Tyre stuff we bet you didn’t know

There are more than one billion tyres manufactured each year.

There are over 450 tyre factories in the world.

Bibendum the well rounded Michelin man started his ‘career’ as a cyclist and is now one of the world’s top ten most recognised logos.

Aircraft tyres are usually inflated with the inert gas nitrogen and have safety valves that release pressure when over-heated on landing improving safety for passengers and ground crew. The valves reinflate the tyres to the correct pressure when cool.

Very fast trains (VFT) often have a high density metal ‘tyre’ on the wheels designed to reduce noise.

The rubber you leave on the road oxidises into the atmosphere.

Having the correct tyre pressure is a ‘green’ thing to do. It will reduce fuel consumption and therefore exhaust emission, and reduces wear which means the world has less tyres to throw away.

Most of the world’s throw away tyres are recycled. This includes for making safety mats for community and school playgrounds.

Pirelli calendars were launched in 1964 and have featured such glamorous names as Cindy Crawford, Daryl Hannah, Penelope Cruz, Hilary Swank, Kate Moss and Sophia Loren at the tender age of just 72.