Q&A: Making the case for minimum air-permeability standards in tires

ERJ: What is the current status of ExxonMobil’s efforts to have minimum air-retention properties made mandatory in various world regions?

JV: There is a lack of awareness at the regulatory level about the significant effect air retention can have on tire performance and of the wide variation in performance between tire brands.

Current testing for labelling is only done under optimal conditions to “pass” the test. The real world, of course, is not optimal conditions and consumers in general are not very good at maintaining their tires properly.

Trying to educate the consumer about the benefits of proper tire maintenance has not worked and cannot be relied upon.

It’s time for the industry and governments to make this a priority and add minimum air retention standards to the next generation of tire performance standards and regulations.

ERJ: What scope does ExxonMobil see for progress on the tire-labelling front going forward?

JV: To achieve real world benefits for the consumer, and to significantly improve the effectiveness of tire-labelling, minimum air retention performance standards need to be included.

ERJ: Any update on progress with General Motors and any other automakers in terms of requiring minimum air-retention properties in tires?

JV: Currently GM and FCA require a maximum air pressure loss rate of 2.5% per month. ExxonMobil is currently working with several OEMs and other stake-holders in the value chain to increase awareness and promote the implementation of air retention standards at the OE and regulatory level.

Awareness and transparency amongst consumers about the difference in tire air retention performance between brands, so they can make more informed decisions when purchasing replacement tires

Tires that maintain consistent performance over the life of the tire maximize consumer value and minimize fuel consumption and CO? emissions.

ERJ: Please share and comment on the results of ExxonMobil latest tire-testing programme at San Antonio, Texas.

JV: The initial testing conducted on ICE vehicles demonstrated that tires which retained recommended air pressure longer improved fuel economy by 2% and increased tire life by 8%.

Our latest testing, conducted with Chevy Bolt EVs, showed that tires with poor air retention performance decreased vehicle range by up to 7% and reduced tire life by 16%. These results demonstrated that, as the vehicle fleet moves toward a more electrified future, tire air retention will become even more important.

ERJ: How does ExxonMobil see the technology-landscape around air-retention in tires going forward?

In general, our customers are looking for drop-in solutions that work with their existing equipment and facilities. New film technologies require a different approach to tire building. Our focus is on developing next generation halobutyl products that can achieve a 15-20% improvement in air retention performance.

ERJ: In summary, so, what should happen next?

JV: ExxonMobil would recommended national air retention performance standards covering both OE and RE of 2% air pressure loss rate per month for ICE and

ERJ: Thank you.

*Jeffrey Valentage is global tire market development manager, Specialty Elastomers & Butyl (SE&B) at ExxonMobil Chemical Co.