Continental remains at the forefront of tyre wear reduction through advanced technologies, rigorous research, and active participation in industry initiatives

Recent analyses underscore the effectiveness of these efforts: a study by ADAC* of 160 products revealed that Continental tyres produce 11% less wear material than competing brands, demonstrating a tangible reduction in environmental impact.

A crucial aspect of this progress is Continental’s intensive research collaborations. Notably, the partnership with the Technical University of Braunschweig led to the development of an innovative analysis method using a custom vacuum device mounted behind a drive wheel. This apparatus, combined with sophisticated particle sensors, enables the precise detection of even the finest airborne particles not just behind the wheels, but at multiple vehicle locations.

This advancement was realised as part of the OLRAP research project (Online Analysis of Airborne Tyre Wear Particles at the Source and Differentiation from Other Sources), funded by the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony. Data obtained is immediately applied to product development, allowing for targeted optimisation of tyre design and rubber compounds without compromising safety or performance. As Dr. Matthias Haufe, Head of Materials Development and Industrialisation at Continental Tires, explains, detailed data on particle quantity, size, and structure enable more precise improvements, thus preparing Continental’s products for forthcoming regulations such as Euro 7, which will set tyre wear emission limits in the EU beginning in 2028.

OLRAP Research Project: Innovations in Online Tyre Wear Analysis

The OLRAP project yielded substantial insight into tyre wear characteristics under real-world conditions using a specially outfitted test vehicle. The vehicle employed a unique vacuum collection system behind a drive wheel to capture particles at the point of emission. This setup enabled researchers to differentiate between particles originating from tyres, road surfaces, or brakes. Additionally, custom-developed particle measuring instruments from the Technical University of Braunschweig were installed at several points, including directly behind the wheels, to gather time-specific and comprehensive data correlated with variables such as driving dynamics, surface conditions, and weather.

Using a newly developed multisampler device, the research team could collect samples associated with specific driving manoeuvres, facilitating laboratory analysis comparing particle generation during cornering versus straight-line driving.

Dr. Benjamin Oelze, Director of Tyre Wear Testing Development at Continental Tires, noted that the intricate experimental setup produced valuable datasets linking particle concentration to speed profiles and showing how increased longitudinal and lateral accelerations affect tyre wear. These insights inform further opportunities to optimise traffic flow and driving patterns to mitigate emissions and enhance sustainability.

Commitment to Reducing Tyre Wear without Compromising Safety

Continental’s longstanding commitment to tyre wear research is reflected in its leadership role within the Tyre Industry Project (TIP), which examines environmental impacts across the entire lifecycle of tyres. The company was also the sole tyre manufacturer involved in the RAU project, initiated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which led to the creation of a filtration system capable of capturing up to 97% of solid particles beneath storm drains.

While a tyre’s core function—transferring vehicle forces and ensuring safe grip through friction—necessarily causes some wear, studies indicate that factors such as driving style and road conditions have a threefold greater impact on tyre wear than design does. Although manufacturers cannot control external variables, Continental’s focus on product innovation has achieved measurable results; for example, the EcoContact 6 line delivers 30% less wear per kilometre and 20% higher mileage than its predecessor, providing environmental benefits while maintaining safety and performance standards.