The invention relates to preparation of silica-rich rubber compositions by a sequence of sequential mixing steps conducted in internal rubber mixer(s) with individual maximum temperature limitations. The mixing steps are comprised of at least two non-productive mixing steps followed by a productive mixing step. The non-productive mixing steps themselves are comprised of at least one preliminary non-productive mixing step followed by a final non-productive mixing step. Elastomer, silica and coupling agent are added in at least one of said preliminary non-productive mixing steps to the exclusion of said final non-productive mixing step and said productive mixing step. Sulfur and sulfur vulcanization accelerator(s) are added in said productive mixing step to the exclusion of said non-productive mixing steps. The preliminary non-productive mixing step(s) are individually conducted to a maximum mixing temperature in a range of from about 150.degree. C. to about 180.degree. followed by the final non-productive mixing step to a reduced maximum mixing temperature in a range of from about 90.degree. C. to about 130.degree. C. The maximum mixing temperature of said final non-productive mixing step is at least 20.degree. C. lower than the maximum temperature for said preliminary non-productive mixing stage(s). The productive mixing step is conducted to a maximum temperature in a range of from about 90.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C. The rubber composition is removed from its respective internal rubber mixer and cooled to below 40.degree. C. between said mixing steps. The invention is further intended to relate to a rubber composition prepared by such mixing process and to a tire having at least one component comprised of such rubber composition.