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.

Hankook Tyres-launches 4 HP

Apollo Tyres- Roll in to Hungary – The New Indian Express

The international Indian-origin tyre manufacturer’s facility.For this reason, will start production in early 2017. At its first European Greenfield plant in Gyöngyöshalász, Hunga…

Source: www.newindianexpress.com

Apollo tyres are making a big effort to steam roller the world with their tyre products and they are doing a good job of it?

As well as tyre manufacturing plants in India the Hungary. This new plant will service tyre retailers in Europe including here in the UK.

Apollo have already established a foothold in Europe.As expected, by buying the Dutch tyre company Vredestein. Because they are famous for their excellent winter tyres. Vredestein winter tyre products are used extensively across Europe. Therefore, they have established a very good name. In my opinion Apollo also make a good winter tyre of their own. But their main aim is to push the summer tyre products.

They have already set up an established chain of tyre retailers. Thus, by doing a deal with tyre buying group. Who have a network of independent tyre retailers across the UK. I am the Halifax tyre retailer. We at Halifax have already stocked the depot with a good range of Apollo tyres. Accordingly they are already popular tyres in the Halifax area.

www.pellonautocentre.com

Apollo tyres in Halifax Yorkshire UK

Apollo tyres are one of tyre manufacturers of the future in my humble opinion. The Indian tyre company have taken the tyre world by storm?

They have made some good acquisitions. Including the purchase of the Dutch tyre manufacturer Vredestein tyres. Vredestein have a strong customer base across Europe including here in the UK. Famously, with their excellent Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme range of tyres. The Dutch tyre makers are famous for their winter tyre range and also continue to make some vintage tyre sizes for classic and vintage cars.

Apollo tyres will fit comfortably into the British tyre market place, because it has an Anglicized name. In my opinion some of the imported tyres from say China come with silly names that do not fit in with the general English language, anyway I digress.

Apollo Tyres

Apollo tyres have bought into a network with the purchase of Vredestein tyres and we were informed from the outset that the Apollo products were available to the Vredestein tyre dealers straight away.

We were also pleased to know that Apollo had become one of the preferred suppliers to the tyre buying group Point-S. As a member of Point-S in Halifax, this meant that we would be buying this excellent product at the best rate possible.

So the Indian tyre company, have also done a joint deal with Manchester United to be able to advertise around the pitch side on match days including live television coverage.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

Falken all weather and winter tyres

Winter tyres were gripping- but now its time to change – Scottish Daily Record

Winter tyres were gripping

Easter and the school holidays over, now is the time to remove those winter tyres and put the ‘summer’ ones back on.

Importantly, the Scottish Daily Record are correct. When they say that it is time to have your winter tyres taken off. Of course, and your summer tyres put back on.

Here a my tyre business. Pellon Tyres in Halifax Yorkshire UK, we have just about changed all our customers tyres over. These were in the “tyre hotel” scheme of ours.

We carefully attach the names and registration numbers on all their tyres. Before we store the tyres for them.

It has been a good idea to do this. For this reason,  we are now in our fifth year of doing the scheme.

It also keeps us in touch with our customers. This brings in more work from things like servicing and air-conditioning work. We also create a hell of a lot of good will. Between our customers and my staff. This during the tyre change overs. Accordingly, we know this because of the amount of recommendations that we have from our customers to other people. Good word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Thus we are always a busy fitting station so we must be doing something right.

Change back onto their summer tyres.

They then ring in and make an appointment, for the work to be carried out. So far we have had no problems with the system and it is something that i would highly recommend to other

tyre businesses, (not in Halifax though?). Cheap Winter Tyres are always available but we find that our customers buy makes of winter tyres across a wide range including the excellent Continental Winter Tyres.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/TyreSearch/Details/8893/Kumho+KW23+20555R16

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Of course, also sell General winter Tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. For this reason, they offer courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work and leave their car with us for work doing. Finally, are also an official MOT testing station.

4 x 4 vehicle-general tyres

Narrow Tyres – How does the BMW i3 handle so well on such narrow tyres? – CNET

Narrow Tyres

We take a closer look at Bridgestone’s Ecopia EP500 tires for the 2015 BMW i3 electric car.

This article asks how the new BMW i3 car can handle well with such Narrow Tyres Bridgestone tyres?

Well it is not too many ago that all tyres were thin and narrow and do you know? they worked perfectly well.

The difference is that today’s tyres are made from different materials and compounds. Ecopia tyres  help you cut down on fuel consumption and carbon emissions and are used on fuel efficient electric cars such as the BMW i3 car.

Tyre sizes are unfamiliar out of the tyre trade, such as 15570R19, 17660R19 and also as large as 15560R20 and 17555R20, in days gone by we were using sizes such as 18580R15 and 20580R16, so the trend has become taller Narrow Tyres , but Bridgestone say that these tyres are good handling and give good grip in wet weather.

So that is good enough for me/

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Tyre/Details/Bridgestone/Ecopia+EP500

Bridgestone narrow tyres

The development of tyres started with the vintage/classic cars of today. We have all seen how narrow tyres were on these cars. These cars could not go very fast though? And the tyres were perfect for the time period and the types of suspension that these cars had.

The vintage cars of today could only be afforded by the rich in the pre WW2 period, but after the war cars became more affordable to the drivers who were perhaps managers or the owners of small businesses. I can remember when I first started working in a garage that most of our customers did indeed own a business and the working class people would still catch the bus to work.

The cars that were out then were fitted with X ply tyres, but thanks to Michelin the radial tyre came out and soon took over from the lesser X ply tyres. The bigger cars came out on 18580R15 tyres and cars like the new Minis were fitted with 145R10 tyres.

In fact the Mini period signaled a new kind of car buyer the working class man. The car market was booming. Tyre sizes were changing all the time with the commonest radial tyre being the 145R13, 155R13, and the bigger cars were fitted with 155R15, 165R15 and 185R15.

Over the years they  became wider (fatter), this was due to many factors including faster cars on faster roads.

Why narrow tyres again

Consequently, car manufacturers knew that tyres had to be made differently. Therefore, to satisfy the requirements’ of the governments drive to produce greener cars. The EV battery driven vehicle became a favourite. For this reason, it followed closely by the Hydrogen cell cars.

Some tyre companies use different tyre materials to reduce the amount of petrol based oils used in the manufacturing  compounds. Yokohama tyres of Japan use orange peel oil and Continental have discovered that the white liquid that we see in dandelions has the same molecular structure as rubber latex, the stuff that they have been made of for years.

They are also becoming thinner again. This is to give the tyres less rolling resistance and also a larger turning distance. This means that the engine has to do less work to power the car forward, thus using less fuel and making the car greener. We are now up to date with Bridgestone Car Tyres leading the way.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

Michelin Tyres own Allopnues

Michelin Tyres own Allopnues-100% stake in French Online Tyre store, starts a series of take-Overs.

Michelin Tyres own Allopnues
Michelin man will soon be working online?

Original Article by Eric Roberts on www.wintertyres-yorkshire.co.uk

Michelin Tyres own Allopnues

2023 update-With the Purchase of Allopneus, Michelin Strengthens Its Position in the Market

Michelin Tyres own Allopnues

Michelin, a global titan in the tyre industry, has completed a deal that will go down in history as the acquisition of Allopneus, the most successful online tyre retailer in France. Michelin’s business model is undergoing a transformation as a result of this strategic acquisition, which will broaden its reach and further strengthen its position as the market leader.

The Power Move: Michelin tyres own Allopnues price, Didier Blaise allopneus.com Bridgestone tyres, Michelin acquires ownership of Allopnues.

Michelin-tyres-own-Allopnues is the Headline.

The importance of this strategic acquisition made by Michelin cannot be overstated. Why? The credentials held by Allopneus are quite impressive. It is a significant player in the market because to its astounding annual sales of more than 3 million tyres. The takeover by Michelin indicates an aim for wider market penetration, which will strengthen the company’s position as the industry’s preeminent manufacturer of tyres.

Michelin and Allopneus Together: A Powerful Combination in the Tyre Market

What exactly does this Michelin Tyres own Allopnues new acquisition entail? The union of two formidable forces. Michelin contributes the quality, technology, and reputation that have made it famous all over the world. Allopneus? A large and loyal consumer base in addition to a thriving online retail environment. Together, they have the potential to revolutionise the tyre business by providing customers with unrivalled levels of quality, accessibility, and variety of products and services.

Customers Would Gain from the Merging of Michelin and Allopneus, According to the Headline

This cooperative organisation offers prizes to its members. Imagine a wider selection of products, increased accessibility to Michelin tyres, and enhanced customer service. Customers of Allopneus get direct access to the high-quality goods manufactured by Michelin. Michelin fans? Because Allopnues online platform has been optimised, the purchasing process has become simpler.

Header: Potential Consequences of the Michelin-Allopneus Acquisition of Control

This union between Michelin and Allopneus establishes a new standard. Because Michelin Tyres own Allopnues, this heralds the beginning of the tyre industry’s transition towards greater digitization. The rise of retailing done online becomes essential. Conventional producers are going to need to make adjustments. After the completion of this game-changing takeover, we may witness further strategic purchases of similar kind.

The Michelin and Allopneus Companies: Pioneers in the Modernization of the Tyre Industry

The acquisition of Michelin Tyres own Allopnues is more than just a corporate transaction. It can be seen as a statement. A reflection of the present era. By making this bold decision, the fact that Michelin Tyres own Allopnues is redefining its strategy, bringing it into alignment with the digital age, and strengthening its position as the industry leader. What about the tyre manufacturing sector? Prepare yourself for a tidal wave of change. The shopping experience of customers is going to improve in the near future as a result of an increased emphasis on digital retailing. Keep an eye out!

Wow I have been saying for the past two years that we in the tyre trade are living in interesting times, but this announcement is one of the most interesting stories I have yet to come across?

Michelin are going online? Michelin Tyres own Allopnues

This will be done with a 40% (now up to 100% ownership),acquisition of the French online tyre retailer “Allopnues”. The online tyre company sold 3 million tyres online last year, which accounts for 7% of the French tyre market.

Michelin to use ATS as the fitting stations

Michelin have also announced that they are going to use their network of ATS tyre depots to carry out their fitting work, across Europe.

When I first read the story I thought that Michelin Tyres were just going to supply France and use the French ATS depots, but they say that they will be using al the ATS depots across Europe. I did notice that some of the local ATS depots were not doing any truck work anymore and have been smartened up for retail, and so this has been a plan of theirs for some time.

One thing is for sure, this will kick off repercussions amongst tyre wholesalers and will there be a big rush from the other tyre manufacturers to compete on the same lines. This effectively means that Michelin are missing out the middle man, which at the moment, are the big tyre wholesalers.

I can remember years ago when Michelin decided to go into ASDA to sell tyres. This too caused a huge rumpus and I think that it was ATS who eventually stopped the process and Michelin closed down the tyre shops within the supermarket. This time ATS will be one of the main players and have no complaints. Could the same happen because Michelin Tyres own Allopnues !

Michelin Tyres buy 40% stake in French Online Tyre store

I also wonder what Michelin Tyres will do with other brands that Allpnues also sell? Will they be pushing out their own product. I think so. It is a big investment to make just to sell Dunlop’s and Continentals products.

Whatever happens. For this reason. Has certainly changed the game big style? But I can’t help feeling that this is the way to go, it makes good business sense and will cut out the middle man as I have

stated earlier. It could be the start of another dot/com boom, but in the tyre industry, watch this space?

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles, also selling tyres online in the Halifax area. Michelin, Allopneus, the tyre sector, a takeover or strategic purchase,

pirelli racing tyres

Pirelli Tyres- Top Investor- Camfin Said to Discuss Sale to ChemChina – Bloomberg

Pirelli Tyres- Top Investor

 Pirelli’s Top Investor Camfin Said to Discuss Sale to Chem-China
Bloomberg
The talks come as larger competitors Michelin & Cie. and Continental AG seek to expand with acquisitions, particularly in Asia.

This is not as surprising as i first thought. China will, be looking to buy existing western global companies, to increase their product knowledge and their world portfolio.

This offer for a large part of Pirelli tyres does not come as any surprise in the chase for global dominance,

Including the tyre market. We have already seen the Apollo, Indian tyre companies lust for expansion, and the Chinese will also be active in the takeover battle for some of our leading European tyre companies.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Tyre/Brand/1293/PIRELLI

It comes as no surprise to me that Pirelli tyres have now come into the hands of the Chinese state owned company Chem-China.

Like all the other leading tyre companies. So,  Pirelli have developed tyre technology for over a hundred years.  Of course, and will bring the boost of the fifth largest tyre company in the world under the Chinese fold.

The 7.5 billion Euros bid was agreed by the Pirelli shareholders. Importantly, was agreed by shareholders last Sunday.

There is no doubt that the Chinese have bought giant Italian tyre company for a few reasons. One because of the week Euro and also, they will then have access to Pirelli tyres technology  for making premium tyres and also motorsport technology for future research and development.

Chem-China have already developed a tyre making facility.

Known as the China National Tyre and Rubber Company, who will go into a joint venture and bid to buy the 26.2% stake of Pirelli from the Italian holding firm of Camfin and a bid for the rest of the tyre company, will follow.

Pirelli boss Tronchetti Provera is one of the Camfin investors and he is expected to remain as chief executive. This type of takeover has been part of my working life in the tyre industry.

Of course ,the difference is that it is now China and not the USA that are buying the assets of European tyre makers. Goodyear tyres were always buying out smaller niche tyre manufacturers to add to their portfolio.

In more recent years. Apollo tyres from India have been a dominating force. So, in trying to increase the size of their tyre business by making takeover bids. Consequently, such as their recent acquisition of Vredestein tyres. Of course, with a manufacturing base in Holland.

There were even reports coming out of Italy. That a counter bid may even be coming from one of the other big European tyre companies. Subsequently, either Continental tyres of the French tyre maker Michelin.

It will now be a case of “watch this space “to see how the Chinese takeover will improve Pirelli’s standing in the global tyre market, but there is one thing sure, and that’s the Chinese sure aren’t short of money and could be looking for a large tyre retailer to distribute the Pirelli product more aggressively? Or, a large wholesaler perhaps?

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

New tyre labelling continental tyres

Continental tyres used in Daytona 24 hours motor race

Continental tyres

Continental reveal the challenge of supplying tyres all the tyres for the Daytona 24 Hours motor race. With 55 cars on the grid we bring around 10,000 tyres

We are a great fans of the Continental product and look forward to further participation in the motorsport field.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Tyre/Brand/1231/CONTINENTAL

Continental Tyres will continue as tyre provider for three of the four TUDOR Championship classes.

A tyre group that we are members of. which is my business, Pellon Tyres! Here in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK, we are proud to be part of They are also the tyre suppliers. to its prestigious partnership as the official tyre of the International Motor Sport Association (IMSA).

This partnership will last until the end of the 2018 racing season and means that Continental tyres will be the official tyre provider for three out of the four “Tudor Championship Classes.” The reached agreement also means that Continental will be the tyre maker and supplier for the Prototype (P), Prototype Challenge (PC), and Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) classes. Continental Tyre will also continue as an entitlement sponsor and exclusive tyre supplier to the Continental Tyre Sports Car Challenge.

Ed Bennett the CEO of the IMSA is over the moon with the recent deal made with the giant German tyre manufacturers and said,

“We are very pleased to extend our relationship with the German tyre company. As we continue to build the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship and Tyre Sports Car Challenge, it is vital to have enthusiastic partners to help us grow the sport. Continental Tyre has been, and will continue to be one of our most active and supportive partners.”

The Continental brand of racing tyres has an excellent reputation. especially amongst the racing fraternity. So, it is expected that they will continue to use its exclusive racing tyres. Importantly, the “Extreme Contact TM” that have a good reputation for the performance that race drivers demand. Continental is keen to extend its reputation in the North American market. So, we see the backing of these motorsport events as the way forward.

Continental tyres will have many marketing rights

As expected from such deals, Conti tyres will have good logo positions on the race cars in the races where their tyres are used and have all the usual trackside signage and many other marketing opportunities as they come along from promotions and different events, including TV coverage. For further reading… http://www.motorsport.com/tusc/news/imsa-continental-tire-extend-partnership/

Continental has also extended their involvement with the NASCAR Group company as well as the IMSA.

To continue with the sports car theme. Continental Tyre has developed the first legal track day tyre. This was achieved through tyre expertise and much research and development. The new tyre is known as the Conti Force Contact. Of course, we will include the now famous “Black Chilli Compound”! This helps the tyres bond to the road surface better. The new compound, combined with a newly developed macro block shoulder design, gives the new tyre superb handling when cornering at speed.

The Continental tyre also benefits from having bi-directional draining grooves on the inside of the tread which provides excellent wet weather performance when on the track, allowing for safer driving conditions for the driver in wet weather. The tyres are available in wheel rim sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

New tyre labelling, bridgestone

New tyre labelling- To be introduced from May 2021

New tyre labelling

New tyre labelling

So, after much head scratching we are finally accepting the reputation of the truth relating to the information that tyre manufacturers put onto their tyre labels. Of course in the beginning we found that economy tyres were marked up to show them as being much better and therefore a better buy that many of the leading makes.

This set up many suspicion’s in my mind. However moving on a few years things appear to have levelled out! Lets say that some of the figures that went onto tyre labels were more  believable.

In fact we do now use these figures as a fairly level playing field when it comes to tyre performing on these labels. This attached article from “Garage Wire” explains the new labelling that will be introduced in May.

New tyre performance labels

However like many things then the industry is getting used to the information that the tyre manufacturers put on to their labels. Here at Pellon Tyres we often use the information to help sell a brand of tyres. Using the figures as a comparison to aid in the tyres sale.

A new tyre labelling system designed to help motorists understand how well tyres perform, especially for fuel efficiency and grip in the wet, is to be introduced on 1 May 2021. Tyre label ratings will be

Source: New tyre labelling to be introduced from May

Scrap Tyre Dumping Returns

Waste car Tyres are being looked at by the EU Investigating Covering Roads With … Car Tyre Rubber

The European Union is spending €4.5 million on an experiment to turn Waste car tyres into an elastic material that can be put on road surfaces – particularly motorways – to reduce traffic noise, in an experiment that has, so far, hardly scratched the…

This idea is not new  but if implemented would use great amounts of our waste tyres.

Waste car tyre may be a problem of the future?

It could be possible that the waste car tyres  problem is resolved in our lifetimes, (I hope). I reported that waste tyre crumbs were being mixed with tarmac to improve the noise levels of the road surface as well as helping with general waste tyres problem.

Now we have some good news coming out of a European Union funded project called “PERSUADE”. The project kicked off in September 2009, and looks to me as though it is a different of substance to the mixture of tarmac with the rubber crumbs.

The new type of material that is made from waste car tyres is being tested for its compatibility with other road surfaces such as tarmac and concrete, in a bid to reduce road noise. The new type of road material was invented in Sweden as far back as the 1970’s and is made of waste car tyres, that are shredded into granules, which are then covered with a synthetic resin, this is then mixed with stone chippings and chemicals that help the final product give a suitable grip to the traffic that drive on the surface.

The difference between this and normal tarmac as we know it ,is the fact that the mix does not contain bitumen, the Bitumen Products as we know comes from oil and oil waste and is not environmentally friendly more reading… http://www.eurobitume.eu/bitumen/what-bitumen

Persuade were given a budget of 4.5 Million Euros

Of course ,which includes many different countries and work by several universities. So, as well as companies with similar interests to the project.

I must admit that this project came as a surprise to me. Surprisingly, I did not realise that such projects were in operation. I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised! Of course, that one day the tyre industry will not have to pay for tyre removal . Meaning that old tyres will be of good use.

After several test tracks. Consequently, a full scale one was built in three EU countries Poland, Belgium and Sweden. These were built with an up to date mixture of the waste car tyres and other ingredients.

This was in 2014! So, up to now  has proved successful with favorable road noise results, but the trials will be ongoing and take into account the winter performance, skid resistance, durability and of course the road noise.

I know that other people in the tyre industry will be very pleased and even excited about these events, and I hope that the news will be as pleasing to them as it was to me, for more information about persuade… http://persuade.fehrl.org/

As an update i have found out that the rubber and asphalt mix is approved and used in Canada .

Scrap Tyre Dumping Returns

Part Worn tyres Guy Fined-Guilty verdict for illegal part worn tyre seller – FleetNews

Part Worn tyres Guy Fined

A Lincolnshire tyre retailer faces up to 12 months in prison along with a £20,000 fine after being found guilty of supplying unsafe part worn tyres to the public.

A Lincolnshire tyre retailer faces up to 12 months in prison. Including, along with a £20,000 fine. So, after being found guilty of supplying unsafe part worn car tyres to the public.

Good news for the battle against dodgy traders. Selling these unsafe tyre products to unsuspecting but gullible public.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Content/Page/Part+Worn+Tyres+Policy

Illegal Part Worn tyres

This is one of my pet hates. The fact that people are allowed to sell these illegal part worn tyres. Of course, and get away with it, (well some of them). This is not the first time that the part worn tyre problem has come to haunt the industry. It last raised its ugly head in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.

There was a huge outcry from within the tyre industry. Consequently, which eventually led to the Government setting certain standards. Of course, that would allow part worn tyres to be sold legally. These are listed below courtesy of tyresafe.org.

Under The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 (reg.7.) part of the Consumer Protection Act, it is an offense for anyone to sell Part Worn Tyres UK that do not meet the following principal requirements:

1-   The structural integrity must not be compromised. It should be free of large cuts, any bulges or lumps both internally and externally. No plies or cords should be exposed.

2- Tyres must have passed an inflation test prior to sale.

3- The original grooves must still be clearly visible in their entirety and must be to a depth of at least 2mm across the full breadth of the tread, around its entire circumference.

4-  Part worn tyres which have not been retreaded must clearly show the relevant ‘E’ mark alongside which ‘PART-WORN’ must be permanently and legibly applied in letters at least 4 mm high. These words cannot be hot branded or cut into the tyre.

5- Part-worn tyres that have been retreaded must have one of the following:

BS AU 144b, 144c, 144d, or 144e markings on the side wall (if first supplied as a retread on or before 31 December 2003 an ECE approval mark (if first supplied as a retread on or after 1 January 2004)

A permanent mark to identify the original model and manufacturer.

So, the word ‘RETREAD’ moulded onto or into its sidewall (in upper case letters at least 4 mm high) and further markings in accordance with ECE rules. You may need to seek further advice as to which rules apply

The indication ‘PART WORN‘ must also appear next to the BS or ECE approval mark, or next to the word ‘RETREAD’

For tyres marked BS AU 144e, a speed category symbol and load capacity marking should be present.

A tyre has to comply with all these requirements whether or not it is fitted to a rim.

– See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-safety/part-worn-tyres/part-worn-tyres-and-the-law#sthash.7yuu0qZi.dpuf

Part Worn tyres Guy Fined

These rules (laws) were brought out to try and make re-used old ones  safer when sold to the unsuspecting public. After a few years things appeared to level off and the industry thought that things had calmed down.

Part worn tyres raise their ugly heads again

Then came yet another recession! So, the tyre industry began to suffer once again. Importantly, with the rise again of the illegal waste tyre trader. Small bucket shops began to open up all over the country. Selling any old tyre rubbish as Part Worn tyres. I thought that there would be no way that the public would buy from such places, but I was wrong?

Not only was I wrong but these tyres were being sold with total disregard for the 1994 regulations, it is as though they never existed? Many trade bodies have been lobbying our government and people like me have been venting our frustration at the way that these tyres have been openly sold without any regard to safety or the 1994 regulations.

My main concern is purely the safety aspects for the thousands of motorists that buy these things, not knowing there condition or where they came from. It is good however that some trading standards department are once again raiding the premises of these people and prosecuting them for their actions. This is also occurring in the USA, the whole world is finally opening their eyes to the vast safety problem associated with these part worn accidents waiting to happen.

oil and engine warning lights

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)-and summer tyres-can both give you Temperature Problems

 TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring systems).

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

So, “Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems” have been around for quite a while now. it was developed to compliment  cars that were fitted with run flat tyres or cars that did not have a conventional type spar wheel and tyre.

When a run flat tyre loses pressure, there is no way of knowing so a special valve with a sender, was invented and when there is a loss of air pressure in the tyre the sensor in the tyre valve picks this up and sends a message to the cars computer which lights up a warning light in the cab and alerts the driver that something is wrong with one of his/hers tyres.

The idea is a simple one really,

but it is not that long ago that a driver would not go anywhere without his spare wheel? How things have changed. Now most cars are fitted with in cab warning technologies and it is very common for us to see on a daily basis.

There is however one thing that has cropped up, those drivers may not know. This is that the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems in susceptible to temperature changes. This is basic science, when the temperature rises then the air expands and when it cools down then the temperature lowers.

Monitoring Systems valves.

When the temperature drops on cold freezing night. Then so does the air pressure in your tyres. Pressures can drop as much as 10 psi on a really cold night. This can then trigger off your tyre pressure warning light in the car.

It may not happen to all cars! But it is worth noting that if this happens to you. So then you will know what has been happening on that cold dark winters night. In some cars the light will correct itself. Going back out as the air temperature rises. Subsequently, you could increase the air pressure in your tyres and this will stop this happening.

The second temperature related part is the way a summer tyre acts when they get cold too!

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

TPMS and summer tyres in the cold

This temperature issue is probably a little bit better known, but here goes. Summer car tyres and winter car tyres. Importantly, have different chemical compositions in their tyre compounds. The main difference is the addition of “silica” compounds. Into the mix that makes the winter tyres.

The different compounds are there to give different characteristics to the tyres in different weather conditions and heat and cold. Summer’s will get much stiffer and harder in cold weather, making the tyre more difficult to handle when braking and cornering. This change in character starts to come in when the temperature gets below 7 degrees.

Winter tyres remain flexible in the cold-Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

The winter tyres with their different compounds will remain flexible and pliable in colder weather and this combined with a tread design that has been developed to dissipate water, slush and snow, makes the winters  the perfect fitment for your car from November to march here in the Northern hemisphere.

If you are looking for a set of tyres for your car at this time of year then I would strongly advise fitting winter tyres, they have been proven time and time again to be the safest option for your car and your family.

As an update then the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have increased to nearly all car makes and models. So, the importance of tyre pressure to save fuel and emissions cannot be under estimated! So, moving on a few years since I first wrote this post then a few things have happened! Firstly, as reputable tyre dealers then we have to keep a large stock of electronic valves to replace old ones that break or just need replacing.

Going forward we are finding that most problems are caused by seized up metal valve caps. So use plastic valve caps where possible. Importantly, when the warning light comes on please check out the tyre and the tyre pressures ?

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