Étires

Étires is a term used predominantly in speculative design and certain niche discussions to describe a class of tires with enhanced electronic integration and adaptive behavior. The word is a neologism, not an established category in mainstream tire manufacture, where the corresponding concepts are usually described as smart tires, connected tires, or eco-tires.

Design and features: An étires concept envisions tires with embedded sensors for pressure, temperature, wear, and road-surface conditions, plus wireless communication with the vehicle's stability control and onboard computer. Some designs propose adaptive tread elements or shape-memory materials to alter the contact patch in response to conditions, potentially improving grip and efficiency. Power for electronics might come from small batteries, energy harvesting, or vehicle power.

Manufacturing and reliability: Realizing étires would require durable encapsulation of electronics, EMI shielding, and integration with standard tire manufacturing lines. Safety, reliability, and maintenance would be central concerns, with requirements for tamper-resistance and weather resilience. Standardization and regulatory approval would follow established paths for smart tires and telematics devices.

Applications: In fiction or forward-looking design briefs, étires are used to illustrate the convergence of mobility, data, and sustainability. In current practice, similar goals are pursued with smart tires or tire-pressure monitoring systems, which provide some data without full active adaptation.

See also: tires, smart tires, run-flat tires, vehicle dynamics, automotive sensors.