The Ozone layer is all around us, and without it there would be no life as we know it on earth.  In recent years mankind has become increasingly aware of the effects of damage to the ozone layer – such as global warming, flash flooding and a few other unwelcome phenomena.

Research, costing millions of pounds, is continuing on a global basis to attempt to minimise the negative effects of damages to the ozone layer, bringing some minimal success.

At the grass root level, what is known is that Ozone (O₃) is detrimental to tyres and will lead to them cracking as time progresses. The good news is that must of the world’s leading   tyre manufacturers mitigate have developed process that will extend a tyre’s life through the incorporation of special additives during the production process.

In addition, car owners are becoming increasingly aware that effective tyre maintenance will play a considerable effect in reducing the impact of ozone-related damage.

It is inevitable that car tyres will encounter will come into contact with ozone present in the atmosphere, which can result in ozone cracking and contribute to premature aging.

To overcome the problem, tyre manufacturers have begun to integrate specific chemicals known as antiozonants into the rubber.  During the production process the antiozonants move to the surface of the rubber, creating a protective layer effectively safeguarding against ozone damage. While tyres are in use, this migration is accelerated; however, prolonged inactivity can result in quicker surface deterioration.

During the average life of a car tyre, ozone will interact with the double bonds in the rubber’s molecular structure, leading firstly to brittleness and later cracks resulting, particularly in areas experiencing stress, in particular on the sidewalls and tread grooves.

Antiozonants can fall into a number of categories:

Paraphenylenediamines (PPDs) are the most widely utilised type as they are known to proactively engage with ozone preventing the risk of damage to the rubber.  While PPDs can be long acting it is recommended that the car owner take steps to ensure ongoing protection as they transition to the tyre surface.

Another form of antiozonants come in a wax form, creating a protective layer on the tyre surface.

Waxing is more effective when the vehicle in question is regular motion as the waxes migrate to the surface.

 Less effective for tyres on vehicles held in storage, as the wax will deteriorate with time.

There is also the option of applying specific resins and oils containing antiozonants, that are also known to improve flexibility and minimise the impact of oxidation and ozone cracking.

In all of its formats, antiozonants engage with ozone rather than the rubber, inhibiting crack formation.

Inevitably the outer layer of the tyre will wear away, although through time additional antiozonants will rise to the tyre’s surface, providing ongoing protection.

On the downside there can be a number of negative side effects with Antiozonants, with some of its certain components, especially 6PPD, which have the potential to break down into harmful byproducts. Byproducts that are known to impact the environment, raising concerns regarding pollution.

It also has to be considered that the effectiveness and life span of tyres is influenced by their usage—tyres that remain unused for extended periods are known to experience faster crack development due to the lack of replenishment of the protective layer.

Conclusion: Antiozonants play a crucial role in enhancing tyre longevity by preventing damage caused by ozone and thereby extending their overall performance. Proper tyre care, including regular use and avoiding prolonged exposure to ozone sources, is essential for maintaining tyre health.

There is nothing more inevitable that tyres will wear out through time. but there are a lot of steps that a responsible car owner can take to avoid prolonged ozone exposure.

These include

If possible, make sure to park in a garage or shaded area. If available use tire covers if the vehicle is being held in long-term storage.

Take time to check the tyres sidewalls regularly for signs of deterioration, especially looking our fine cracks especially near the bead and shoulder.

Avoid storing the vehicle of tyres adjacent to electric motors as some electric motors and welders are known to produce ozone in enclosed spaces.