How Much Petroleum Is in Tires?

Practically all automobile tires contain some petroleum ingredients.

Automobile tires have always been made from rubber compounds. In the early years of the 20th century, natural rubber made from the latex sap of rubber trees was the major component. Later, artificial rubber made from petroleum products was developed.

Basic Components

The basic components from which tires are constructed include pigments, chemicals, more than 30 different kinds of rubber, cord fabrics and bead wire.

Manufacturing Process

The process of building tires begins with the mixing of basic rubbers with process oils, carbon black, pigments, antioxidants, accelerators and other additives. Tires are formed on machines and heated at over 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 25 minutes.

Petroleum Products Used

Petroleum products account for approximately 22 percent of the materials used in the average tire. This equates to between 5 and 10 gallons of petroleum products, usually crude oil, natural gas or other hydrocarbons.

References

• The New York Times: Recipe for Green Tires: Plants, Not Petroleum
• Virginia.gov: About Waste Tires
• Oregon State University: Tires Made from Trees --- Better, Cheaper, More Fuel Efficient
• International Carbon Black Association: What Is Carbon Black?

Resources

• Green Living Tips: Tires and the Environment