Continental Advances Tyre-Wear Particle Research with New Collection Technology
Continental is deepening its research into tyre-wear emissions with a vacuum-based, real-time particle collection system, developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Braunschweig.
The system mounts a specially adapted vacuum device behind a driven wheel, capturing wear particles directly as they’re generated. Sensors positioned around the wheel and chassis then measure airborne particles in real time, enabling Continental to distinguish between particles from tyres, brakes, and road surfaces.
This measurement method was developed as part of the OLRAP project, funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture. The resulting data, which includes particle quantity, size, and structure, gives Continental a clearer understanding of how different driving conditions (like high acceleration or cornering) influence tyre wear.
According to Dr. Matthias Haufe, head of Material Development at Continental Tyres, these insights help the company fine-tune rubber compounds and tread designs more precisely, balancing performance, safety, and environmental impact.
The research is also in preparation for upcoming regulations, especially Euro 7, which is expected to impose limits on tyre-wear emissions starting in 2028.
Continental’s internal studies and external benchmarking suggest its tyres generate 11% less wear material on average than competitors, a claim backed by data from independent tests.
Continental also emphasises that while some level of abrasion is inevitable (for grip and braking), their EcoContact tyre line already shows measurable improvements: up to 30% lower wear per kilometre and 20% higher mileage than its predecessor.
Editor’s View
Continental’s pivot to real-time tyre-wear particle measurement marks a watershed moment, not just for Continental, but for the tyre industry at large. Capturing particles as they’re generated under real driving conditions allows for a depth of insight that lab testing alone can’t provide.
With the Euro 7 emissions standard on the horizon, Continental’s data-driven approach could serve as a competitive differentiator. Lower particulate emissions not only benefit the environment but also support more refined compound design. For tyre makers, this could be the key to marrying performance with sustainability.
For tyre retailers and service centres, the implications are clear: future tyres could be optimised not just for grip or efficiency, but for emission impact as well. As regulation tightens, these insights could become table stakes, and companies that invest now may be best positioned for long-term market leadership.
