All Tyre Articles

All Tyre Articles

Frightening to think about what is going to happen when the new idea “Smart Motorways” take off! Many people don’t yet know this, but the new idea is this; when you use the new Smart Motorway and your vehicle develops a fault that causes your vehicle to loose power and stops running.

Consequently, you the driver is then expected to slow down to a stop in whichever lane you are in. Accordingly, you will not be required to try and move over to the hard shoulder. So, it will not be there anymore, you simply stop in whichever lane your vehicle breaks down in.

Caravan tyre Pressures

Popular Run Flat Tyres-Definitely an Improvement to road safety- KULR-TV

Popular Run Flat Tyres

Popular Run Flat Tyres

Many new models are now equipped with inflator and sealant kits or run flat tires which are designed to go at slower speeds for 50 miles or more after a tire has been punctured.

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Run Flat tyres are an interesting subject.

Of course, the problem was that that cars were getting bigger and faster. Consequently, at the same time the car makers were being pressured. By governments to make their cars more fuel efficient and therefore greener.

Car makers were forced to comply with certain regulations ! This meant shedding weight and creating engines. Subsequently, that were controlled by computers . Therefore to really hammer down the emissions. Caused by burning fossil fuels (gasoline or petrol in the

UK). Subsequently, the car companies looked at all sorts of ways. So, to reduce the overall weight of vehicles including tyres. Importantly, even the tyre companies looked for ways of making tyres lighter in weight. Importantly, and indeed they succeeded.

BMW come up with the Mini Run Flat Tyres

Positively, tyre manufacturers came up with the run-flat tyre ! .Of course, this would mean that cars would no longer have a spare wheel and tyre. Thus reducing the overall weight of the vehicle and reducing emissions. Importantly, if a tyre on a car had a sudden drop in pressure (puncture). Importantly, then the car could have the capabilities to drive on.

Albeit at a slower speed (50 mph) until the tyre was eventually changed. Safety wise, the positives are that the car would not deviate. Therefore, carrying on driving in the normal way. Therefore not causing an accident. So, much safer than a standard radial tyre.   Also you would not have to get out of the car ? Say on a rainy night having to change the wheel when you had a puncture.

Cost was an early problem ?

Early drawbacks are the cost of replacing these tyres is much higher than a standard tyre. A new Run Flat Tyres is required after each incident. Puncture repairs in these tyres are not recommended ?

Incidentally, on long journeys should you have the need to want a new tyre ! Then you only have fifty miles to have the Run Flat Tyres fixed.

In the States the gap between some towns and cities can be hundreds of miles. So you pays your money and takes your choice ?

Since I wrote this article ? Then the run flat tyres have been well accepted by most motorists. Older drivers who prefer a genuine spare wheel can now buy a new tyre and wheel unit for the spare wheel.

Hankook Tyres-launches 4 HP

Apollo Tyres at Manchester United Partner Launch at Old Trafford the home of Manchester United

Apollo Tyres

Six figure three-year deal with Manchester United

I have just arrived back from the three venue launch of a three-year deal with the iconic Manchester United. The venues were in Edinburgh, London and the final one took place at the Old Trafford home of Manchester United.

So, Apollo tyres are embarking on a three-year deal with Manchester United. To help launch the  brand here in the UK. The tyre company was first to make its tyres in Perambra, Kerala In India in 1976. They have since become the leading tyre maker in the national Capitol Region of India. Apollo was soon to be recognised for their excellent tyre products. For twenty years they kept them within the Indian economy.   Building their distinctive brand products and using good marketing initiatives to promote their products. Some of the things that Apollo did were to promote a customer loyalty scheme and help establish better-driving habits on the overcrowded Indian roads.

Apollo tyres then made the decision to expand outside of India and in 2006. They ventured into South Africa, by buying the Dunlop  International of South Africa, including the Regal tyres brand. This also included Zimbabwe and the Dunlop brand is now sold to over 30 African countries, using the renamed Apollo tyres Of South Africa brand name.

Apollo Tyres UK  then spread their wings into Europe

Consequently, acquiring Dutch tyre company Vredestein tyres, now known as Apollo Vredestein who also have strong links and a dealer network here in the UK. This was in 2009

Premiership trophy on display

and it was the plans of Apollo to set up a presence on yet another continent, Europe. The tyre company also went into partnership with a car battery manufacturer in Bangladesh in 2011.

The next step for Apollo tyres

Was to enter the North American marketplace, but after a huge setback failed to take over Cooper tyres and eventually pulled out of the deal.

Back here in the UK, Apollo has started to become a much larger player in the battle for tyre market share. Using the iconic Manchester United brand to become their launching pad for a market attack. I was invited as an independent tyre retailer, probably because of my past association with the Vredestein tyre brand, who are renowned for their excellent quality, especially their winter tyres collection.

We were to be on the third and final phase of the Apollo tyres promotional tour. With a tour of the Manchester United ground and museum. The tour was excellent and conducted by professional tour guides who gave some insight into the clubs history and background.

This was most interesting !

Because not everybody were football fans and the ones that were football fans supported other clubs. So, after the tour, we were all invited for an evening meal on the ground. Happily, we were able to take pictures of the Premier League trophy. Subsequently, which the club kindly displayed in the dining room.

After an excellent meal, we were treated to a question and answer session from ex-Manchester United player Lou Macariall transported back to the Hilton Hotel in Manchester. There we were all given overnight accommodation and then treat for evening drinks in the hotel rooftop bar, we all had an excellent time.

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.

Caravan tyre Pressures

Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres-These Runflat tyres are undoubtedly a serious Safety Feature

Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres

When I first heard about the Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres concept,

At first, I was a little bit skeptical. So, about how runflats would work? Say when the car was driven at eighty miles per hour on a wet busy motorway. However as time has gone on and with a little more research. Then I have got used to the idea of your car not having a spare wheel. Also the fact that the car does not swerve or deviate as the tyre is deflated at speed.

Now run-flat tyres are just part of the tyre scene. Our customers just accept the fact that if one goes flat and they have to drive home on it. Consequently, then they are going to need a new tyre at some stage in the future. I am a great advocate of road safety. Convinced at  the fact that tyres play a great part in the tyre safety picture.

Run-flat tyres are now part of that picture along with all the other safety features. Hence, that are being produced by innovative tyre companies at the moment. Such as “self-seal” technology. Recently, introduced by Continental tyres, Pirelli tyres and Kumho tyres.

The fact is that run-flat tyres are now being fitted to many cars. Now one of the leading makers of Run Flat Tyres . Of course, are the giant number one tyre company of the World, Bridgestone tyres. One of the growth markets for run-flat tyres is the larger and heavier premium cars. Such as Mercedes and BMW. Who have in fact worked side by side with Bridgestone to help develop this concept of tyre. Naturally which is safe for the driver and just as important to other road users.

Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres

If run-flat tyres are subject to a sudden pressure loss. So, then the car will keep driving in a straight line. Continuing on its journey. Of course,without any mishandling or deviation. So not causing any problems to the other drivers in the same vicinity. A normal car tyre that is subject to an instant loss of pressure would probably disintegrate at speed and because the car to deviate badly, this is, in fact, the cause of many car crashes, this could result in the car colliding with several other cars causing a very bad accident.

Another good point to remember is that there is no need to have to pull onto the shoulder and change your spare wheel? You can drive the car, to your nearest tyre centre. If you are a stranger to the area then I would suggest that you look up your nearest independent tyre centre. These centres are dotted all over the UK and are vetted for a fair price and give excellent service.

A slight drawback with run-flat tyres is

That once you have detected that the tyre is no longer inflated, then you are restricted to driving at 50 mph at a distance of 50 miles, but this can give most people ample time to get to the nearest town and have the tyre changed. Also for the old-fashioned amongst you then the cars with run-flats, do not have a spare, this was

originally to give the cars more space where the spare tyre would normally be sitting, also it lightens the weight of the car to help conform with emission controls.

Also, BMW Run Flat Tires Problems now run alongside with the TPMS systems (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems). This warns the driver if the tyres are losing any pressure, or in fact if the tyres have suffered from an instant loss of air. The warning light will illuminate and warn the driver that they have a problem with a tyre. This is a great all round system and is a great safety feature in many new models of cars that are now entering the marketplace, including the SUV models.

Other tyre companies also make the run-flat tyre and I believe that a budget tyre is available made by economy tyre company Wanli. Most of the leading tyre companies now make run-flat tyres and there is now a large choice available.

Caravan tyre Pressures

Self Sealing Tyre-

Self Sealing Tyre

This is not a new Self Sealing Tyre from Kumho tyres?

This type of thing is not a new idea. Continental tyres recently brought out their own version of the self-sealing tyre. That they call the “Conti-Seal”. Pirelli tyres also do a similar thing that they call the “Seal-Inside”. (It is what it says on the tin) as they say.

This type of self-sealing tyre development is an excellent idea. Especially, for road safety and they all work on the same principal. Thus, the inside of the tread area is coated with “thick tacky sealant layer”. In the case of continental the sealant looks like thick black tar. So, when an object such as a screw or nail penetrates the tyre tread area. Then the hole is blocked by this substance. Consequently, only loses a small amount of tyre pressure. Enabling the driver to carry on their journey. Sometimes even not  knowing about the object stuck into their tyre.

In my opinion I think that this is a good idea. A step forward in the fight to better our road safety standard. Sometimes if a normal tyre is penetrated there will be a sudden loss of air in the tyres. Instantly deflating the tyre. Hence, causing the car to swerve and deviate off course. So, in the worse scenario could be causing a bad accident.

At the moment, Kumho is only using the self-sealing tyres in their own country. South Korea. But I guess it will not be long before the tyres are distributed across the Globe. So, to compete with Continental and Pirelli. I would have thought that the extra weight of the sealant could have jeopardised the handling of the cars. But apparently they handle just as good as a normal tyre.

Self Sealing Tyre

A Kumho spokesman said, “While the weight of a Self Sealing Tyre is about 10 percent higher than a normal tire, ride quality, braking performance, handling performance and noise levels are equivalent to normal tyres” so that answers my question?

I myself prefer this self-seal method to the “Continental Self Sealing Tyre”. It would also be of great advantage on caravans and trailers. But at the moment, I do not think that there are tyre sizes to fit this type of vehicle. I also feel that these new self- seal tyres should be used on the more new vehicle. Volkswagen was the first to use them. Securing an exclusive one-year deal with Continental Tyres UK Ltd for an exclusive use of the product, but this has now finished its time limit and the Self Sealing Tyre will probably available to other car manufacturers.  

Over the years the puncture problem has improved, I am old enough to remember when we fitted a tube into almost every puncture, but traffic was much lighter and we didn’t have many motorways. We still though repair many punctures a week and it makes me cringe at the way that car makers are trying their utmost to get away with having to fit spare wheels to cars.

 Self Sealing Tyre-We still get tyres presented to us that have sidewall damage,

But luckily for the driver, the car has had a spare wheel. I think that the small space saver wheels are a better compromise that no spare wheel at all because as I have said earlier, there are many cars that run over a sharp object and damage the sidewall and without a spare the driver is going to be stuck. A Continental Car Tyres Self Sealing Tyre would certainly get you home and a space saver would get you home but not a Self Sealing Tyre, the material would not plug a hole in the sidewall and the driver would be stranded.

My wife bought a Nissan Juke that did not have a spare so the first thing I did was to buy a spare alloy wheel and fit a tyre to match the others and we took it with us when we went on a long or important journey, just in case. See all about the new tyre in Kumho Tyre Reviews.

  

Caravan tyre Pressures

Tyre Pressure Tips-start of by looking after your tyre pressures.

Tyre Pressure Tips

Tyre Pressure Tips-Start with your tyre pressures

The first important thing to do to look after your tyres is to have the correct pressures checked on a regular basis, I prefer to have them checked every week, but at least every two week is better than not at all.

Make sure that you have yours checked by a professional company, it is important that you fit the correct mix of, are their radials? Are they directional? Never mix different types on the same axle for example directional with non-directional, or asymmetric the wrong way round.

This is one of the problems with buying your tyres on the internet; you will not know which tyres are right or wrong until you come to have them fitted, it is a gamble that you may not want to take.

While you check your tyre pressures. So, you should test the tread depth; drivers should have 1.6 mm of tread across ¾ of the tread width from the centre out, once again your local tyre dealer will do this for you, or you can purchase a simple depth gauge from your local auto DIY store.

Tyre Pressure Tips

You should always look out for any damage to the tread and side walls, look for cuts and chunks missing out. If you are not sure to get some good advice.

Make sure that your wheels have been balanced; there is nothing worse than having a shaky steering wheel when driving on the motorway. If your tyres look to be wearing off on the edges, have your Car Wheel Alignment checked out, you may soon find out that your new tyres have worn out too quickly, so have your alignment checked out perhaps when having a service.

Look out for severe weather conditions such as snow in the forecast. If you are experiencing a severe winter, you may think about fitting proper Winter tyres for safety. Another one of my Tyre Pressure Tips regards overinflated tyres. If you are caught out in snow or ice do not skid too much, this will also damage them, I have witnessed a  tyre ripped apart from continuous skidding.

Tyre Pressure Tips
Tyre Pressure Tips

Tyre Pressure Tips;  Check your spare tyre and wheel changing equipment?

Driving in a safe and efficient manner requires maintaining the appropriate pressure in the tyres. Tyres that are either underinflated or overinflated can result in a variety of issues, including a decrease in the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, an increase in the rate at which the tyres wear out, and a decrease in the performance of the vehicle’s steering and braking systems.

Tyres that are not inflated to the proper pressure can result in increased rolling resistance, which requires a greater amount of fuel to move the vehicle. This may lead to an increase in both the cost of fuel and the amount of carbon emissions produced.

One of my Tyre Pressure Tips is that have been inflated to an excessive level can also lead to a variety of issues, including a decrease in the vehicle’s ability to steer and brake, as well as an acceleration of the wear rate. A harsher ride, which can be uncomfortable for passengers, is another side effect of having tyres that are inflated to their maximum levels.

Maintaining the appropriate pressure in the tyres is another crucial aspect of safe driving.

Another one of my Tyre Pressure Tips is that overinflated tyres can be more susceptible to punctures and may not provide adequate grip in wet or slippery conditions. Underinflated tyres can overheat and potentially lead to a blowout, while overinflated tyres can overheat and potentially lead to a blowout.

It is essential to check the pressure of the tyres on a regular basis and make any necessary adjustments in order to maintain the correct level of inflation in the tyres. This can be accomplished by making use of a tyre pressure gauge and adhering to the recommended tyre pressures that have been provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle. An important Tyre Pressure Tips is that the maintaining your tyres on a regular basis can help you save money on fuel, extend the life of your tyres, and make your vehicle safer to drive.

Tyre Pressure-Tyre Tips Check your spare. If you have got a car without a spare make sure you have enough emergency inflator liquid in your boot. Make sure you can change a wheel on your own, this may prove paramount in an emergency. Also, make sure that you have a jack and wheel brace that is in good condition when you use it.

Finally, if your car does not drive right or feels strange when cornering, it could be dodgy tyres, centres or even worse a steering problem so get them checked out.

New tyre labelling, bridgestone

Independent Tyre Centres-Where Will the UK Tyre Market be Going Next as the giants battle it out?

Independent Tyre Centres-Where Will the UK Tyre Market be Going Next?

What part will Independent Tyre Centres Have!

This has always been a subject close to my own heart, I have worked in the tyre trade now for a good 40 years and like many more like me, we started our own tyre businesses in the seventies and eighties.

So we have now resigned as a member of the independent tyre group. Due to the fact that they were becoming too large and I thought ineffective.

Most of us used to work for the national companies that were then owned by the leading tyre manufacturers and then decided that we could make a go out of running our own businesses and so the story goes. Many ex managers for companies like Tyreservices a Goodyear owned subsidiary and National Tyreservices, who were then owned by Dunlop, decided that if they could run a  depot for someone else then they could do it for themselves and so looked for premises and started their own  businesses.

Here in West Yorkshire. I can think of at least six people who worked for the national  retailers. Then leaving to start their own  businesses. Some also worked for the tyre manufactures. Of course, the likes of Morris Palmer in Hull, who left Goodyear tyres to form the famous Savoy tyres ! Now run by his son. This was happening all over the UK. Revolutionized the way that tyres were sold.  To the growing market and expansion of the car market. Most households had a car by then and business was good and profitable. So, I started a business that we called Kut-Kost tyres. Accordingly, we grew into three depots and made a good living.

The advance of the tyre wholesaler.

Life went on for a few years and as we were selling more tyres. Of course, then the manufactures were offering better deals . Many of us were tempted to buy in quantity. We were at this stage having to compete with the emerging Kwik Fit Tyre Discount stores . Including the ever more competitive Nationals.

Before computers! Local newspapers would have up six different adverts. Offering all sorts of deals to the motorists. Driving down the tyre prices! Followed of course by lower profit margins. Significantly, buying containers was a way of increasing our bottom line.

At this stage we were all on a different level and knew who was the competition and could price our products accordingly to compete. What we didn’t see was the growing number of

wholesalers that were springing up all over the country and were growing at an alarming rate. I remember my first visit to Southam tyres in the old Rolls-Royce factory in the midlands and was in awe at the amount of stock he carried. Reg Bond also started his empire at round about the same time forming Bond International from an old warehouse in Pocklington ,North Yorkshire and the rest is history.

Many  retailers started to buy the better deals shifting their purchases from the manufacturers to the  wholesalers in our relentless search to maintain our profit levels.

Many other things were happening, but looking back I think that this was a mistake and it gave too much power and the wholesalers, who later decided to form their own retail outlets in direct competition to ourselves, but we are all fighters and with some ducking and diving we always seem to come up with some alternative supplies of tyres and battle on.

I then sold Kut-Kost to an emerging national company owned by Shell Oil, called Superdrive . Superdrive was to form a direct completion to Kwik-Fit, but failed to get the project together and eventually my old depots were bought from Superdrive by Kwik-Fit. I then purchased and developed the business that I am in now, Pellon Tyres here in Halifax and 25 years on fell that we are going through the same torrid times that we had to endure in the early days.

In the past two years the tyre market has seen some huge changes.

These changes have been brought on by the advent of the internet and the growing trend for the motorists to buy online. I have no problem with that and indeed as one of the Norths Independent Tyre Centres. I sell tyres online but not at a national level. But in the Yorkshire catchment area. The internet has now made it possible to buy tyres from the rest of Europe. of course, who are now in direct competition with the British wholesalers. In my opinion it is a good thing and drives down the price of tyres . So, making the tyre manufacturers the companies who are once again making the good profits. Of course, as they did in years gone by when they would deal with retail outlets direct.

More disruption in the tyre World ahead of us

I must admit that I was feeling vulnerable as I was stuck out on my own in little Halifax. Not knowing who was going to buy out what. Just like the seventies and early eighties. The next thing to come along! Has been the emergence of the Giant supermarkets wanting a slice of the tyre cake.

I must confess that I have embraced the chance of earning extra profit by fitting for these companies. But I have a feeling that we may be “bitten in the bum” by these companies. The latest rumor that I picked up. Was that the Tesco/Blackcirces combination were going to turn some Tesco sites into tyre fitting operations. Similar to Costco’s operations (as an update Michelin tyres have now bought Blackcircles). (So to update this then the Tesco-Black Circles deal never happened).

If this is a fact then I fear that it will start a new round of competition from the big tyre companies. All jostling to keep up their tyre numbers. I meanwhile think that I have made a good move by once again after many years dealing with the big five manufacturers. With all the benefits that brings with it.

As I said earlier we Independent Tyre Centres are tough and I am sure that whatever is thrown at us (now including the Corona Virus). We will struggle until these things disruptions pass, and we see better days again.

Continental Tyres Halifax

Continental Tyres UK Ltd-Spies In Your Tyres? This Gizmo Will Help Your Car Drive Itself

Continental Tyres UK Ltd

A few years back, on a week long bus tour of Continental Tyres UK Ltd AG’s technology and engineering centers in Germany, one item attracted more attention from journalists than nearly any of the other whiz-bang connected-car stuff: A simple tire pressure monitor.

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Continental Tyres UK Ltd new TPMS and more idea

This article written by Bob Gritzinger. Therefore, is all about the new ideas and inventions. Thrown about by the Auto industry at the moment. Consequently, this idea from Conti has now been tested on truck tyres. But at the moment I don’t know whether it has been a success or not. I suspect it will be effective. Because the concept of a monitor. Hence, vulcanised into the tyre. Relaying out information electronically about such things as tyre pressures and the inside temperature of the tyre is obviously of great benefit to the driver of the vehicle.

The device will be able to aid truckers. Because it will also be able to send the driver information. Thus, about the load that the tyre is carrying. Including  the traction details of the tyre, with this giving the driver the knowledge that the full load and road conditions can be checked as the truck is rolling along. I don’t know what sort of signals theIce road truckers would be getting from their in built TPMS tyres?

TPMS Valves becoming more common

The new Continental Tyres UK Ltd valve sends out the information. Hence, out by wireless signals. Therefore, is picked up in the cab by the driver on an in-car system very similar to the ones now where the TPMS Valves signals are fitted to the wheels. Continental Tyres UK Ltd says that this is all part the future that may introduce the driverless vehicle to our towns and cities. If an object penetrates a

tyre the system will pick up the loss of pressure and stop the car in some sort of safe area and the problem reported and fixed.

 

See on www.forbes.com

Continental tyres are still a great favourite of company boss Eric Roberts. Continuing to do so in the future drive to build sales at Pellon Tyres in Halifax.

new continental van tyre

Tyre Trade News Exclusive

Tyre Trade News Exclusive

New VW Multivan Factory-Fitted with Continental Tyres

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is factory-fitting its new Multivan with Continentals AllSeasonContact tyres in 16″ and 17″ fitments. 

This premium all-season tyre is designed to cope with any weather, all year round. Thanks to a special tyre compound containing a high proportion of silica and special performance resins. So, the AllSeasonContact offers excellent traction and braking performance. The braking forces are transmitted to the road via the tyres with exceptional efficiency. Importantly, resulting in shorter braking distances.

Particularly on icy and snow-covered roads during the winter. The AllSeasonContact also offers outstanding braking performances. Especially, on wet and dry roads in the summer. This is all thanks to the special geometry of the shoulder groove. Of course, which ensures improved water drainage. The shoulder groove is also designed to provide additional stability. Importantly, during cornering as well as exceptional lateral aquaplaning performance.  

The AllSeasonContact is characterised by its high energy efficiency, rated with EU tyre label “A” making it a leader in its segment.

The significantly improved rolling resistance was achieved through an optimal balance. Of course, between compound, geometry and sidewall thickness. Lower rolling resistance helps to reduce fuel consumption and, in turn, CO2 emissions. 

Different automotive magazines have recently praised Continental’s AllSeasonContact for its versatility. The allround specialist recently won, for example, the all-year test conducted by Gute Fahrt (edition 9/22), confirming the success it enjoyed in the tests conducted by Auto Zeitung (19/21) and Auto Bild (40/21).

The following products and sizes are factory-approved for the new VW Multivan in numerous markets, including the UK: 

AllSeasonContact, 215/65 R16 102H XL  

AllSeasonContact, 235/55 R17 103H XL

Another great article from the renowned “Tyre Trade News Magazine” . Of course keeping small and medium tyre companies in the picture with new and fresh content.

continental tyres in the store room

Conti Eco Contact 5-Motorists will be Saving fuel with these Continental Tyres

Conti Eco Contact 5

Saving fuel and reducing running costs is important to drivers. Our ContiEcoContact5 eco tyres are engineered to provide the best fuel economy possible.

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Conti Eco Contact 5 and Michelin have amongst the best Rolling resistance in the  World of tyres

Rolling resistance is a word that we in the tyre World have been familiar with for many years now. It is only in recent years that the words have come to be synonymous with

saving energy and less fuel consumption. The Conti Eco Contact 5 is the new fuel saving tyres from the Continental tyre company.

In recent years tyre manufacturers have published the rolling resistance of each individual tyre that they bring out. The tyres have to put the fuel efficiency on the left hand side of the new labels, the best starting at A and then downwards.

Over the years Michelin tyres have always been amongst the top performance when it comes to energy saving tyres with Bridgestone a close second as shown in the figures bellow from the excellent: The daily green website:

The best performer was the Michelin Energy Saver A/S, which delivered 53.8 mpg in a Prius, meaning a 4.74% improvement. The Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 was next, with 53.5 mpg and a 4.12%. On the other hand, both the Michelin HydroEdge with Green X and the Goodyear Assurance Comfor Tred (terrible name) actually did worse (down .59 and 2.64% respectively) than the control tires… http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/cars-transportation/low-rolling-resistance-tires-461009

Please do not forget though the thing that makes all tyres more fuel efficient is to keep your tyres correctly inflated at all times and that includes the Continental Eco Contact 5

See on blog.conti-online.co.uk

Michelin Uptis tyre

Michelins New Uptis-On the Move

Michelins New Uptis

Michelins New Uptis

I am not really surprised at this particular development coming out of the Michelin Tyres stable! Since the first tyres were produced back in the 1800’s.So the large tyre companies have been in the race to try and beat the rest. Both in tyre development and tyre safety issues. Nothing in the tyre industry really stays still.
Over the years the general principle of tyre has remained and is based around “air”. So, Pneumatic tyres are filled with air. Keeping this air in a tyre at the correct pressure has always been the challenge.
Unfortunately for me then I am old enough to have worked in the tyre industry when most tyres were fitted with an inner tube. However it was about fifty years ago most tyre manufacturers were making radial tyres which were also tubeless tyres. Hence, as a young tyre fitter at the time things became much easier. As inner tubes became less used and not as important.

Punctures were less common

The tubeless tyre was not only easier to fit but could still hold some pressure when a puncture occurred. Hence very often the nail or other objects would seal the tyre a little. So, helping the motorists to get home and then change the wheel. Having the tyre repaired at their convenience. Tubed tyres would deflate immediately leaving the driver stranded. Tubeless was to be the standard for many years. However with the increasing amount of traffic then a new safety tyre would be on the cards!
Runflat tyres were to be introduced as a new safety measure. So, these tyres were developed so as not to deflate when punctured! Especially at high speed. These tyres enabled the driver to limp home at 50mph without having to change the wheel. Importantly the vehicle also remained in a straight line without swerving and possible causing an accident. These tyre and wheel units only come out on certain vehicle brands. Other companies designed different tyre safety features with the same outcome in mind. So, to prevent accidents caused by a flat deflated tyre at speed.
The answer was to be a tyre without having any air to worry about.

Michelin Involved in most technology Advances

I am a great admirer and fan of the Michelin tyre products. Mainly because in the past they have been in the advanced stages of new tyre developments. Going way back to the invention and development of the radial tyres. This new advanced Uptis tyre will be no exception. Michelin first developed a tyre called the “Tweel“. This is an airless tyre that does not have any punctures. The tyre was to be used for certain off road uses. Such as dumper truck and other site vehicles. Down time is important and these Tweel tyres saved money by not having to stop for repairing tyres. However it was always in the corner of Michelins eye to improve the technology for road use and general motoring.
The Uptis has now been developed along with general motors on their new small EV car range as soon as 2024. The new tyres have been tested on these cars and will of course bring extra safety. No puncture repairs! The new units will be available as an extra. The tyre and wheel is in one piece so a separate tyre will not be an option.
Going forward I do think its a good idea but like the EV’s will just be part of the big mix. Better off drivers will be able to afford them just like electric cars. However I do not think they will kill everybody off but just be another option. TPMS systems now give the drivers of cars with conventional tyres fitted. So you “take your choice and pay the price” like most things in this world.