Together, wheels and tyres bear the great responsibility of influencing the performance of a vehicle. When correctly matched, they can provide optimal grip on the asphalt, thus allowing the vehicle to have better traction and stability during acceleration, braking and cornering. But they can also have an impact on driving comfort thanks to adequate damping and a good shock-absorbing capacity. Not to mention the environment, on which so far tyres in particular have had a negative impact, both in the production phase in terms of emissions and materials used, and in the use phase in terms of CO2 emissions and residues dispersed in the environment, right up to the disposal. But don't worry, also in this case manufacturers are already working on new formulas to make them more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

“The choice of wheels and tyres – explained Marco Bracchi of Bracchi Ruote – must prioritise the safety of the truck, the driver and the environment. When purchasing, there are a number of factors to be taken into account, such as the type of vehicle on which the wheel is to be mounted and its function. For example, highly wearing conditions such as working in quarries and transporting excessively heavy loads require products that are perhaps more expensive but with higher yields, while commercial vehicles intended for driving on city roads can afford less performing but absolutely safe models for the type of trips they have to make.

With respect to tyres, Mattia Porzi of Mirage agreed and added: “Compared to the wheel, the tyre is more prone to wear and needs to be changed more often. Also in this case, the choice depends on the type of vehicle, its function, the type of road to be travelled, and the climatic conditions in which the work is carried out. We decided to market products that are less well-known but have a fair price-quality ratio and can guarantee the same durability of other brands. Because it is not true that tyres have to cost more to be efficient and safe”.

When making a choice, we shouldn’t underestimate the issue of product sustainability but also of its performance, which can influence fuel consumption and costs. As far as both wheels and tyres are concerned, there are already interesting proposals on the market: models produced using renewable energies, new materials, light and less polluting alloys that can improve performance while also increasing efficiency, as well as control and monitoring systems for the tyres that allow to extend their life by avoiding frequent changes.

“Manufacturers are studying the different possibilities and alternatives – underlined Bracchi – but beyond technical innovations, it is essential to work on a 'culture of sustainability' to make people understand how much our choices, whether big or small, can have an impact on the future of the planet. This is why events such as Transpotec Logitec can become strategic moments of training and information, thus helping everyone to better understand the message and move in the right direction”.