Charles Goodyear invented vulcanized rubber in 1844 that was later used for tires. 

In 1888, John Dunlop invented the air-filled or pneumatic tires, however, his were for bicycles. 

In 1895, André Michelin was the first person to use pneumatic tires on an automobile, however, not successful. 

In 1911, Philip Strauss invented the first successful tire, which was a combination tire and air filled inner tube. Strauss' company the Hardman Tire & Rubber Company marketed the tires. 

In 1903, P.W. Litchfield of the Goodyear Tire Company patented the first tubeless tire, however, it was never commercially exploited until the 1954 Packard. 

In 1904, mountable rims were introduced that allowed drivers to fix their own flats. In 1908, Frank Seiberling invented grooved tires with improved road traction. 

In 1910, B.F. Goodrich Company invented longer life tires by adding carbon to the rubber. 

Goodrich also invented the first synthetic rubber tires in 1937 made of a patented substance called Chemigum. 

Pneumatic Tyre 
John Boyd Dunlop (1840-1921) was a Scottish veterinarian and the recognized inventor of the first practical pneumatic or inflatable tyre/tire. His patent was for a bicycle tire, granted in 1888. However, Robert William Thomson (1822 - 1873) invented the actual first vulcanised rubber pneumatic tire. Thomson patented his pneumatic tire in 1845, his invention worked well but was to costly to catch on. Dunlop's tire patented in 1888 did, and so he rec eived the most recognition. William Thomson also patented a fountain pen (1849) and a steam traction engine (1867).