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).
The performance and characteristics of Balloon tyres, page 2.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\2\ Scan086 | |
| Date | 1st January 1924 | |
| R.R. 693 A (40 H) (SL 42 12-7-23). J.H.,D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} -2- EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. Expl. No. 4565 REF: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG21.1.24. smooth macadam roads. The advantage they do give on a 40/50 HP. is that they reduce the tendency of the back axle to jagger and therefore give a smooth braking. We think it is possible on a rough road that the Balloon tyres would give an it advantage as/would act in a mild way like the catapillar tread. (3) We have recently had experience with these tyres on snow and ice. We could not recommend that either worn tyres or new Balloon tyres could ever be considered safe without chains. It will always be necessary to allow for non-skid chains when these tyres are fitted. (4) As regards petrol consumption and power. We are convinced that on smooth macadam roads there is no appreciable difference in Balloon thres and standard tyres with our present tyre pressures. On heavy roads, although we have not been able to measure it, we feel that there is a slight disadvantage with Balloon tyres. (5) We have not had a single puncture with Balloon tyres. The tyres which have completed 6,000 miles on the rear wheels still look in very good condition and remarkably free from cuts. We should anticipate the mileage with these tyres would be definitely increased, compared with standard. (6) The definite disadvantages of the Balloon tyres are:- (a) Increased effort required on the steering especially when shunting - (once the car has obtained speed it is not noticeable). (b) Reduced steering lock. (c) It will be necessary to give more body clearance. (7) To appreciate the real advantages of Balloon contd:- | ||