ÖAMTC: Exposure to tire abrasion can be reduced

ÖAMTC: Exposure to tire abrasion can be reduced

“According to a current EU study, around 500,000 tons of tire wear are produced across Europe every year,” says ÖAMTC technician Steffan Kerbl. Reason enough for ADAC and ÖAMTC to take a look at how much tire wear occurs with common summer, winter and all-season tires. To do this, the mobility clubs compared the tire tests from previous years and evaluated the results of the tire wear measurements. “On average, tire wear on a vehicle is just under 120 grams per 1,000 kilometers,” is Kerbl’s conclusion. In total, the wear data from almost 100 models of different tire dimensions were evaluated.

“It is striking that in every tire dimension there are models with little tire wear that still have safe driving characteristics,” says the ÖAMTC technician. The Michelin brand stands out particularly positively in this regard. “The Michelin models impress in almost all dimensions with very low tire wear of just 90 g/1,000 kilometers on average,” explains the tire expert. “At the same time, these tires also perform well in the safety-relevant criteria.” The best example in this regard is the “Cross Climate+” in the tire size 185/65 R15, which is suitable for small cars. Here the testers found abrasion of just 58 g/1,000 kilometers.

At the lower end of the evaluation there are three premium manufacturers, Pirelli, Bridgestone and Continental, who clearly have some catching up to do when it comes to tire wear. “Pirelli, together with Nokian, takes last place with an average of 134 g/1,000 kilometers,” Kerbl quotes from the final report. Among the individual models, the “Blizzak LM005” from Bridgestone in the dimension 195/65 R15 for compact vehicles and vans performs particularly poorly. This tire produces 171 grams of abrasion per 1,000 kilometers, which ends up in the environment unfiltered.

Sports tires with a particularly high level of abrasion

Thanks to modern tire technology, it is now possible to largely resolve the supposed conflict between low abrasion and safe driving characteristics. This is different with particularly sporty tires. In the summer tire size 225/40 R18, above-average tire wear of up to 160 grams was found in all models examined. “The benefit of these tires is doubtful, however, because they generally perform well on dry roads,” explains the ÖAMTC technician. “But when it’s wet, you have to accept enormous disadvantages.” The trend towards ever larger and sportier tire dimensions is anything but sensible from a sustainability perspective. Also considering that these sporty tires hardly provide any additional safety in everyday traffic. “Some tire manufacturers should therefore urgently rethink and place greater emphasis on the sustainability of tires,” demands the mobility club expert.

The ÖAMTC advises frequent drivers in particular to buy tires with little wear. “This is not only cheaper, but also protects the environment,” explains Kerbl. “By regularly checking the tire pressure and checking the axle settings in a specialist workshop and using a consistent, proactive driving style, consumers can also help to keep tire wear as low as possible.”