Tyre tag / tire RFID
Specialty tags
What is it?
A tyre RFID tag is embedded inside the rubber of a tyre during the vulcanisation process. It permanently identifies the tyre and can store manufacturing data, pressure history, and retread information. Tyre RFID is driven by regulations (EU tyre labelling) and by tyre manufacturers wanting to track their products from factory to end-of-life. Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, and Goodyear have all adopted embedded tyre RFID.
How it works
A ruggedised UHF transponder (typically in a small patch or strip form factor) is placed in the tyre carcass during manufacturing, before vulcanisation. The tag must survive the vulcanisation process (150–200°C, high pressure) and then operate reliably embedded in rubber for the lifetime of the tyre. The antenna is designed to work through the rubber compound, and the chip is protected by a heat-resistant encapsulation.
Use cases
- Tyre manufacturing traceability
- Retread management and lifecycle tracking
- Automated tyre inventory at dealerships
- Fleet tyre management
- Tyre recall management
- EU regulatory compliance
Pros
- Permanent identification for the tyre's entire lifecycle
- Cannot be tampered with or lost
- Enables automated tyre inventory and recalls
- Supports retread tracking and circular economy
- EU regulation driving adoption
Cons
- Must survive vulcanisation temperatures (150–200°C)
- Read range limited by rubber compound
- Cannot be applied after manufacture
- Higher tyre manufacturing cost
- Reader positioning must account for tyre orientation
Specifications
| Power type | Passive – powered by reader signal |
|---|---|
| Frequency | UHF (860–960 MHz) |
| Read range | 1–3 m |
| Lifespan | Lifetime of the tyre |
| Price range | $0.20–$1.00 per unit (embedded at factory) |
| Environmental rating | Embedded in rubber; withstands road conditions, -40°C to +120°C |