Why are tyres black?

Why tyres are always black

The black colour of tyres is a functional by-product, not a design choice.

The reason

Carbon black is added to the rubber compound during manufacturing. It serves several critical purposes:

• Significantly increases the tyre's durability and tensile strength
• Provides UV resistance, protecting the rubber from sun damage
• Improves heat dissipation, helping the tyre manage temperatures during driving
• Extends the overall lifespan of the tyre

Without carbon black, tyres would be a natural off-white colour but would degrade much faster in sunlight and wear out far sooner. The black colour is simply a result of the carbon black additive doing its job.