Safety on wet roads, extreme durability, measurable reductions in fuel consumption – modern tires need to meet very high standards. LANXESS works closely with tire manufacturers on the optimization of tire materials and attributes.

Every liter of gasoline that can be saved while driving reduces the burden on the climate and helps conserve natural resources. According to Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority, motor vehicles in Germany consumed an average of 7.3 liters of gasoline or 6.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers in 2006. Average emissions were 172.5 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The European Commission has set the goal of implementing an average maximum emission level of 120 grams of CO2 per kilometer by 2012.

Skid resistance, wear resistance, and rolling resistance form the “magic triad” of tire quality. The LANXESS Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Business Unit develops intelligent solutions for all three, whereby the chain of innovation begins with the design of new and improved rubber materials.

LANXESS’ high-vinyl solution SBR rubber materials for tire treads meet the requirements of automakers and the demands of motorists. Their use substantially reduces rolling resistance, which lowers fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions.

Tires account for approximately one-fifth of a vehicle’s total fuel consumption, so drivers should pay close attention to optimized rolling resistance when buying tires. Periodic tire pressure checks also pay off, as experts believe German drivers waste €1 billion on fuel each year driving on tires with insufficient pressure. The reason is simple: insufficient pressure increases rolling resistance and thus fuel consumption.

Driving habits also affect fuel consumption. Under-revving the engine, for example, can reduce consumption by as much as 30 percent, which means drivers should shift up to the next gear quickly and avoid high engine speeds. Fast driving hurts fuel economy as well. A car traveling at 160 km/h, for example, consumes about 45 percent more fuel than one moving at 120 km/h.

Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) is part of the Performancesegment at LANXESS. LANXESS has nearly 100 years of experience in the development and production of rubber and rubber chemicals. The company supplies its customers with numerous high-quality products that are continually being supplemented by new developments.