- 1. Did you know Lego are the biggest tyre manufacturers in the world! Producing over 306 million tyres annually they far out produce all the major car tyre manufacturers.
- 2. For the first 25 years of the car, all tyres were white. Zinc oxide was added to the rubber for strength, but had a side effect of making the tyres bright white! Tyres are now black because Carbon Black is added, not just for the colour but also because the tyre lasts 4 to 5 times longer!
- 3. The world’s largest tyre is on display in Bladenboro, NC it measures 59/80R63.
- 4. In 1961, Goodyear played around with the idea of an illuminated tyre. They were lit from the inside by glass incandescent bulbs. These tyres never left the show circuit.
- 5. Run flat (or self-supporting) tyres are specially designed to keep working even after they suffer a puncture. A thicker sidewall supports the vehicle’s weight for up to 100 miles.
- 6. A Space Shuttle’s wheels are approximately the same size as those found on an artic lorry. However, one Space Shuttle tyre can support up to 142,000 pounds, & is rated for up to 259mph!
- 7. Cars built in the early days were fitted with “artillery wheels” that had the tyre bolted to the wheel itself. Imagine the craic involved in changing one of them!
- 8. So where did the word for tyre originate? Spelt tire in the States, it is believed this word can be traced back to its origins in the 15th century. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests that the word derives from attire, as the tyre was considered to be ‘clothing’ on the wheel itself, while there are other sources that suggest a connection with the verb to tie. Sooner or Later you’ll use Tyreland! Tyreland have 6 Tyre Depots located around Dublin City and Meath and offer the most competitive deals on cheap tyres in Dublin. Our industry experts are always available for advice and love to help people out. Contact us today.
Fun Tyre Facts
