Tyres and Microplastic Pollution
Tyres are a significant but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution. As tyres wear, tiny rubber particles — technically tyre and road wear particles (TRWP) — are deposited on road surfaces and washed into watercourses and the ocean. Studies suggest that tyre wear particles are one of the largest sources of microplastics in UK waterways, with tens of thousands of tonnes released annually across the country.
Choosing tyres with lower wear rates — typically the premium brands with advanced rubber compounds — directly reduces this microplastic output. A tyre that lasts 30,000 miles releases fewer particles per mile than one that lasts 18,000 miles. This is an often-overlooked environmental argument for premium tyres beyond their performance benefits.
Rolling Resistance and Fuel Economy
A tyre's rolling resistance — the energy lost to heat as the tyre deforms during rotation — directly affects your vehicle's fuel consumption and, for electric cars, its range. The EU tyre label's fuel efficiency rating (A to E) quantifies this. Moving from an E-rated to an A-rated tyre can improve fuel economy by 7–8%, cutting both running costs and CO2 emissions meaningfully over the life of a set of tyres.
For electric vehicle drivers, eco-rated tyres are particularly important. EV tyres must carry heavier vehicles (due to battery weight), handle high instant torque, and minimise rolling resistance to protect range. Brands like Michelin e.Primacy and Continental EcoContact EV are purpose-designed for these demands.
Tyre Disposal and the Circular Economy
In the UK, it is illegal to landfill tyres. End-of-life tyres are recycled into products including crumb rubber for playgrounds, sports surfaces, and construction materials. Slick Mobile Tyres disposes of all old tyres through licensed waste carriers, ensuring they enter the recycling stream responsibly. When you book with us, you don't need to worry about what happens to your old tyres — we handle everything.
- Premium tyres produce fewer microplastics per mile due to lower wear
- A-rated fuel efficiency tyres cut CO2 emissions by up to 8% vs E-rated
- EV-specific tyres reduce range loss and handle instant torque safely
- All our old tyre collections go to licensed recycling — never landfill