Carbon black is a byproduct of the combustion of various petroleum products and is a critical ingredient in the manufacture of tires. Anything that can be done to improve the durability of a tire is incredibly important. After all, your tires are the only thing connecting your car to the ground. Your tires affect handling, acceleration, braking, and your ride comfort during your drive.
Chemical engineers have found that a tire made without carbon black would likely last 5000 miles or less. (Spectroscopy of Polymers, pg. 420, J.L. Koenig) For most drivers, that would mean replacing tires one to two times every year.
Carbon black also helps conduct heat away from the tread and belt area of the tire, reducing thermal damage and increasing tire life.#fossilfueled