Continental's new construction tyres - the HSC+ and HDC+ - boast a new tread compound which has extremely long polymer chains making them tougher, thereby increasing mileage performance, durability and protecting the carcass for remoulding.  As a result, the HSC+ and HDC+ are much more economical in combined on-/off-road use.

The new tread compound is specifically optimised for use in applications where stones, rocks, and other sharp edges are particularly likely to cause tears in the tread.  Dr. Bernhard Trilken, head of Research & Development of Continental Vehicle Tyres at Continental, says: "Longer polymer chains in the tread compound intertwine more efficiently and make the tyre tougher with greater elasticity.  Tears remain isolated and cannot penetrate into the tyre, which means tread breakages are minimised.  As a result the casing is well protected and kept in good condition for remoulding. An additional benefit of the new compound is the improved wear resistance, which allows mileage performance to be increased significantly".

The picture to the right shows a specially constructed tyre made partly with the old and partly with the new tread compound. This tyre was subjected to thousands of miles of hard use including driving in and out of quarries and construction sites. The picture clearly shows the improved wear and resistance to damage of the new compound. Whereas the part of the tyre made with the old compound is completely worn out and damaged, the part with the new compound is still in a good enough condition to continue to be used.