The summer tyre Sumitomo BC100 is designed for passenger cars and crossovers primarily used on asphalt roads. The model features an asymmetric tread pattern with advanced water evacuation channels and a stiff central section. These design elements are complemented by a high-silica rubber compound that helps maintain grip on both dry and wet surfaces.
Asymmetric tread for precise handling
The tread features a five-rib configuration. Longitudinal elements provide stable support during straight-line driving, while differences between the inner and outer sides allow for optimized water evacuation and lateral force resistance. Wide shoulder areas maintain road contact during maneuvers. As a result, the tread geometry enhances directional stability and predictable vehicle response to steering inputs.
Complex-shaped water evacuation channels
Large longitudinal grooves work together with curved channels in the central area. Water is directed through multiple escape paths from the contact patch, and the volume of the main grooves allows them to accommodate water when driving on wet roads. Transverse sipes in the shoulder zones further enhance this drainage system at the edges of the tread surface. This drainage design helps reduce the risk of aquaplaning and maintains grip under varying water film thickness on asphalt.
Stiffness of the central section
The reinforced central rib limits tread deformation under load. This is important during lane changes and braking, when forces must be transmitted through the contact patch without excessive movement of the rubber elements. The combination of a stiff central section with water-dispersing grooves helps maintain controllability on wet surfaces without compromising the effectiveness of the drainage system.
Silica-based rubber compound
A high silica content is used to improve the rubber's interaction with the road surface. The compound helps the tread maintain closer contact with micro-irregularities of the asphalt, preserving grip in both dry and rainy conditions. Its performance complements the tread pattern: grooves evacuate water, while the rubber ensures traction on areas of the contact patch cleared of water.
Main features of Sumitomo BC100
- the asymmetric five-rib tread promotes precise steering response and directional stability;
- large longitudinal grooves and curved central channels assist in water evacuation;
- the stiff central rib limits deformation of the tread under load;
- the silica-rich rubber compound maintains grip on both dry and wet asphalt.
Enlarge 
