Tyres are a vital part of any vehicle. They connect the vehicle to the road, offering safety, comfort, and performance. But have you ever thought about where tyres come from and what happens to them after they wear out? Let’s take a closer look at the life cycle of a tyre—from birth to disposal.
How Tyres Were Born
The story of tyres began in the early 1800s. In 1845, Scottish engineer Robert William Thomson created the first air-filled tyre using rubber and fabric. However, his idea didn’t take off at the time. Later, in 1888, John Boyd Dunlop reinvented the pneumatic tyre for his son’s bicycle. This design became successful and laid the foundation for modern tyres.
As the automobile industry grew in the early 1900s, tyre design also improved. Companies started using materials like rubber mixed with carbon black to make tyres stronger and longer-lasting. Over time, steel belts and synthetic rubber were added for better durability and performance.
What Are Tyres Made Of?
A tyre might look simple from the outside, but it’s made up of many layers and materials. The main parts of a tyre include:
- Tread: The outer layer that touches the road and provides grip.
- Sidewall: The side part of the tyre that protects it from impact.
- Beads: Steel wires that help the tyre stay fixed on the rim.
- Plies: Layers of fabric or steel cords inside the tyre that give it strength.
Modern tyres are made from a mix of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, carbon black, steel, fabric, and chemical additives. Each material has a special role in providing safety, flexibility, and durability.
The Lifecycle of a Tyre
A tyre’s journey begins at a manufacturing plant, where raw materials are processed, mixed, shaped, and cured to form a finished tyre. Once it reaches a vehicle, the tyre faces different challenges—heat, pressure, road conditions, and usage. These factors slowly wear down the tyre over time.
On average, a tyre can last between 40,000 to 80,000 kilometers, depending on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. Regular rotation, balancing, and proper inflation can increase a tyre’s lifespan.
What Happens After Tyres Wear Out?
Once a tyre reaches the end of its life, it must be replaced. But that doesn’t mean its journey ends there. Globally, billions of used tyres are discarded each year. If not handled properly, they can become a major environmental problem.
Fortunately, there are ways to recycle old tyres. Some tyres are retreaded and reused. Others are shredded and used in making roads, playgrounds, or fuel. Tyre-derived fuel (TDF) is used in industries like cement manufacturing because it burns at high temperatures.
Some countries are adopting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules. These make tyre manufacturers responsible for collecting and recycling used tyres. In India, the government introduced EPR rules in 2022 to manage waste tyres more efficiently.
Why Tyre Recycling Matters
Tyres take a long time to break down naturally. If burned in open air, they release harmful gases. By recycling tyres, we can reduce pollution, save resources, and protect the environment.
As electric vehicles grow in number, the demand for better and sustainable tyres is also rising. Companies are now working on eco-friendly tyre solutions and using recycled materials to create new tyres.
Conclusion
Tyres have come a long way since their invention in the 1800s. From helping vehicles move smoothly to facing the challenges of rough roads, tyres play an important role in mobility. Understanding their life cycle helps us appreciate their value and also reminds us of our responsibility to manage tyre waste properly.
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