Carbon black is the compound that makes tires black today.

Preventative maintenance of tires and their proper use help us save fuel.

Maintaining adequate inflation pressure is essential to tire performance.

We know that you are a responsible vehicle user and want to make sure that your car is always in the best conditions for a safe journey. However, you are probably not aware of the huge importance of tires in the operation of your car. And for this reason, at Bridgestone, we want to share eight interesting and curious facts about the production and functionality of tires:

1. Why are tires made of rubber?

Derived from rubber trees, this material resists the wear and tear of everyday use while providing high levels of grip, even on wet roads. In 2012, Bridgestone announced an extensive research project to develop guayule as a renewable and commercially viable source of high-quality natural rubber and an alternative to the rubber tree. Guayule is a shrub native to arid regions of Mexico and the southern United States. In 2015, Bridgestone launched its first tire made from guayule-derived natural rubber, an impressive step toward expanding and diversifying renewable resources.

2. Why are they black?

A compound called carbon black is used in the production of tires, which not only increases the rubber’s resistance to wear, but is also responsible for the tire’s black color.

3. Why do tires have different tread patterns?

The tread grooves are a very important factor in ensuring excellent performance of the tire. These grooves, among other functions, are designed to improve traction, prevent skidding and drain water when driving on wet surfaces.

4. What are tires made of?

The main materials used in the tire production process are:

• Oil: acts as an additive that unites a mixture of compounds.

• Steel: This is part of the design of various parts of the tire, such as the stabilizer belts, which help give the tread stability and rigidity, and prevent punctures and damage.

• Antioxidant: Protects the tire from aging caused by ozone or excessive heat.

• Sulfur– Helps bind rubber molecules together during the vulcanization process, promoting tire longevity.

• Natural rubber: Provides the tire with optimal cut resistance and low heat generation.

• Synthetic rubber: ensures better grip and good wear resistance. Some synthetic rubbers also generate little heat.

• Carbon black: increases wear resistance of rubber and protects the tire from ultraviolet rays.

• Polyester: Provides elasticity, withstands heavy loads and ensures driving comfort due to high contact resistance.

• Silica: improves wet performance, reduces rolling resistance and therefore contributes to fuel economy.

5. How to read the characteristics?

The tire size is determined by a series of numbers indicating its width in millimeters; followed by a height ratio that corresponds to the percentage of the section width, the type of construction (radial or conventional), and the rim diameter in inches. For example, 195/60R15 is a tire that is 195 millimeters wide, 60 percent of 195 mm (117 mm) high, has a radial construction (R), and a rim diameter of 15 inches.

6. Why is it important to maintain the right inflation pressure?

Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for the life and performance of your tires. If your tires are underinflated, the contact patch will deflect inward, causing more wear on the shoulders and blocking the channels that drain water when it rains. On the other hand, if your tires are overinflated, the center will deflect upward, causing much more wear and a smaller contact patch, which can also make your car more unstable. That’s why it’s important to check your tire pressure periodically, following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

7. What is the relationship between tire and fuel consumption?

When the correct tires are used, in good condition, with the correct air pressure and are rotated regularly, wheel alignment and balancing are performed, rolling resistance during driving is reduced, which results in energy savings and therefore a large amount of fuel. When tires are used incorrectly or not carried out as recommended, fuel consumption increases, tire life is shortened and the likelihood of uneven wear increases.

8. When did Bridgestone produce its first tyre?

It was developed on April 9, 1930, by the tire division of the Japanese sock company Tabi. This was almost a year before the company’s founder, Shojiro Ishibashi, spun off the division to form Bridgestone Tire Co. Ltd. on March 1, 1931.

Bridgestone’s promotion of safe driving is part of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which consists of modeling and promoting eight values ​​that begin with the letter “E” (Energy, Environment, Efficiency, Expansion, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment) through which the company aims to inspire its employees, communities and customers to contribute to a safe and sustainable society for present and future generations.