If you’re in the market for new tires, you might be wondering who makes the most tires in the world. The answer might surprise you. Who is the top-notcher when it comes to tire production?
Who Makes the Most Tires in the World?
Believe it or not, the world’s largest manufacturer of tires is not Michelin, Bridgestone, or even Goodyear. In fact, it’s LEGO. That’s right – the popular Danish toy company has been producing more tires than any other company in the world since 2011. The LEGO Group is a privately held company based in Billund, Denmark. The company is still owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family who founded it in 1932.
So how does a toy company end up making more tires than major tire manufacturers? It all started back in 1962 when LEGO began production of its now-iconic Minifigures. These minifigs required tires for their vehicles, so LEGO began producing plastic tires in mass quantities. And as LEGO’s popularity increased, so did the demand for its tires. In 2010, LEGO produced a staggering 381 million tires – enough to qualify for the Guinness World Record.
While LEGO’s tires are not meant for use on real vehicles, they are nonetheless an impressive feat of engineering. And who knows – maybe one day we’ll see LEGO tires rolling down highways and byways across the globe.
Are LEGO Tires Real Tires?
Ever wonder what those little black tires on LEGO cars are made of? It turns out, they’re made of a rubber compound similar to the tires on domestic cars. That’s according to Guinness World Records, which notes that LEGO produces a ton of toy cars and vehicles – and therefore, a ton of LEGO tires. While none of them will fit your car, bike, or motorcycle, it’s still interesting to know that the material is similar to what’s used on real-world vehicles.
What Are LEGO Tires Made Of?
Most people know that LEGO bricks are made of plastic, but did you know that there are actually several different types of plastic [1] used in LEGO manufacturing? The type of plastic used for a particular brick or element depends on the desired properties of that brick or element. For example, some elements need to be flexible, while others need to be rigid. Some need to be transparent, while others need to be opaque.
The type of plastic used for LEGO tires is called SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene). This soft and elastic material is ideal for tires because it provides just the right amount of ‘give’, making them easy to grip and providing a smooth ride. It’s also durable, so you don’t have to worry about your tires falling apart after a few uses.
Can You Wash LEGO Tires?
Any parents with young children know that LEGOs are a staple in many homes. These colorful little blocks provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. But what happens when those precious pieces end up covered in mud or dirt? Can you simply throw them in the washing machine and hope for the best? The short answer is no. However, there are a few ways that you can clean your LEGO tires without damaging them.
For example, you can use a toothbrush to gently scrub away any grime or dirt. You can also soak the tires in soapy water for a few minutes before rinsing them off. If your LEGO tires are particularly dirty, you may need to use a mild bleach solution. Just be sure to rinse the tires thoroughly afterward to remove any residual bleach.
How Many Tires Does LEGO Make Every Year?
The answer might surprise you. Each year, the company requires the manufacturing of hundreds of millions of toy tires. That’s right, even toy tires count. In fact, Lego holds the world record for most tires produced per year at a staggering 318 million—when last reported in 2011. That comes out to about 870,000 tires per day. Clearly, there’s a lot of demand for those little rubber discs. But where do all those tires go?
Most of them are used in the production of LEGO’s signature building blocks, which are sold in more than 130 countries around the world. In other words, if you’ve ever built a LEGO set, there’s a good chance that you’ve used one (or more) of the company’s tire products.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The next time you’re in the market for tires, you can rest assured that LEGO has you covered—even if their product won’t actually get your car moving down the road.