Car tires were not originally black. Since natural rubber is white, the first tires in human history were actually white.
In addition to black and white, over a hundred years ago, tires in colors like pink and rainbow were also designed by engineers, and the finished products were quite satisfactory.
But why are tires black today?
It is said that the earliest tire designs, made from pure natural rubber, lacked many important properties, such as wear resistance, heat resistance, and traction. However, after researchers began mixing in other materials, like carbon black, they discovered that the tire's lifespan increased by 4 to 5 times. This was a huge improvement for passenger cars.
Furthermore, to ensure the rubber bonded more tightly and the tires became stronger, carbon black became one of the essential materials used in tire production. Since carbon black is black in color, tires naturally turned black as well.
Additionally, studies have shown that rolling tires in colors like pink or rainbow are more eye-catching, which could pose a danger to pedestrians or drivers on the road.
Of course, black tires also have a clear advantage: they match well with any car color, making them a versatile choice.
