What helps against harmful tire dust?

Tire dust is a health risk that is often underestimated. To limit this risk, the EU introduced limits on this indicator for the first time as part of the Euro 7 standard. There are already tires on the market that emit fewer fine particles. But what actually helps against tire dust magazin de piese auto online.

What helps against harmful tire dust?

Invisible pests: The microparticles released when tires wear out are not visible to the naked eye. They are generated during acceleration, braking, cornering and driving on long straight sections. According to the Federal Institute for Road Research (BASt) in Germany, in 2021 the total amount of fine dust particles released by tires was between 60 and 70 thousand tons.

This means that tire particles account for about a third of all microplastics in the environment. Since about 2013, more fine particulate matter has been generated in Germany due to the wear of tires, brakes and road surfaces than from vehicle exhaust.

Tire particles enter the food chain

Particles made from synthetic rubber are less dangerous than solid particles because they are significantly larger. For this reason, when inhaled, they do not penetrate deep into the lungs.

However, like all microplastic particles, those from tires also enter the water cycle – and thus the food chain. Microplastics are thought to cause cancer, but scientists are not yet sure to what extent.

European Commission develops limit values for passenger cars

To reduce pollution emissions from tires, the EU has introduced limits on this indicator as part of the new Euro 7 emissions standard. The regulation must be adopted by the end of 2026 and will enter into force for passenger cars on July 1, 2028. The requirements for trucks will follow in 2030 or 2032, depending on the vehicle class. The phased implementation is intended to give the industry enough time to adapt to the new rules.

The amount of particulate matter is measured in milligrams per kilometer in relation to the vehicle's tonnage. In tests, the ADAC (German Automobile Club) found that a passenger car loses an average of about 1.2 grams of tire material per 100 kilometers driven. The heavier the car, the more particles are generated. Other factors that influence the formation of dust include torque, driving style, whether a trailer is attached, and whether you are driving on concrete roads or in the wet.

Low-wear tires are now available on the market

The limit values have not yet been finalized. "We are currently trying to introduce international harmonization of wear measurement methods," a spokesman for the BASt (Federal Institute for Road Research) told the newspaper.

The European Commission is considering various options. A lower threshold would clearly have a direct impact on tire prices: if the standards are too strict, more than half of the tires currently on the market would not meet the requirements – and developing new ones would lead to higher prices and additional costs for drivers.

Low-wear tires are now available for purchase. According to ADAC, Michelin products achieved the best results in the tests. Tires from Continental, Goodyear and Hankook also performed very well.

However, there is currently no direct indication for buyers about tire wear. A corresponding label for this purpose will be developed by 2028 and will be placed on the tire sidewall – similar to the designations for winter tires or low-noise tires.

How to avoid high tire wear?

Tire wear can be reduced by defensive driving. Smooth acceleration, taking corners at a slower speed, and anticipating braking from a distance can significantly reduce the amount of fine particles emitted by tires.

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Invisible pests: The microparticles released when tires wear out are not visible to the naked eye

This means that tire particles account for about a third of all microplastics in the environment