The public debate on emissions caused by tires mainly focuses on TRWP. However, these particles cover only part of the observations and measurements. Various authors have described mechanisms like the release of nanoparticles, lubricating film on the road and a boundary layer on the tire in contact with the road as tire wear emissions. The most important outcome of this broader perspective is that a portion of the emitted tire material remains on the road for a longer timeframe. During this time, the finely dispersed material is exposed to oxygen and UV radiation which can induce chemical degradation processes.

• Observations and emission pathways relevant to tire-road contact and consequently to tire abrasion
• The link between observations raises new questions about abrasion mechanisms beyond fracture mechanics explanations
• Implications for decomposition of the abraded tire material on the road and the emission pathway