Würzburg, May 08, 2008
Tires cause up to five percent of particulate matter in the air, up to 25 percent of fuel consumption and even up to 90 percent of driving noise. These figures show that the tire industry must also develop its products in line with environmental protection criteria. It is no longer just pure performance that counts. In its current issue 19, the trade journal "kfz-betrieb" reports on the risks of tire abrasion and the problems it causes.
Modern tires manage the balancing act between reliable grip in the wet, low rolling resistance and high mileage. The know-how advantage of the large, traditional tire brands in this area is clear and not easy to catch up with. Container goods with unknown names on the sidewall, which are also available for less than 20 euros, hardly deliver the same performance as a more expensive branded product.
Environment: From 2010, tire production in Europe will have to do without so-called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These were previously used as plasticizers in the rubber compound and are considered carcinogenic. Many major tire brands are already doing without these chemicals.
But what about imported goods? Some cheap tires achieve good rolling resistance or mileage values, but pay for this with braking distances that can be 20 meters longer in the wet than those of more expensive competitors. Better driving safety and more environmental protection should therefore be worth the extra price for the branded goods. Competent information on tire technology can be obtained from master car mechanics.
"kfz-betrieb" is a trade magazine published by Vogel Auto Medien, Würzburg. The most widely read trade magazine in the automotive industry has been informing the automotive trade and service sector for 97 years. "kfz-betrieb" is the official organ of the German automotive trade (ZDK), the professional lobby for over 40,000 car dealerships and workshops. Daily news from the entire automotive industry can be found at www.kfz-betrieb.de and in the daily newsletter.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Jan Rosenow
Redaktion "kfz-betrieb"-Wochenjournal & Online
Ressort Service & Technik
Vogel Auto Medien GmbH & Co. KG
97064 Würzburg
Tel. 0931 418-2179
E-mail: jan_rosenow@vogel-automedien.de
