Goodyear’s Smart Tires Aim to Make Driving Safer, Even on Rainy or Icy Roads

Goodyear is rolling out a new type of “smart tire” technology, named SightLine, that could make automatic emergency braking (AEB) more effective in poor driving conditions. The tires contain sensors capable of detecting when roads are slippery, whether from rain, snow, or ice, and then relaying that information to the car’s built-in safety system. The real advantage is that the car can react faster: once the tires signal low-friction conditions, the AEB will engage earlier to help reduce collisions.

These smart tires reflect Goodyear’s effort to help automakers meet incoming requirements in the U.S., where all new vehicles must feature AEB by 2029. Currently, many AEB systems are optimized for dry, high-friction roads, but SightLine’s data can help extend that peace of mind to tricky surfaces. Goodyear also underscores how its new sensors and software easily integrate with automakers’ existing safety tech, which could speed up adoption.

While pricing and availability haven’t been locked down, this development arrives at a promising time. Automakers are eager for solutions that address concerns about AEB’s reliability on wet or icy roads, and Goodyear believes smarter tires are a crucial piece of the puzzle. It’s all about keeping drivers safer, no matter what the forecast says.