Why are tires black? The interesting history
Have you ever wondered why are tires black? It’s a common question, and having been asked this question many times by customers, the answer is actually pretty simple.
The main reason why tires are black is because it helps them to resist fading and wearing out in the sun.
This is just one of the reasons that tires are colored black. In this article, we will discuss some of the other reasons why tires are black and how it impacts their performance.
Why are tires black?
There are a couples reasons why tires are black. The main reason is because tires which are black are more durable and are more resistant to fading and wearing out in the sun.
Another common reason is that black tires absorb heat better than other colors. This can be helpful in cold weather as the tire will warm up faster, providing better traction on icy or snow-covered roads.
Tires are mainly made of rubber which is naturally white. To make tires black, they are first coated in a layer of carbon black. This is a compound made up of small particles that are created by the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products.
The carbon black helps prolong the life of the tire by protecting the rubber from UV radiation and ozone degradation, which can cause the rubber to crack and crumble.
How to care for your black tires
Now that you know a little more about why black tires are the way they are, you can take steps to extend their lifespan and keep them looking good. Here are a few tips:
- Wash your tires regularly with soap and water to remove any build-up of dirt or road grime.
- Use a tire protectant to help seal the pores in the rubber and prevent fading and cracking.
- Avoid driving on excessively hot days as the heat can cause the tire to deteriorate faster.
- Check your tires regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your black tires looking good as new for longer.
The history of the black tire
Rubber tires have been around for over 100 years and when first made were originally white. This is because they were made using only natural rubber which is a white material. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that tires began to be coated in carbon black to make them black.
Black tires vs other colors
While black is the most common color for tires, they can also be found in other colors such as white, blue, and red. However, these colored tires are not as common because they do not have the same level of UV protection and heat resistance as black tires.
Other reasons why tires are black
Carbon black works as a reinforcing filler in rubber, increasing the durability and strength. It also absorbs light, which helps to hide any imperfections in the tire.
There are other reasons to the question “why are tires black” that have nothing to do with fading or wearing out. For example, black tires provide better traction on wet roads because they absorb water better than other colors. Thanks to the process of vulcanisation, they are also much more durable.
Caring for your tires
There are a number of ways you can care for your tires to ensure they last as long as possible. If your tires begin to look lighter in colour, then this may be a sign that they need cleaning or are beginning to suffer from dry rot.
Caring for your tires is essential for ensuring their longevity, performance, and overall safety. New tires will always be a deep shiny black colour. Here are some important tips on how to care for your tires:
- Regularly Check your Tire Pressures
- Inspect Tread Depth to ensure they aren’t too low
- Rotate your Tires once a year
- Maintain Wheel Alignment
- Keep your tires clean
- Store Tires Properly and out of the sun
- Avoid Overloading your vehicle
- Practice Safe Driving techniques
- Regular Tire Inspections with yearly service
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the simple reason as to why are tires black. While there are other reasons why they are commonly colored this way, the main one is to resist fading and wearing out in the sun. By following a few simple tips, you can help keep your black tires looking good for longer.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it informative. If you have any questions then please leave a comment below or get in touch via email or through social media and we will read and respond to every comment, email or question. Thanks for reading!
