TIRE INDUSTRY KEEN ON GOING GREEN
With all the high-tech devices incorporated into today’s new vehicles, tires are often one tech sector overlooked by drivers.
While most of the tires we see on the road today might seem pretty standard, recent developments in tire innovation may soon be changing the way we view our wheels.
The auto industry as a whole is always looking for new ways to go green, and the tire industry is no exception.
Goodyear recently announced the introduction of a new passenger tire made from soybean oil that has been in development for the past half-decade. The tire-maker reports factory energy consumption can be reduced by substituting soybean oil, a move that could potentially cut the company’s oil use by seven million gallons per year. Researchers also found that by using soybean oil as an alternative, the tire tread life could be increased by up to 10 per cent.
The year 2017 has also been a big year in terms of innovation in the tire sector, with industry giants Goodyear and Michelin unveiling key new concept tires.
Goodyear debuted new smart tire concepts at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, the Eagle 360 Urban and IntelliGrip Urban, both designed for autonomous vehicles. Complete with sensors and other features to interact with the vehicle and an artificial intelligence system, both tires can sense road and weather conditions to optimize speed and handling.
Michelin also unveiled a concept tire in Montreal earlier this summer. Michelin’s Vision, a 3D printed and airless concept tire, is both a wheel and a tire. Made with bio-sourced and biodegradable products, Vision’s tire structure relies on its coral reef-like design. The tire is also equipped with sensors to provide real time information about its condition.
Although we’re still some long ways away from seeing either of these tires on our roads, we still have the state of our current tires to consider.
Tires that are not properly disposed of and recycled could spell negative effects on the environment when the tires break down and start leaching heavy chemicals.
There are also many ways you can prolong and maximize the lifetime of your tires.
Your vehicle owner’s manual should contain a specific time for when to schedule in a wheel alignment. Tires should also be rotated every 10,000 to 13,000 kilometres to ensure even tire wear.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month in the mornings or evenings when its cooler — air expands with heat and will give you an incorrect reading if you check during the day. Having proper air pressure will even out the tire wear and give you better fuel efficiency.
It’s also important to check the tread of your tires so that you’re not driving with bald tires. Bald tires mean a greater risk of hydroplaning and punctures, and there are ways for you to check tire tread yourself to keep you safe on the road.
Some folks recommend using a toonie to check your tire tread — if you slip a toonie between your tread blocks and the tread reaches the bear’s paws, you’re good to go.
If the tread only reaches as far as the word ‘DOLLARS’, you’re going to need a replacement soon.