Though we don’t often notice them, tires make up a significant impact on our modern lives. After all, without when, we wouldn’t be able to drive.
However, sadly, many people do not know how to properly care for tires. For this reason, many road-side accidents are caused by tire problems. Keep reading for some of the most interesting statistics I found!
23 Tire Statistics, Facts & Trends
1. LEGO is the World’s Largest Tire Manufacturer
Lego is technically the world’s largest manufacturer of tires, producing about 320 million tires per year. Statistically, that puts them at 50% higher than any other tire company in the world.
However, these miniature tires are probably not what you’re looking for.
2. 7 Tire Punctures Occur Ever Second
Every seven seconds, there is a tire puncture in the United States. As you might expect, this covers much of the tire failures people experience on the road.
In total, this statistic adds up to about 220 million flat tires per year in the United States alone. Of course, if you add in other countries, that statistic would be far higher.
3. The Average Person Will Experience 5 Flat Tires
Across your whole lifetime, you will experience about 5 flat tires. Of course, there are a lot of different factors that go into this. If you drive more, you’ll likely experience more flat tires.
If you don’t even own a car, you’ll probably experience less.
Either way, you’re practically guaranteed to experience at least one flat tire in your lifetime.
4. Tires Last for About 6 Years
As a rule, a tire has a lifespan of about six years. However, this isn’t accounting for the amount of wear and tear the tire experiences.
In fact, most people will need to replace their tire before it actually reaches that six-year mark.
With that said, if you haven’t replaced your tires by the time they are six years old, then you should do so – no matter how worn they are.
5. 27% of All Roadside Emergencies are Tire Related
This statistic doesn’t include mechanical failures, such as engine problems. Therefore, it isn’t completely accurate. However, it does give you an idea of just how often tires stop working.
As you might expect, people have been carrying spares for decades to counteract this problem.
6. Most Vehicle Manufacturers Don’t Make Tires
Since tires are such an important part of a car, you’d think that car makers would make tires as well. However, this isn’t typically the case. Statistically, very few car makers also make tires.
Therefore, they have to rely on OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to supply wheels for their company.
7. Continental Tires is the Most Popular Brand in Europe
Out of all the cars in Europe, about 30% of them come with Continental tires. That is substantially more than any other brand, though the company itself is only the fourth largest in the world.
Actually, Continental tires didn’t even start as a tire company. Originally, they made rubber.
8. BMW Mostly Uses Run-Flat Tires
Most BMW tires are outfitted with run-flat tires. As the name suggests, these tires continue to run after they have been punctured.
Based on our statistics on tire punctures, this can cut back on accidents and roadside stops substantially.
In all likelihood, other companies will soon start to follow suit.
9. Space Shuttle Tires are the Most Expensive
Out of all tires made, space shuttle tires are currently the most expensive. They cost over $5,000 each.
Partially, this is because they are extremely large. However, they are also filled with nitrogen, which also adds to the extremely high expense.
10. Only 42.2% of Americans Can Change a Flat Tire
According to a survey done by CheapCarInsurance.net, only about 42% of Americans know how to change a flat tire.
That leaves about 58% not knowing how to change a tire.
However, this 42% only covers those that were confident in changing a flat tire. On the other hand, another 17% were somewhat confident.
11. 21.8% are Clueless about Changing a Flat Tire
Based on the same survey, 21.8% of Americans are completely clueless about how to change a flat tire.
As you can see, most Americans are somewhere in the middle. They aren’t completely confident, but they aren’t completely clueless either.
12. 44% of People Can’t Examine Tire Tread Depth
When it comes to changing tires, tire tread depth is essential. However, only about 44% of people know how to examine tire tread depth accurately.
13. 32% Don’t Know How to Check Tire Pressure
In the same vein, 32% don’t know how to check their tire pressure. When it comes to vehicle maintenance, we can all agree that tire pressure is an essential parameter.
14. There Were 612 Tire-Related Fatalities in 2019
According to the NHTSA, approximately 612 people died in crashes caused by tire problems. In many cases, these deaths are completely preventable with the right maintenance.
15. Proper Tire Inflation Can Save As Much As 11 Cents Per Gallon
Ensuring that your tires are properly inflated can save you tons of money. In fact, it may save you as much as 11 cents per gallon.
Plus, you’ll also prevent accidents.
16. Only 19% Of Drivers Properly Inflate Their Tires
Though it is essential, very few drivers actually inflate their tires properly. For this reason, many drivers are wasting fuel and potentially causing accidents.
17. Proper Tire Maintenance Can Extend Your Tire’s Lifespan
If your tires are properly inflated, rotate, balanced, and aligned, you could potentially extend your tire’s lifespan by as much as 4,700 miles.
18. Four out of Five People Are Wasting Their Money on Tires
By not properly inflating, rotating, and balancing their tires, about four out of five people are wasting money in some way.
This includes extra gas and more frequent tire changes.
19. Driving Slowly Helps You Extend the Life of Run-Flat Tires
If you drive under 50 mph, you can extend the life of a punctured run-flat tire up to about 100 miles.
On the other hand, if you drive over 50 mph, they are only designed to go about another 50 miles.
20. 250 Millon Tires are Thrown Away Each Year
About 250 million tires are thrown away each year. To combat this waste problem, you can consider recycling your used tires.
21. The Modern Tire Contains About 200 Materials
Today, tires aren’t just made of rubber. Instead, they contain a wide variety of materials, including Kevlar and steel.
As you can see, more goes into making tires than just rubber.
22. Tire Blowouts Cause 78,000 Crashes Per Year
Sadly, most of these blowouts are avoidable with the proper maintenance. For instance, underinflation can cause blowouts.
23. Most Recycled Tires Are Not Turned Back Into Tires
Instead, they are turned into things like mulch and playground surfaces.
If you are looking to learn more, you can also read our posts on how long do performance tires last, if you can sell used tires, and what to do if your tires blows out. Also, you can view our blog roll for more automotive posts.
Conclusion
If you take away anything from these statistics, it should be to properly care for and maintain your tires.
Sadly, many people do not properly inflate, align, or balance their tires. Without this maintenance, the chance of a blowout is considerably increased.
In fact, many accidents and fatalities could be avoided with proper tire maintenance.