For over 5,000 years, tires have been an integral part of transportation. From their beginnings as bands of iron used on chariots to the pneumatic rubber tires used today, tire technology has continued to advance alongside transportation needs.
The earliest rubber tire designs in the 1800s were little more than rubber bands stretched over metal wheels.
But the introduction of clincher tires that could be easily removed and pneumatic tires that were inflated with air brought major improvements in ride quality, safety, and performance.
With the rise of the automobile, tires rapidly evolved to meet the demands of faster speeds and heavier vehicles.
Today’s tires now utilize sophisticated materials and tread designs to provide exceptional grip, handling, and durability across a wide range of conditions.
Modern radial tire construction better distributes stress across the tire for enhanced longevity and fuel efficiency.
And new generations of tire compounds offer a balance of wet and dry traction along with low rolling resistance.
As transportation needs and technologies continue to evolve in the 21st century, tires too are poised for a new wave of innovation and disruption.
Connected, eco-friendly, autonomous driving-optimized, and even airless tires are on the horizon.
This article will explore some of the most promising tire technologies that will shape transportation in the years ahead.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are an important automotive safety technology that monitors the air pressure inside of tires.
TPMS first became mainstream in the early 2000s when legislation began requiring the system in new vehicles.
TPMS works by attaching sensors to each tire that can detect changes in air pressure. The sensors transmit wireless signals with pressure information to a central computer.
If the pressure becomes too low, the system will trigger a warning light on the dashboard to alert the driver.
Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for vehicle safety. Underinflated tires can overheat and blow out.
They also wear out faster, reduce fuel economy, and make vehicles harder to control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that TPMS has prevented over 100,000 crashes, injuries, and fatalities since becoming widespread.
By providing an alert when a tire is 25% or more under inflated, TPMS protects drivers from the dangers of low pressure.
This allows issues to be addressed before a blowout or other failure occurs. The warnings help ensure tires stay inflated to the optimal level, maximizing their life span.
Overall, TPMS has had a hugely positive impact by dramatically reducing accidents caused by deficient inflation.
Self-Inflating Tires
One exciting advancement in tire technology is the development of self-inflating tires.
These tires utilize an internal pump system that constantly monitors and automatically adjusts tire pressure while driving.
The system works via a small pump mounted inside the wheel that is powered by rotational movement of the tire.
As the wheel spins, the pump is activated and pumps air into the tire whenever pressure drops below the optimal level.
The pump is able to add small amounts of air gradually over time to maintain consistent inflation.
Sensors help monitor the tire pressure and relay this data to the pump system.
The pump itself connects to a small reservoir that holds compressed air, typically around 2-3 bar pressure.
This compact system integrates seamlessly into the tire and wheel assembly.
Michelin debuted its pioneering self-inflating tire, the Tweel, back in 2005. The Tweel replaces the standard pneumatic tire and wheel with a combined hub and spoke design.
Airless rubber tread wraps around the hub and spokes provide structure and stiffness. This innovative architecture removes the need for inflation while still providing cushioning.
More recent self-inflating designs like those by Pirelli keep traditional pneumatic structures but add the automated inflation componentry.
Self-inflating technology eliminates the need to manually check pressures or risk driving on under-inflated tires.
Keeping tires inflated to optimal pressures improves fuel economy, handling, and tread life. This automated solution brings convenience and safety to drivers.
Tire Wear Monitoring
Advancements in tire sensor technology are enabling new ways to monitor tire wear and notify drivers when it’s time to replace their tires.
Tire wear sensors use advanced algorithms to estimate the remaining tread depth based on data from accelerometers inside the tire.
As the tread depth decreases over time and use, the sensor is able to calculate the difference and determine the remaining life of the tire.
Some tire wear monitoring systems use simple pressure sensors to estimate tread wear.
But more advanced systems use much higher resolution data from 3D accelerometers and gyroscopes inside the tire to build a precise model of the tire tread depth.
This data can detect tread depth down to the millimeter level.
These sensors transmit the tread depth data wirelessly to a receiver in the car.
The car’s computer uses this data to estimate the remaining life of the tire and can generate alerts on the dashboard when the tread depth reaches a critical level requiring tire replacement.
Some systems also allow remote monitoring via a smartphone app.
Tire wear monitoring provides substantial safety and cost benefits. Worn out tires with inadequate tread depth can lead to reduced traction, braking distances, and hydroplaning.
Catching tire wear issues early allows drivers to replace tires before they become dangerously worn.
It also eliminates unnecessary replacements when tires still have sufficient tread life remaining.
Tire wear sensors deliver the benefits of increased safety, optimization of tire life, and prevention of premature replacements.
As sensor technology continues to advance, real-time tire wear monitoring promises to become a standard feature of modern cars.
Drivers will be able to more accurately gauge the condition of their tires and remain informed about tire maintenance needs.
This innovation highlights how sensors and connectivity are transforming traditional car components into intelligent systems.
Puncture-Resistant Tires
Tire punctures have long been an annoyance and safety hazard for drivers. But new technologies are emerging to make tires far more resistant to punctures and damage.
One key innovation is the use of materials like kevlar in tire construction. Kevlar is an extremely strong synthetic fiber that is very difficult to cut or puncture.
By incorporating kevlar layers into tires, manufacturers can create a flexible but nearly impenetrable barrier.
This helps prevent nails, debris, and other sharp objects from penetrating through to the inner lining and causing deflation or blowouts.
Major tire companies like Michelin and Continental now offer kevlar-reinforced tires on many models.
Tests show they can withstand up to 10 times more punctures than standard tires before losing air pressure.
This provides greatly improved durability and protection, especially for tires on the sidewalls which are most vulnerable.
Other puncture-proofing methods include using self-sealing gel inside the tires. When a foreign object penetrates the tire, the viscous gel quickly flows to fill in the hole and prevent air leakage.
The gel bonds to the tire surface while also coating the puncturing object. This redundant system works even if the object falls out later.
With these kinds of technologies, puncture-related breakdowns and accidents can be greatly reduced.
Drivers no longer need to worry as much about getting stranded with a flat.
And the new generation of puncture-proof tires allows traveling on rough terrain or in high-risk areas with far greater confidence and safety.
Noise Reducing Tires
Traditional tire treads create a significant amount of noise as the tire rolls on the road surface.
This noise is created by air pumping in and out of the tread pattern and vibrating tire walls.
Tire manufacturers have developed innovative tread designs and materials that help reduce this noise pollution.
One way noise is reduced is by optimizing tread pattern to minimize air pumping.
Some designs use solid ribs that run circumferentially around the tire instead of lateral grooves.
Others use smaller slots or chevron shapes that allow air to enter and exit the tread in a quieter way. Variable pitch tread blocks also help break up noise frequencies.
Tire companies are also using sound absorbing materials built into the tread compound.
By adding porous foam or fiber fillers, it changes the way sound waves resonate within the tire structure itself.
The materials essentially dampen the noise by absorbing some of the sound energy rather than reflecting it back.
New sound suppressing technologies allow tires to meet strict highway noise regulations.
This is not only better for the environment, but provides a quieter ride for drivers. Expect even more innovation in noise reducing tires as there is continued pressure to find ways of decreasing traffic noise pollution.
Connected Tires
Connected tires utilize sensors and wireless connectivity to transmit data and communicate with other systems in the vehicle.
This smart tire technology allows tires to monitor and share real-time insights on metrics like tire pressure, temperature, tread depth, and road conditions.
Tire pressure sensors embedded in the tire automatically track and adjust pressure levels, alerting drivers if a tire becomes underinflated.
This helps maintain optimal inflation for improved safety, handling, and fuel economy. Tire temperature sensors monitor heat buildup to prevent overheating and blowouts.
Tread wear sensors use advanced algorithms to determine the remaining tread depth and expected lifespan based on driving patterns.
This data can notify when tires need rotating or replacing. Someconnected tires also have accelerometers to detect potholes, bumps, and uneven roads, sharing this with suspension systems.
In the future, connected tires may communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure through vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) networks. For autonomous vehicles, smart tires will provide critical data to guide self-driving systems.
Overall, connected tires allow for proactive monitoring and maintenance. Real-time insights improve safety, performance, and operational efficiency.
As networks develop, smart tires will unlock greater capabilities in mobility.
Recyclable & Renewable Materials
For years, tires were manufactured almost exclusively from materials like rubber, steel, and petroleum-based synthetics.
While these provide the durability and performance needed for a tire, they also take hundreds of years to decompose.
Tire manufacturers are responding to environmental concerns by developing new eco-friendly materials.
For example, tires made with natural rubber require fewer chemical processing steps.
Some companies are experimenting with replacing petroleum-based synthetics with materials derived from orange peels, dandelions, and other renewable sources.
Recycled materials are also seeing increased use, diverting old tires from landfills.
The recycled rubber can be mixed with new rubber, reducing the need for virgin materials. Steel and synthetics from old tires can also be recovered and reused.
Some innovators are even developing tires made from completely biodegradable materials.
For instance, Sumitomo Rubber Industries created a concept tire using a cornstarch-based material that could decompose naturally.
While these eco-friendly tires aren’t ready for mass production yet, they provide a glimpse into a more sustainable future.
As technology progresses, expect leading tire manufacturers to increase their use of recycled and renewable materials.
This will reduce environmental impact as the industry strives to become cleaner and greener.
Drivers can look forward to quality tires that align with their values around sustainability.
Autonomous & Smart Cars
The rise of autonomous and smart vehicles is having a major influence on tire design and development.
Self-driving cars require tires that are extremely reliable, durable, and able to handle the demands of autonomous driving systems.
Several key factors related to autonomous vehicles are shaping tire innovation:
- Precise steering and handling: Self-driving cars rely on incredibly precise steering and chassis control. This requires tires that can provide maximum grip and stability during maneuvering. New asymmetric and directional tread patterns are being engineered to optimize handling for autonomous cars.
- Accurate data collection: The tire is a critical data source for self-driving cars, providing essential information about road conditions, slip rates, wheel loads, and more. Tires for autonomous vehicles are being fitted with sensors and connectivity systems to feed accurate real-time data to the vehicle’s control systems.
- Rugged durability: With autonomous vehicles expected to be in continuous operation, tires must be engineered for greater longevity and damage resistance. New materials and construction methods aim to extend the lifespans of tires on robo-taxis and autonomous delivery vehicles.
- Fail-safe performance: A tire failure could be catastrophic for a self-driving vehicle. As a result, tires for autonomous cars undergo extreme testing to validate their fail-safe capabilities in the event of punctures, pressure loss, or tread wear. Redundant systems and run-flat designs provide backup protection.
- Machine-learning compatibility: As autonomous systems rely more on machine learning, tires must provide data that is compatible with ML processes. Tire companies are looking at how to generate and format data that can be readily ingested by vehicles’ ML algorithms.
The unique performance demands of self-driving cars will accelerate innovation in tires, leading to smarter, safer, and more capable designs.
Tires will play a foundational role in enabling autonomous driving to become a widespread reality.
The Future of Tires
Industry experts predict several key innovations in tire technology in the coming decades that will continue to make tires smarter, safer, and more sustainable.
AI-Optimized Tread Patterns
Tire manufacturers are exploring how AI and machine learning can help optimize tread patterns for different vehicles, weather conditions, and driving scenarios.
By analyzing data on tread wear and performance, AI algorithms can design new tread patterns tailored to specific needs.
This could improve wet braking, fuel efficiency, noise levels and more.
Morphing Tread
Another futuristic concept is tires with morphing tread that can alter the tread pattern at will. This could allow drivers to instantly switch to a different tread design optimized for rain, snow, off-road or racetrack driving.
The challenge is developing a flexible tread material and actuation system to enable real-time morphing.
Energy Harvesting
As electric vehicles become more prevalent, companies are researching concepts like energy-harvesting tires.
These tires convert wasted kinetic energy from rolling resistance into usable electricity to help charge the vehicle’s batteries and extend range.
Early prototypes demonstrate the viability of such technologies.
3D-Printed Airless Tires
Airless 3D-printed tires made from advanced materials like recyclable thermoplastic elastomers could one day replace pneumatic tires.
This opens up radical design possibilities unconstrained by traditional manufacturing methods. Airless tires would eliminate flats and blowouts.
Biodegradable Materials
Sustainability demands will drive adoption of biodegradable materials derived from plant oils and other renewable resources.
As materials science progresses, expect to see eco-friendly tires with comparable durability to current tires.
While the path forward isn’t fully clear, these innovations show that tires in 25+ years could look and function dramatically different from today.
Safety, performance, and sustainability will remain top priorities shaping tire tech breakthroughs.
