Abstract: Pneumatic tires having an improved steering response have a tread portion which comprises an elastomeric composition containing a long chain hydroxy fatty acid or a derivative thereof, or an inter-condensed or intracondensed form thereof. The hydroxy fatty acid can be a saturated monocarboxylic acid having:(a) 9 to 25 (for example 13 to 17 and especially 15, 16, or 17) carbon atoms as well as the carbon atom of the carboxylic acid group; and(b) 1 to 6 (for example 2, 3 or 4) hydroxy groups.Suitable compounds are di- and tri-hydroxy palmitic and stearic acids. The invention is concerned particularly with the use of shellac as the hydroxy fatty acid compound.