ContiProContact™ Controlled Sipe Interaction (CSI)

Controlled Sipe Interaction works from the road to the depth of the tire. The design of the Controlled Sipe Interaction is built upon the same geometry as the PROactive Edge Technology. Rather than using straight sipes, the siping has an arched design. This design causes the tread blocks to lock together rather than slide across each other. When the blocks lock together, they become stronger and more stable, which results in very precise steering response and also reduced tread wear.

This can be illustrated by taking three curved shapes, A, B, and C, and stacking them together. If you try to remove shape B, it is very difficult because A and C cause a locking effect.

Conversely, with three straight objects, 1, 2, and 3, shape 2 can be easily removed because the locking effect is not present.

Tread blocks with straight siping are sometimes not as strong as the tread blocks of the ContiProContact. When tread blocks with straight sipes interact with the force of the road, the block elements may slide against each other and have uncontrolled deformation. This can lead to instability.

The Controlled Sipe Interaction of the ContiProContact creates an interlocking of the tread blocks' elements via the curved sipe design. This interlocking controls the increased chance of deformation of the blocks. As the tire goes through a turn or any other lateral force is applied, the blocks interlock and create a feeling of stability and precision. Controlled Sipe Interaction also means even wear of the tread. Because of the interlocking structure of the blocks, the individual tread blocks will not shift or deform as much as tires without Controlled Sipe Interaction technology. The tread will wear more evenly and last longer.

The benefit to the consumer is responsiveness without sacrificing wear.