Tyre wear and microplastics: why Europe is going to limit their abrasion with Euro 7
When talking about car pollution, one immediately thinks of the exhaust pipe. However, another source of emissions is now attracting attention: tyre wear in contact with the road. With every kilometre travelled, the rubber gradually wears down and tiny particles can be released into the environment. The issue has become important enough to be included in the new European Euro 7 regulation.
And this evolution is happening rapidly: Euro 7 will begin to apply from 29 November 2026 for new types of cars and light commercial vehicles. But what will that actually change for motorists? And above all, can we already choose car tyres by taking their longevity more into account?
Summary
- The key takeaways
- What is tyre abrasion?
- Why is Euro 7 now looking at tyres?
- When do the new rules come into force?
- 4 tyres to discover on Pneus Online
- Why do some tyres wear out faster?
- Do electric cars wear out their tyres faster?
- Pressure and geometry: two essential parameters
- How to make your tyres last longer?
- Should tyres now be chosen based on their longevity?
- FAQ: tyre wear and Euro 7
The key takeaways
Tyres wear naturally when driving. Friction between the tread and the road surface leads to a gradual loss of material.
This wear depends on numerous parameters:
- the tyre type
- the vehicle weight
- tyre pressure
- driving style
- the road type
- the temperature
- wheel alignment
Therefore, a tyre offering good longevity presents a twofold benefit: space out its replacement and limit the amount of material lost over the kilometres.
2. What is tyre abrasion?
Tyre abrasion corresponds to the gradual loss of material caused by friction between the tyre and the road surface. This is the exact same phenomenon that explains why tread depth decreases over the kilometres.
The particles resulting from this wear are composed in particular of the various materials used in the manufacture of the tyre as well as particles coming from the road surface. The greater the abrasion, the faster the tyre loses material.
3. Why is Euro 7 now looking at tyres?
European Euro 7 regulations widen the issue of car emissions beyond the engine. Particles originating notably from braking and tyre wear are now taken into account. This is a significant development: up until now, Euro standards were mainly known by the general public for the limits imposed on emissions coming from internal combustion engines. With Euro 7, Europe is also focusing on so-called «non-exhaust» emissions, which include particles coming from tyres and brakes.
4. When will the new rules come into force?
The implementation of Euro 7 will be phased. Consequently, not all vehicle categories and tyres will be affected at the same time.
Cars and light commercial vehicles
The first important date for motorists is the 29 November 2026. From this date, Euro 7 will apply to new passenger car and light commercial vehicle types, corresponding to categories M1 and N1. For all new cars and new light commercial vehicles concerned, the application will then take effect from 29 November 2027.
Heavy goods vehicles, lorries and buses
The timetable is later for heavy vehicles.
Euro 7 will apply:
- from 29 May 2028 for the new types of buses, lorries and certain trailers
- from 29 May 2029 for the new vehicles in these categories
And what about the tyres themselves?
The specific timetable regarding tyre wear limits is separate from that of the vehicles.
For C1 category passenger car tyres:
- from 1st July 2028 the new C1 tyre types will have to comply with the new abrasion requirements
- from 1st July 2030 the requirements will be gradually rolled out to this category
5. Tyres to discover
To limit premature wear, the choice of tyre remains essential. Some recent models place a particular emphasis on the longevity, reduction of abrasion, energy efficiency and performance maintenance over time.
Michelin CrossClimate 3
The Michelin CrossClimate 3 is a premium all-season tyre designed to offer safety and longevity all year round. Michelin places particular emphasis on the lifespan of its tread, whilst maintaining performance over time. Its energy efficiency is also optimised for internal combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles.
Continental AllSeasonContact 2
The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 is particularly interesting in the context of tyre wear. Its design aims to reduce friction and abrasion, to improve mileage and extend tyre life. It combines this efficiency with versatile year-round use.
Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance 2
The Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance 2 is a summer tyre that is particularly appealing for drivers looking for longevity, safety and efficacy.
Bridgestone Turanza 6
The Bridgestone Turanza 6 complete this selection with an excellent compromise between mileage, fuel efficiency and wet grip. It is designed to meet the needs of internal combustion engine, hybrid and electric vehicles.
6. Why do some tyres wear out faster?
Two motorists using the exact same tyre model can experience very different lifespans. Why? Because wear depends heavily on usage.
Harsh acceleration and braking
Dynamic driving places a greater demand on the tread. Hard acceleration, repeated braking and fast cornering can increase wear.
Urban journeys
Contrary to what one might think, driving little does not always mean wearing out your tyres little. Urban journeys multiply starts, braking, changes of direction and manoeuvres.
The road temperature
When the road becomes very hot, the tyre rubber is subjected to greater stress. Choosing suitable tyres therefore remains important for driving when temperatures rise.
7. Do electric cars wear out their tyres more quickly?
It is an increasingly frequent question with the development of the electric vehicle fleet.
Electric vehicles have certain characteristics that are likely to influence wear:
- a weight sometimes greater due to the battery
- a couple available immediately
- significant rolling resistance requirements
- increased focus on rolling noise
This does not mean that an electric vehicle will systematically wear out its tyres much faster. Driving style, pressure, alignment and, above all, the choice of a suitable tyre play a decisive role.
8. Pressure and geometry: two essential parameters
Even before looking for the tyre offering the best longevity, two simple checks can prevent premature wear.
Pressure
Incorrect pressure changes the way the tyre sits on the road.
Under-inflation or over-inflation can cause irregular wear and alter vehicle handling. Remember to check your tyre pressure regularly your tyre pressure, preferably cold.
Geometry
Incorrect wheel alignment can cause very rapid wear on one part of the tread. A tyre that is heavily worn on one side while the rest of the tread pattern still appears to be in good condition should therefore catch your attention.
9. Comment faire durer ses pneus plus longtemps ?
Il n’existe pas de kilométrage universel valable pour tous les pneus et tous les automobilistes. Quelques habitudes peuvent toutefois permettre de limiter une usure prématurée :
- contrôler régulièrement la pression
- éviter les accélérations et freinages inutilement brusques
- faire contrôler la géométrie en cas d’usure irrégulière
- surveiller régulièrement la bande de roulement
- choisir un pneu réellement adapté au véhicule
La longévité commence donc autant par le choix du pneu que par la façon dont il est utilisé.
10. Faut-il désormais choisir un pneu selon sa longévité ?
La durée de vie mérite clairement de faire partie des critères d’achat. Un pneumatique moins cher à l’achat mais remplacé beaucoup plus rapidement n’est pas nécessairement le choix le plus économique.
Il peut être plus pertinent de raisonner en cost per kilometre plutôt qu’en prix d’achat seul.
Mais la longévité ne doit jamais faire oublier les autres critères essentiels :
- adhérence sur chaussée mouillée
- Braking
- road holding
- rolling resistance
- niveau sonore
Pour aller plus loin, vous pouvez comparer les modèles présents dans notre Top all-season tyres ainsi que dans nos top summer tyres.
11. FAQ : usure des pneus et Euro 7
Quand Euro 7 entre-t-elle en application pour les voitures ?
Euro 7 commencera à s’appliquer le 29 novembre 2026 pour les nouveaux types de voitures et d’utilitaires légers. Pour l’ensemble des nouveaux véhicules de ces catégories, la date prévue est le 29 novembre 2027.
Et pour les camions et les autobus ?
Les nouveaux types de véhicules lourds seront concernés à partir du 29 May 2028. Pour les nouveaux véhicules de ces catégories, l’application est prévue à partir du 29 May 2029.
Euro 7 va-t-il interdire certains pneus ?
La réglementation prévoit progressivement des limites d’abrasion que les nouveaux modèles de pneumatiques devront respecter. Il ne s’agit donc pas d’interdire brutalement les pneus actuellement montés sur les voitures.
Quand les règles sur l’abrasion des pneus entreront-elles en vigueur ?
Pour les nouveaux types de pneus tourisme de catégorie C1, les exigences sont prévues à partir du 1st July 2028.
Un pneu qui dure longtemps est-il forcément meilleur ?
Non. La longévité est un critère important, mais elle doit être mise en balance avec l’adhérence, le freinage, le confort et les autres performances du pneumatique.
Pourquoi mes pneus s’usent-ils très vite ?
Une usure rapide peut avoir de nombreuses causes : pression incorrecte, géométrie, conduite dynamique, poids du véhicule, chaussées abrasives ou encore choix d’un pneumatique peu adapté à votre utilisation.
How do I know if my tyres are worn out?
Contrôlez régulièrement la profondeur des sculptures et les témoins d’usure présents dans les rainures du pneumatique. Vérifiez également que l’usure est homogène sur toute la largeur de la bande de roulement.
Les pneus pour voitures électriques sont-ils différents ?
Certaines gammes sont spécifiquement développées pour répondre aux caractéristiques des voitures électriques : poids, couple, bruit de roulement ou recherche d’une faible résistance au roulement.
Conclusion
Avec Euro 7, l’usure des pneus devient un véritable enjeu réglementaire.
Et le changement approche : dès le 29 November 2026, les nouveaux types de voitures et d’utilitaires légers commenceront à être soumis à Euro 7. La question ne sera donc plus seulement de savoir si un pneu freine bien, consomme peu ou reste silencieux : la quantité de matière qu’il perd au fil des kilomètres prendra elle aussi de l’importance.
Pour l’automobiliste, cette évolution remet surtout en avant un critère très concret : la durée de vie réelle du pneumatique.
Choisir un modèle adapté, contrôler régulièrement sa pression et surveiller son usure permettent à la fois de préserver ses performances et d’espacer son remplacement. Avant votre prochain achat, comparez donc les performances mais également la longévité des différents modèles.
Find all our pneus disponibles sur notre site et choisissez la référence adaptée à votre véhicule et à votre utilisation.
