Is the Smell of Tires Harmful to Health?

[DeElliana]

Harmful. The odor emitted by rubber tires primarily consists of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are detrimental to health. During braking, the friction between tires and the road surface generates wear, releasing suspended particulate matter into the air that can also pose health risks. Additionally, as tires heat up from friction with the road, the gases produced under these conditions are harmful when inhaled. Extended Information: Pay attention to proper tire usage while driving: 1. Avoid unnecessary braking: Maintain a safe distance at high speeds to prevent unnecessary or frequent braking, reducing tire wear. For safety, monitor tread depth—worn tires with reduced friction lead to longer braking distances and should not be used at high speeds. 2. Load: Tire load and pressure are directly correlated. Overloading mimics low pressure, causing damage. Consistent overloading shortens tire lifespan by 20%-50%. Improper loading can also create uneven weight distribution, accelerating wear on specific tires. 3. Maintain standard pressure: Pressure is critical to tire longevity. Inflation must meet national standards for the tire type and size. Regularly check pressure—both overinflation and underinflation cause irregular wear, tread cracking, cord breakage, ply separation, or blowouts. For prolonged high-speed driving, increase pressure by 5%-10% above standard. Note that tire pressure rises with temperature post-driving; never deflate in this state.