tires

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Tree-Fiber Tires Give Better MPGs

August 5, 2009 in MPG, New Tech, emissions by kristen | No comments

Researchers are Oregon State University (go Beavers!) have found that microcrystalline cellulose, which is made from plant fibers, could be used to reinforce rubber tires instead of silica or carbon black, which just sounds nasty.

Cellulose fiber has been used in other rubbery bits, like belts and hoses, before. Using it in tires reduced the cost of production and the rolling resistance. Lower rolling resistance makes for better fuel economy. The cellulose also upped the tires’ grippiness on wet roads, which is great for safety, especially here in Oregon. Silica, for its part, is a high-energy product to process, and carbon black is made from oil.

The only issue now is the durability of the cellulose-reinforced tires. No company has jumped on the cellulose bandwagon yet, but Yokohama’s dB Super E-spec high-performance passenger tires use orange oil, and Michelin’s Energy Saver tires promise increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Cars Are the World’s Most Recycled Product

June 17, 2009 in Consumer News by kristen | No comments

So say the geniuses over at Popular Science, anyway, and who am I to disagree? Each year, more than 95% of the 10 million vehicles headed for the parking garage in the sky end up being recycled. Of those cars, 75% of the parts are recycled. Thus, the crown for world’s most recycled product.

Here’s how PopSci breaks it down:

  • 65% of the average vehicle is metal, like steel, iron, or copper, which can be used in construction
  • 90% of all lead-acid batteries are recycled
  • 86% of rubber tires are used to make pavement or fuel paper mills
  • 380 million gallons of oil are refined and reused

Better Fuel Economy … from a Tire

June 16, 2009 in Consumer News, MPG, New Tech by kristen | No comments

Michelin has announced its new tire, the Energy Saver A/S, calling it “the most fuel-efficient tire on the road.” It promises up to 8% better fuel economy and reduced carbon dioxide emissions for any car that uses the tire, plus Michelin says its even offers better braking capabilities than other tires.

Here’s the Energy Saver’s claims to fame:

  • New construction and tread rubber keep the tire cooler, delivering the 8% increase in mpgs
  • Stops 8 feet shorter than similar tires
  • Longer tread life means fewer tires get tossed in the garbage
  • Available for conventional and hybrid cars

The tires are in the $140-$150 range per tire, depending on the size required for your car. Definitely not cheap, but if you can swing it, they may save on gas in the long run in addition to helping reduce CO2 emissions.

Get the Lead Out: Using Steel Weights to Balance Tires

November 21, 2008 in Biz News, Consumer News by kristen | No comments

If you live in the western United States, you know Les Schwab Tire Centers. They’re everywhere. And, thanks to the eco-consciousness of the states were Les Schwab does business, the company is phasing out the lead weights used to balance tires and substituting steel.

Two years ago, Les Schwab started working with suppliers to get the toxic lead weights out of the tires used on passenger vehicles and light trucks. The tires with lead weights will be used first, but the company expects to be fully stocked with steel-weight tires by the middle of 2009. Les Schwab has more than 400 locations in seven western states, so a change there can have an impact on the industry and the environment.

In addition to the steel weights, Les Schwab is a major tire retreader and recycler, as well as one of Oregon Business magazines “Best Places to Work.”