Researchers found that potential decisions about tire emissions could be based on incomplete science.
A new series of scientific papers calls for stronger research and harmonised methods to measure and assess tire wear emissions. The series, “State of Knowledge: Tire Wear Emissions During the Use Phase,” analyzes more than 850 peer-reviewed papers published in the last 40 years. It reveals that the current knowledge base on tire wear emissions remains scattered, inconsistent, and inconclusive. Researchers said that’s due to varying approaches and assumptions.
Supported by the Tire Industry Project (TIP), the series consists of three papers. The first two cover the characterisation of tire wear emissions and their environmental impacts. A third paper, expected in late 2025, will focus on potential health impacts.
“The topic of tyre wear emissions is extremely complex, multi-dimensional, and unfortunately only partially understood,” said Dr. Stephan Wagner. “While notable progress has been made over the years in analysing such emissions, significant knowledge gaps and inconsistencies prevent a full understanding of their behaviour and impact. There is a growing concern that decisions about tyre emissions could be based on incomplete science.”
He added that resolving these challenges requires academia, industry, and policymakers to collaborate on shared research and models.
