As technology evolves, the car tire rolls right along. From rudimentary wheels to sophisticated products with in-built sensors, auto tires have experienced more changes than many know. Car nuts, this one’s for you — we’re exploring the history of car tires, and what the may have in store.
The Beginning: Early Inventions in the Evolution of Car Tires
Our journey starts in the early days of automotive history. The first tires were far from the air-filled rubber donuts we’re familiar with today. Before the advent of auto, tires were often simple bands of leather or iron wrapped around wooden wheels.
In 1847, Scottish inventor Robert William Thomson attempted to patent the first pneumatic tire, but it wasn’t until John Boyd Dunlop created something similar in 1888 that the pneumatic tire became popular. Dunlop conceived the pneumatic tire — sporting a rubber tread, as well as a metal frame and spokes — to help his son avoid headaches when riding on cobblestone streets. By using air pressure to provide cushioning, Dunlop’s tires dramatically improved ride comfort and durability.
These tires were quickly adopted for the very first automobiles, paving the way for the car tires we know today. Despite losing his patent in 1892 (because, you know, Thomson lodged his pneumatic tire patent almost four decades earlier), Dunlop and his partner Harvey du Cros worked with inventor Charles Kingston Welch to develop Dunlop Tyres, a successful enterprise. Dunlop still operates today (although “Tyres” was swapped for “Tires”).
More on pneumatics: If you’re wondering, “What makes a tire “pneumatic?” you’re probably not alone. TL;DR: Pneumatic tires are usually made of solid rubber filled with compressed air (although some more puncture-resistant models for heavy-duty vehicles are solid rubber). The primary definition of pneumatic is “of, relating to, or using air, wind, or other gas.” Since pneumatic tires typically use compressed air to absorb shock and bear load, the moniker suits them well.
The Rubber Revolution: Key Developments in the 20th Century
As the auto industry cruised into the 20th century, tires were a ripe target for innovation. Rubber had become the standard material for tires, but the designs and manufacturing processes continued to evolve. For instance, tires became wider and flatter to improve grip and stability. In addition, the introduction of tread patterns increased traction, especially in wet conditions, vastly improving safety.
Then, in 1946, Michelin made their mark on the history of car tires: Radial tires, featuring… well, radially-arranged plies. Prior to this development, car tires used bias plies, running at a 45-degree angle from bead to bead. Conversely, radial plies run 90 degrees in relation to the bead.
Radial plies allow tires to conform to the roadway more easily, offering a slew of benefits: Better traction, a smoother ride, and improved fuel efficiency, for starters. Although some automakers resisted adopting radial ply tires due to the need for new manufacturing equipment and processes, today, almost all modern cars feature radial ply tires as a default.
Need a visualizer? We’ll let Michelin Tire explain the difference between radial and bias ply tires:
Moving into the Modern Era: The Emergence of Green and Smart Tires
Fast forward to the 21st century as the history of car tires becomes the present, and we find ourselves in the era of “green” and “smart” tires. Sometimes made from environmentally friendly materials, green tires are designed to improve fuel efficiency and decrease emissions. For instance, Bridgestone Tire’s ECOPIA model reduces rolling resistance, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. At the start of 2023, Goodyear revealed a tire made of 90% sustainable materials on a mission to make tire manufacturing less harmful to the environment.
Meanwhile, smart tires feature sensors that provide real-time information about tire pressure, temperature, and even wear. That data can alert drivers to potential issues, improving safety and efficiency. For example, Michelin’s VISION tire concept is airless, rechargeable, and 100% sustainable. The sensors in VISION tires let drivers know the condition of their tires and how they’re being used, potentially allowing motorists to change tread features for a smoother ride.
Michelin’s hardly alone in pushing the envelope. Pirelli’s Cyber Tire also uses sensors to gather data in real-time, helping drivers improve performance and stay up-to-date on their tire’s health. Tires made from new materials are also enabling tire manufacturers to explore new ground — both Goodyear and Continental have experimented with Dandelion Rubber in the name of sustainability.
Timeline of Car Tire Innovations: Looking Back, Moving Forward
Let’s summarize our history of car tires with a timeline:
- 1888: John Boyd Dunlop “invents” the pneumatic tire (or more aptly, popularizes it).
- The early 1900s: Wider, flatter designs and tread patterns emerge.
- 1946: Michelin introduces the radial tire.
- Late 20th Century: Bias ply tires phased out in favor of radials.
- Early 21st Century: Green and smart tires hit the market.
- 2023: Sustainable materials and connected tires become the focus.
As you can see, the history of car tires is a story of continuous innovation and adaptation. Each new development has brought us safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly tires.
The Future of Car Tires: What’s Next?
Looking forward, the future of car tires is even more exciting. With more people than ever concerned about climate change, advancements in green and smart tires are likely top of the list for tire makers.
As a result, we can expect to see further advances in sustainability and intelligence. For instance, we might see bio-engineered tires that can self-heal after a puncture or change their shape to adapt to different terrains on the fly. Similarly, we could see tires made from new sustainable materials that are cleaner to make, use, and dispose of, lending to the trend toward cleaner vehicles and components.
Additionally, with the rise of autonomous vehicles, tires will need to evolve to meet new demands. This could include even more advanced sensor systems or new types of tires that can cope with the unique challenges of autonomous driving, helping improve fuel efficiency and safety for autonomous vehicles.
As we move into the future, we can expect the evolution of car tires to continue, with ever more exciting developments on the horizon. So, stay tuned for the ride!
