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 complaints about tyre noise and requesting tests on alternative tyre brands.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 158\1\ scan0037 | |
| Date | 10th November 1927 | |
| S/W. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X2679 CWB18/GM/10.11.27. Re TYRE NOISES. From time to time we receive complaints regarding roughnesses of engines and axle noises of cars which are most usually traced to the tyres. Whilst appreciating the valuable properties of the Dunlop tread in holding the road and preventing skidding in emergencies, it appears clear that they are by no means the most silent tyres now on the market. I was very interested to note at the Show that Messrs. Bentley had standardised the British Goodrich tyre on all their models, the six cylinder model being fitted with the 6.75 balloon tyre of this make, and on enquiry of Messrs. Bentley I was informed that this had been done because, after test, they had shown themselves to possess reasonable non skidding properties whilst they were considerably less noisy than the Dunlop tyres and had also a longer life. I enclose herewith copy of a report, Bt{Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer}5/LHS.{Lord Herbert Scott}11.27 which refers to a particular case in which complete satisfaction was given by fitting Michelin tyres. I have also heard extremely good reports regarding the Englebert tyre. Under these circumstances would you please make the necessary tests and advise us whether the tyres named above, i.e. British Goodrich, Englebert, Michelin, or any other tyres, are more silent and enable a better impression of quietness and smoothness to be produced by our car whilst at the same time possessing satisfactory qualities of life and road adhesion. In view of the amount of dissatisfaction which is expressed regarding tyre noises, this matter is considered to be of great importance. OWB. | ||