What are tyres made of?
What goes into a modern tyre
A modern car tyre is a complex engineered product made from multiple materials, each serving a specific purpose.
Key materials
- Natural and synthetic rubber — The main component of the tread and sidewall, providing grip and flexibility
- Carbon black — Added to the rubber for strength, durability, UV resistance and heat dissipation
- Steel belts — Layers of steel wire that provide structural rigidity and help the tyre maintain its shape
- Fabric cords — Made from polyester, nylon or rayon, these reinforce the tyre body and help it resist internal pressure
- Silica — Improves wet grip and reduces rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency
- Chemical compounds — Various additives for UV resistance, flexibility, heat tolerance and anti-ageing properties
Why premium tyres cost more
Premium tyres use more advanced rubber compounds, higher-quality raw materials, and more sophisticated manufacturing processes. This is a key reason why they deliver better grip, longer life and lower noise compared to budget alternatives.
