The History of Tyres

As tyres are an essential part of road vehicles, it’s easy to overlook how this simple piece of technology has evolved over time. From foundations stemming from the invention of the wheel, all the way up to smart tyres, run flat tyres and electric vehicle tyres, there’s a huge amount of heritage to reflect upon.

Let’s unearth the story!

Early Beginnings

Invention of the Wheel

The earliest evidence we have suggests that the wheel was invented in Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) at around 4000 BC, for use as a potter’s tool. However it’s believed that wheels weren’t used on vehicles until 3000-2800 BC, with a 2002 discovery in Slovenia uncovering the Ljubljana Marshes wheel, which came complete with an axle. Evidence across Europe from around this time suggests that simple two wheeled carts were used for transporting goods, but drawings found in Poland (and Iraq) depicting wheeled vehicles, place their usage up to 200-300 years earlier.

From these early stages up to the usage of wooden spoked wheels on horse drawn carts, as recent as the Victorian era, the main issue has been needing to replace them when they become damaged, with various methods to extend their lifespan having limited success.

Charles Goodyear and Vulcanisation

There’s an old saying about not “reinventing the wheel” but a simple accident caused by Charles Goodyear helped do just that.

He developed vulcanisation in 1839 by accidentally dropping rubber mixed with sulphur onto a hot stove. This process transformed rubber into a durable, elastic material resistant to extreme temperatures. Goodyear perfected the method through experimentation, realising that heat and sulphur caused rubber’s molecular structure to cross-link, making it more robust and suitable for various industrial applications.

Goodyear is credited with inventing the chemical process to create and manufacture pliable, waterproof, moldable rubber.

Although not founded by him, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is named after him, in honour of his inventions.

Pneumatic Tyres

John Boyd Dunlop and the Pneumatic Tyre

In 1888, Scottish veterinarian John Boyd Dunlop invented the first pneumatic, or inflatable, rubber tyre for bicycles. Initially experimenting with his son’s tricycle, it wasn’t long before the design was applied to adult bicycles and used in cycle races across England and Ireland.

Michelin Brothers and the Removable Pneumatic Tyre

In 1895 the pneumatic tyre was first seen on motor vehicles in the Paris-Bordeaux-Paris automobile race. On cars invented by Karl Benz, these tyres were developed by André and Edouard Michelin, founders of the Michelin Tyre Company.

These tyres could be removed and replaced, a cornerstone feature of the modern day tyre.

Technological Advancements in Tyre Design

Radial Tyres

Radial tyres are the most common type of tyre on modern vehicles and are designed to provide a smoother, more comfortable ride. Developed by Michelin in 1948, the first car to be produced with factory-fitted radial tyres was the Lancia Aurelia B20 in 1951.

Radial tyres are categorised by cord plies, allowing them to absorb vibrations and shocks; steel belts, to support the treads, and being free from inner tubes, which simplifies production.

Modern Innovations

Synthetic Rubber and High-Performance Tyres

The shift to synthetic rubber during World War II (driven by natural rubber shortages), revolutionised the tyre industry. Innovations in synthetic materials allowed for greater control over tyre properties, enabling the creation of high-performance tyres with improved durability, grip, and fuel efficiency. This transformation had a profound impact on the automotive industry, supporting advancements in vehicle safety, speed, and efficiency, while meeting the growing demands of road transportation and motorsport use.

Run-Flat Tyres

Developed in the 1930 by Michelin (for military use), they were introduced for use on road vehicles in the 1980s. Run-flats are designed to allow a vehicle to be driven for a short distance at reduced speeds after a puncture. They work by slowing the deflation process, preventing a major blowout and the need to change the tyre on the side of the road.

Smart Tyres

Smart tyres are equipped with built-in sensors that track essential metrics like tyre pressure, temperature, tread wear, and road conditions. These sensors relay real-time data to the vehicle’s onboard systems or a connected smartphone app, giving drivers immediate feedback and enhancing safety and performance awareness.

Continental are leading the way by developing smart tyres specifically for driverless vehicles.

Tyres for Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) have distinct tyre requirements due to their unique design. The added weight of EV batteries necessitates tyres capable of supporting higher loads. Additionally, the instant torque of EVs can accelerate tyre wear if not properly accounted for. To meet these challenges, EV-specific tyres feature reinforced sidewalls, optimised tread designs, and reduced rolling resistance, ensuring energy efficiency, extended battery range, and reliable performance – key benefits for drivers prioritising safety and mileage.

Sustainable Tyre Production

A part of recent tyre history comes in the form of innovations that look to safeguard the planet’s future. Conventional tyres are primarily made from synthetic rubber and carbon black, which are both derived from fossil fuels. In response, manufacturers are adopting eco-friendly practices by sourcing natural rubber from sustainable plantations and exploring innovative alternatives like rice husk silica (Goodyear and Michelin) along with plant-based oils (in the case of Pirelli). These materials help reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, without compromising performance or durability.

Conclusion

To summarise, the history of tyres is a remarkable journey of innovation and adaptation. From the invention of the wheel to the creation of smart and sustainable tyres, the evolution of tyre technology reflects humanity’s drive to improve mobility, safety, and efficiency. As advancements continue to align with modern challenges like electric vehicles and environmental sustainability, tyres remain an essential and ever evolving part of society’s future.