From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Customer's objections and driver feedback regarding 'Silent Tyres' on a 20 HP car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 45\2\ Scan144 | |
| Date | 23th April 1929 | |
| 23rd April 1929. Silent Tyres 32x6.00 size - Original Equipment on Rolls-Royce 20 h.p. Car, owned by Mr. Antweiler. It is conveyed to us that Mr. Antweiler has certain objections to this form of tyre equipment, and on account of these objections he is requesting that the tyres should be taken off and tyres of the triple stud tread type be substituted. This is naturally of considerable interest to us, and especially so because the Silent type of tyre was originally developed specially to meet the requirements of the Rolls-Royce Co., and it was only after extensive tests and experience that they eventually decided to adopt it. Of course, in these tests the Rolls-Royce Company would thoroughly satisfy themselves on every point. That the tyres are satisfactory seems to be proved not only by this fact, but by the fact that considerable quantities have now been issued on Rolls-Royce cars without, as far as we are aware, any objections being raised by users on any point connected with the tyres. Mr. Antweiler's driver, who appears to be a careful and thoughtful man, detailed to us the various points, which are as follows :- 1) The tyre traps stones between the ribs. 2) The tyres make a noise on granite sets. Under all other conditions, however, they are satisfactorily silent. 3) Forward skidding is experienced on wood pavement and only when the latter is wet. No skidding is experienced when it is dry. 4) There are symptoms of wheel spin when the clutch is let in. This occurs on the same kind of pavement and under the same conditions that permit forward skidding. Questioning the driver about inflation pressure, he stated that although the Rolls-Royce Co. stipulate 35 lbs in the front and 40 lbs in the rear tyres, which in their experience is the best pressure for all-round purposes, Mr. Antweiler instructs the | ||