Silica based tread compounds are more and more a standard feature of todays tires. The difficulties in mixing and processing can be greatly reduced by applying a novel processing promoter. If added in the first mixing stage at a concentration of 4 phr this processing promoter improves silica dispersion as well as the flow properties of the compound. A lower energy consumption for mixing and extruding is observed. Furthermore the scorch safety is positively influenced. The new processing promoter also proves to be successful in carbon black compounds.