If the rubber detects...

If the rubber detects ice, gravel or oil on the road, it passes the information to other components. That allows the car to respond better when the driver turns the steering wheel.

DaimlerChrysler and tyre firm Pirelli are working together on the innovation. "Tyres will no longer be a passive component," said a spokesman for the project. "They"ll be a vital part of the control systems contributing to driving comfort and safety."

The special tyre will have tiny electronic sensors built into its tread blocks. Hundreds of times a second they will measure how much rubber is on the ground and how much grip there is. This information will then be sent to computer chips which control the suspension and brakes, so they can maximise safe handling and comfort. The sensors will also know when the tread is wearing down and keep the driver informed of exactly when a replacement tyre is needed. Low pressure alerts will make driving safer, too.

The product is expected to be revealed next year, with Mercedes cars likely to get the technology first.