A study of the effect of vehicle exterior design on tyre wear and life: modelling of aerodynamic mechanisms and regression model analysis

Tyre wear is a core factor affecting driving safety and operating costs. Conventional studies have focused on traditional factors such as tyre materials, suspension systems and driving behavior, while neglecting the deeper mechanisms by which vehicle exterior design affects tyre wear through aerodynamic pathways. This study aims to construct a theoretical framework to reveal how aerodynamic design parameters (e.g., front and rear wings, diffusers, etc.) affect tyre friction and slip rate by changing the downforce distribution, and ultimately affect tyre wear rate and service life. By integrating Bernoulli's equation and the multiple linear regression method, a tyre life prediction model covering key variables such as friction, average speed, underbody height, road condition and slip rate is established, and the differential wear mechanisms such as thermo-mechanical fatigue and grinding loss caused by front and rear axle underpressure imbalance are also deeply analyzed. The results show that the aerodynamic effect induced by exterior design has a decisive influence on tyre wear patterns, and the theoretical model proposed in this paper provides an innovative analytical framework for quantitatively assessing this effect. Although the specific coefficients of the model are yet to be calibrated and verified by CFD simulation and real vehicle test data, the theoretical results of this study are of great significance for optimizing vehicle design, extending tyre life and reducing operating costs.