Greenkama

How harmful is car tire wear for the environment?

When we think about cars and the environment, pollutant emissions usually come to mind. But there is a problem that is just as bad, if not worse: car tire wear.

Author: Walter Feichtinger

Eco-checker Joti Fotiadis from SWR Marktcheck looked into the topic in detail and found out how harmful abrasion from car tires really is for the environment.

How does car tire wear occur?

Ilka Gehrke from the Fraunhofer Institute explains that the problem with car tire wear arises when the tire comes into contact with the road. Abrasion occurs on this contact surface and enters the environment in different particle sizes. This abrasion demonstrably contributes to fine dust pollution in Germany and is the largest cause of emissions.

How are the materials for car tires obtained?

The tread of the car tire, which is responsible for abrasion, is made of natural and synthetic rubber and contains oils, resins and chemicals. Natural rubber, which is obtained from the rubber tree, is particularly problematic because its main cultivation area in Southeast Asia is in monocultures and large amounts of pesticides are required to keep pests away.

How can we reduce car tire wear?

Politicians are working at the EU level to create a type of labeling for tires in order to encourage the tire industry to comply with limit values. Traffic management, such as reducing speeds in cities, can also help reduce attrition. Consumers can also do their part by ensuring the correct tire pressure and considering the size of the wheels.

car tire
Discarded car tires. Image: Manfred Richter

Which tires are the best choice?

According to the ADAC, all-season tires are a compromise between summer and winter tires and can be more environmentally friendly if the usage profile is right. If you want to travel more ecologically, you can use retreaded tires where the casing comes from an old tire.

How can we drive as sustainably as possible?

A fuel-efficient driving style that reduces speed and lateral forces on the tires can help reduce tire wear. The tire size and vehicle weight also play a role. If you take care to set the track correctly, you will extend the life of your tires and reduce environmental impact.

The bottom line is that even small things, like the right tire pressure or the size of the wheels, can make a big difference in reducing harmful car tire wear.

More from SWR Marktcheck on the topic: Microplastics: Tire wear is so dangerous


Source: SWR Ökochecker

More Greenkama topics:
Can basalt flour as a CO₂ storage be the solution to climate change?
Sustainable fashion: This is how jeans work without chemicals.
Less plastic when cleaning

Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel via link or QR scan! Activate the small 🔔 and receive a current news overview as well as exciting fact checks .

Link: Mimikama's WhatsApp channel

Mimikama WhatsApp channel

Notes:

1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication
.
The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual articles (not fact checks) were created using machine help and
were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )


With your help, you support one of the most important independent sources of information on the subject of fake news and consumer protection in German-speaking countries

Are you concerned about misinformation online? Mimikama is committed to a fact-based and safe internet. Your support allows us to continue to ensure quality and authenticity online. Please support and help us create a trustworthy digital environment. Your support counts! You too can become an ambassador for Mimikama

More from Greenkama