presence of a very stiff "base" directly under the tread limits its mobility under the influence of acceleration forces. This has a positive effect on traction, handling, speed, and accuracy of the tire's response to driver actions, as well as resistance to wear and fuel efficiency.
Improved compound characteristics
When presenting the tire in the media, the French manufacturer described the tread rubber compound using words such as "innovative" and "unique". The basis for this was quite significant, since it was this model that was one of the first to receive a compound with so-called "elastomers". These are polymer compounds that improve most of the most important properties of the tread. In particular, their use made it possible to improve its resistance to wear, reduce rolling resistance, increase tensile strength and rupture resistance. In addition, these components make the tire more grippy due to its ability to very tightly envelop even the smallest irregularities of the road surface.
Main features of the Michelin Latitude Sport 3 Selfseal tire
- the integrated tire sealing system eliminates punctures with a diameter of up to 6 mm;
- a reinforced carcass with an additional cord made of synthetic materials, due to its stiffness and lightness, improves traction, handling, wear resistance, and fuel efficiency;
- a compound containing "silica" and several types of polymer compounds gives the tread increased grip on slippery surfaces, protects against damage when driving at high speeds, improved wear resistance, and reduced rolling resistance.
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