Evolution of Tires: 3500 BC to 2022

Quality tires are integral to the safety, comfort, and environmental impact of your car, and you have the innovative evolution of tires to thank for that.

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When you get in your car daily, you're likely not considering the importance of its tires. However, quality tires play a crucial role in the safety, comfort, and environmental impact of your vehicle, and this can be attributed to the innovative evolution of tires over centuries.

Early Tires: 3500 BC to 1895

Before the concept of tires—or even automobiles—came into existence, one of humankind's greatest inventions appeared: the wheel, originating around 3500 BC. Initially constructed from materials such as rocks, wood, and clay, wheels found extensive applications in agriculture, chariots, and even toys. The Celts and Egyptians further enhanced these wheels with spokes and iron rims for increased speed and strength.

The addition of leather coverings eventually transitioned to solid rubber tires, but significant advancements were minimal until 1847 when Robert William Thompson patented the first pneumatic tire. This innovation, involving a rubber wheel filled with compressed air, marked the starting point of tire evolution.

However, Thompson's air-filled tire did not enter production until John Boyd Dunlop designed the first practical pneumatic tire in 1888. Dunlop's breakthrough was inspired by his son's discomfort from riding a bike with solid rubber tires. That same year, Carl Benz unveiled the first gasoline-powered car, which utilized pneumatic tires to enhance shock absorption and ride comfort.

In 1895, brothers André and Edouard Michelin pioneered the use of pneumatic tires on automobiles, generating significant demand after demonstrating their benefits in the Paris-to-Bordeaux automobile race.

Innovations in Tire Materials: Early to Mid 20th Century

The early 20th century saw numerous advancements aimed at improving pneumatic tires. Continental Tire introduced the world's first automobile tire with patterned tread in 1904, which is crucial for road traction and tire protection.

In 1908, Frank Seiberling developed grooved tires, further enhancing road grip, and Continental introduced the detachable rim for easier tire changes. By 1910, B.F. Goodrich Company enhanced tire longevity by incorporating carbon into the rubber.

Du Pont's synthetic rubber, industrialized in 1931, revolutionized tire manufacturing by reducing dependency on natural rubber sourced mainly from Southeast Asia. Goodrich's 1937 invention of synthetic rubber tires using Chemigum—a form of resin—marked another notable advancement.

The urgency of World War II, combined with the blockade of natural rubber supplies, led to an extraordinary collaboration between the U.S. government, rubber manufacturers, the petrochemical sector, and academic research. This collective effort increased synthetic rubber production from 231 tons annually in 1941 to 70,000 tons per month by 1945.

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Increased Tire Safety and Sustainability: End of the 20th Century to Now

After the war, Michelin's 1946 introduction of radial tires marked a significant leap. These tires, reinforced with steel radial bands, offered superior durability and fuel efficiency compared to the traditional bias-ply tires. However, American automobile manufacturers were slow to adopt this innovation due to the need for significant redesigns of vehicle suspension systems.

Radial tires gained traction in the U.S. after Consumer Reports awarded them top ratings in 1968, highlighting their extended lifespan, improved safety, handling, and cost-effectiveness. The 1973 gasoline crisis further fueled demand for fuel-efficient radial tires, making them a staple in the American automotive market.

From the late 1970s onward, tire safety innovations took precedence. The development of run-flat tires in 1979 allowed vehicles to maintain speeds up to 50 mph despite flats, reducing accident risks.

Following the extensive Firestone recall in the 1990s, U.S. legislation mandated Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) in all passenger vehicles to alert drivers about under-inflated tires.

In addition to safety, the focus on eco-friendly and sustainable tires has grown. For instance, Continental Tire's 1993 launch of the ContiEcoContact marked an important milestone in combining environmental and economic benefits with improved driving performance. Subsequent advancements include Hankook's Kontrol Technology, which uses eco-friendly materials and designs to lower rotational resistance and fuel consumption.

The Future of Tires: 2022 and On

Looking ahead, the development of sustainable tires will continue, promising even greater environmental benefits. The SMART Tire Company, in collaboration with NASA, is working on non-pneumatic, flat-proof bike tires derived from Mars Rover technology, aiming for a 2022 release. These innovations are expected to produce less waste and require less frequent replacements than traditional rubber tires.

Moreover, Continental Tire is exploring the use of Russian dandelions as a rubber alternative to create more sustainable tires. These dandelions can be cultivated industrially without needing specialized soil, potentially allowing tire producers to grow them near their manufacturing plants, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

For more information about the technology and sustainability of tires, tune in to Tomorrow's World Today's "The Tires of Tomorrow" streaming NOW on Science Channel GO and Discovery GO!

Automobile Tire & Wheel, 1904-1910 - The Henry Ford