Michelin Tyres Development-Set their Targets High as far back as the Thirties

26th August 2023/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

It is no surprise to the older drivers amongst us that Michelin Tyres Development has always been at the forefront of tyre design

Ever since I started work as a junior tyre fitter all those years ago. So, I have marveled at the skill and professional work. That Michelin Tyres Development have put into their products. Even going back before my time ! French tyre makers were at the top of tyre development.Subsequently, all the other tyre companies were playing catch-up.

Enter the first steel belted radial that started it all off for Michelin tyres.

This was to be the tyre that changed their history. Including the great American tyre makers of the time. Of course, this new tyre from Michelin tyres was to be a far cry from the cross ply. Significantly, made by most other European tyre companies . Including, the Bias-belted tyres that were been developed in the USA.

The new Michelin Tyres Development was to be known as the Michelin”X”. Consequently, first appearing in 1949 (a year after I was born). This tyre would revolutionize the tyre industry ! With a product that would last longer and prove better car handling. Especially, for the type of suspension that was used on European cars.

This tyre was to be fitted as original equipment to Lancia and Citroen cars and also to the Mercedes 190 SL models.

It took a good ten years before the other tyre makers started to catch Michelin Tyres Development up, all trying to copy the steel belted “X” tyre.

Compared to the cross-ply tyre the radial gave many advantages. They gave a much better mileage and road holding, ( I must admit that when I was in my early tyre fitting days. I can remember drivers complaining about Michelin being bad in wet weather ?). This also gave added bonus of lower fuel consumption, a great

bonus for some of those old gas guzzling cars.

This is also the same time that imported cars were coming into the UK cars such as the Citroen 2 CV and Renault Dauphins.

More reading… “The Dauphine took over from the 4 CV in 1956, but not as a replacement. The name dauphine (heiress) was highly significant. Release was a major event on the motoring scene, and followed up by a successful career on French and export markets.
Dauphine played its successor’s role to the full, boasting all the latest features of the epoch, such as adjustable seats, heating, and an automatic gearbox. The finish was very smart, with a red and black steering wheel and matching seats. The dashboard layout was uncluttered, and the interior roomy.
Dauphine was a four-seater, with rear bench and two separate seats at the front. In January 1957, the US motoring weekly The Motor crowned it the “prettiest little four-seater in the world”. Sure, it was beautiful, elegant and shapely, totally in keeping with spirit of the 1960s.”…http://www.renault.com/en/vehicules/hier/pages/renault-dauphine.aspx

The Dauphin did not do too well in the “Cold Damp British climate”

So, soon had a bad reputation for bad rust. But it did come out on Michelin tyres, and I will never forget. Of course, the first time I had to remove one of these products from the rim. The tyre just fell off the wheel it was so easy to do. A big improvement on the struggle we had when fitting Dunlops . In those days we only had a hand held tyre bead breaker and some tyre levers, balancing was carried out on a small “bubble” wheel balancer which I still believe never really worked.

To conclude Michelin Tyres Development have never looked back and in the early days. Because of their better cornering they were used in the early motor-sport cars with great success.

Michelin Quality Pays

13th August 2023/2 Comments/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

Michelin Quality Pays

There is no doubt in my mind that, over the many years of being in the tyre industry, Michelin has the best reputation for quality and reliability. Michelin is one of the best-known and most respected tyre brands in the world. The company has been in business for over 100 years and has a long history of producing high-quality tyres for a wide range of vehicles.

I can honestly say that in all those years, I have never seen a genuine Michelin faulty tyre. Michelin has played a significant role in the development of the tyre industry and the advancement of tyre technology from the early days of the automobile to today’s modern tyre market.

Michelins History

The history of Michelin began in 1888. Of course, when the company was founded by brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The company began by producing bicycle tyres. However, they quickly expanded into the automotive market. In 1891, the company developed the first removable pneumatic tyre. Importantly, this revolutionised the tyre industry and made it possible for cars to travel at faster speeds.

throughout the early 20th century. Michelin continued to innovate and develop new tyre technologies. In 1946, the company introduced the radial tyre. which had a stronger and more flexible sidewall and offered improved fuel efficiency and a longer tread life. This innovation quickly became the industry standard and was widely adopted by other tyre manufacturers.

Michelin became well-known for the excellent mileage that their car tyres could achieve. Other tyre companies could just watch and try to follow. The secret was in the steel chords that were part of the radial tyre mix. These were patented by Michelin. making it very difficult for other tyre companies to copy.

The result for some tyre companies was a mess. when the steel chords were broken, say, by a puncture. The steel belts would rust and cause all sorts of problems. Michelin coated their steel belts with a copper coating. So, the steel is protected, and a nail or screw that goes through the steel belt won’t let water in and cause problems.

Moving quickly on

In the decades that followed, Michelin continued to push the boundaries of tyre technology. The company was one of the first to make run-flat tyres, which let a car keep going even if one of its tyres gets a hole. They also made tyres that can fix themselves and have sensors that keep track of the pressure and wear.

Today, Michelin is known for producing high-performance tyres that offer superior grip, handling, and overall driving experience. The quality and performance of Michelin tyres are demonstrated by the fact that Porsche, Ferrari, and BMW all use them on their high-performance vehicles.

Michelin ruled supreme when it came to innovation, recently developing the Michelin CrossClimate, a summer tyre with winter capability.

Michelin is also a major manufacturer of commercial vehicle tyres such as trucks and buses. The company has developed tyres that are specifically designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, which is important in today’s world where there is a growing concern about environmental impact.

Michelin and the environment

In addition to producing high-quality tyres, Michelin is also committed to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of its operations. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has put money into projects to use renewable energy and recycle.

Finally, Michelin is a tyre brand that has made significant contributions to the growth of the tyre industry and the advancement of tyre technology. From the invention of the automobile to the modern tyre market. As I have said earlier in this post, Michelin has been at the forefront of innovation and has consistently produced high-quality tyres that offer superior performance, durability, and safety. Michelin Quality Pays

Michelin Tyre Policy Saves Money-MD Transport chooses Michelin | HGV UK.com

21st July 2023/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

Michelin Tyre Policy Saves Money

This claim does not surprise me? Michelin have always been the world leaders in truck tyre management. Hence, my experience in truck tyres goes back about forty years. Of course, most tyre dealers know about the quality of the Michelin truck tyre casings. When the original tyre wears down to the limit, then the old tyre is used for re-treading. Michelin tyres are perfect for the job. They were then and they are now. So by using the Michelin system then these trucking companies can not lose.

Leicester-based bulk aggregate haulier BMD Transport has cut its monthly tyre bill by 25 per cent after switching to a Michelin policy. The family-run company reported the savings soon after switch…

Source: BMD Transport chooses Michelin | HGV UK.com

Of course going forward then Michelin are still number one! Especially when it comes to the quality and performance of their truck tyre range. So, even when the tyres wear down to the legal limit them the truck tyres casing is still regarded as the number one to be re-treaded. Importantly, other brands can only come a close second. Of course other truck tyre manufacturers are getting close? I am thinking perhaps of Bridgestone tyres.

Michelin Tyres World Beaters-A great video explaining tyres and How Its Made HD

11th July 2023/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

Michelin Tyres World Beaters

As a tyre retailer in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK I can tell you that Michelin is not the easiest tyre manufacturer to deal with. Therefore, we sell Michelin products, but through a third-party wholesaler. Over the years, I have tried to deal directly with Michelin. But I find that they are not flexible enough for a small tyre business like mine.

Of course, I think very highly of the Michelin tyre products. In my opinion, they are the best tyres in the world. Of course, other tyres are starting to catch up, but they are well in front at the moment. The video is accompanied by text below the video, which is well worth watching.

Not surprisingly, Michelin is a leading tyre company and is known for producing high-quality tyres for a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles. The company was founded in 1889 by the Michelin brothers, and it is headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Michelin is known for its commitment to innovation and has developed a number of pioneering technologies over the years, including the radial tyre, which revolutionized the tyre industry. The company also produces a range of specialized tyres for different applications, such as winter tyres, off-road tyres, and tyres for high-performance vehicles.

In terms of ranking, it is difficult to say exactly where Michelin stands among all of the tyre companies in the world, as there are many factors that can affect a company’s ranking. My own opinion after a fifty year run in the tyre industry is that Michelin make the best tyre products in the World. Michelin is widely considered to be one of the top tyre companies in the world, and it is known for producing high-quality tyres. Of course, that are trusted by consumers and used by many leading automakers.

How Its Made Michelin Tyre

The Clermont-Ferrand region of France is home to Michelin, a well-known tyre brand on a global scale. On May 28th, 1889, the business opened for business, and two years later it received its first patent for a removable pneumatic tyre. The Michelin Red Guide was released in 1900, and the Michelin Sports Association was founded in 1911. It constructed the world’s first paved runway in 1916.

The company ran sizable rubber plantations in Vietnam between 1920 and 1930, during which time it also developed the pneumatic tyre for railroad trains and the “Micheline” locomotive. The tyre manufacturer first introduced the self-supporting or run-flat tyre in 1934. This company got a patent for the innovative radial tyre in 1946. It later used the same radial technology to make truck tyres.

Pilot Sport
Primacy LC
Energy XM1+
Pilot Preceda 2
Latitude Tour HP
Latitude Cross

Michelin Sports Tyres-Pilot Sports 3 Tyres another great tyre from Michelin

7th July 2023/3 Comments/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

Michelin Sports Tyres

6 Reasons to fit the Michelin Pilot Sports 3 tyres to your car

Improved handling and grip: The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 is a high-performance tire that has been designed to offer excellent handling and grip, even in wet and dry conditions.
Enhanced stability: The tyre has a stiffer sidewall and a more rigid tread pattern, which helps to improve stability and reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
Longer tyre life: The tire has been engineered with a durable tread compound that helps to extend its lifespan, making it a cost-effective choice for drivers.
Quiet and comfortable ride: The tyre has a specially designed tread pattern and an advanced tread compound that helps to reduce road noise and vibration, providing a more comfortable ride.
Excellent wet and dry performance: The tyre has been designed with large water evacuation channels and tread blocks that help to improve traction in wet conditions, while the asymmetrical tread pattern helps to provide excellent grip in dry conditions.
Wide range of sizes available: The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 is available in a wide range of sizes, making it suitable for a variety of vehicles and driving needs.

Michelin Sports Tyres; New pilot sports three tyres will become another winner from Michelin tyres

as a Michelin Sports Tyres retailer. As a result, for the last 40 years. Therefore, I have always admired the tyre products that Michelin tyres have produced. Michelin Sports Tyres have, in my opinion, been at the forefront. As a result, car tyre technology and tyre innovation.

as the general public will be aware. Michelin tyres have never been famous for selling cheap car tyres. In fact, they are often the most expensive. however, in my opinion. For this reason, you have to pay for a top quality product. Michelin tyres are a top product.

If its cheap tyres that you are after. Thus, you won’t get Michelin tyres. So, when it comes to cheap car tyres. Then you will be looking at other brands. Hence, not Michelin.

Michelin Sports Tyres, therefore, have devoted hours of time and money to their commitment to motorsport. As a result, they have applied all of their knowledge to developing better and better car tyres. Michelin tyres have always been the company to beat by their competitors, which is why they have kept their prices higher than the other top tyre manufacturers.

New pilot 3

This latest tyre from Michelin is no exception. The all-new Pilot 3 comes with a new “anti-surf system,” which gives optimum tyre grip in all wet conditions, including deep standing water, the type of conditions that you may get when heavy rain has flooded the road due to a blocked drain. The Pilot 3 just cuts straight through without any deviation in the driving; as you know, when this happens, the car tends to pull towards the kerb, but not the new Michelin Sport 3.

This new tyre also comes with a new rubber compound, which gives fuel savings and higher mileage while maintaining its excellent wet grip capabilities, as stated above. Michelin Sports Tyres is committed to lowering the CO2 emissions as low as possible on all its tyre products, and this will be shown by putting the “GREEN X” marking on the sports 3 tyres. This emblem will demonstrate that Michelin Sports Tyres’ newest tyre products, including the new Sports 3 tyre, are designed to reduce fuel consumption.

Airless Tweel Wheel Tyre-Michelin Tyres Invent Airless “Tweel Tyre”,Now used on Plant vehicles.

29th June 2023/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

Airless Tweel Wheel Tyre

For as long as we can remember tyres of all shapes and sizes have always to filled with air-filled rubber tubing. This is to put it to its simplest terms. As a result, the latest tyre designs are a far cry from the old cycle tyres. Mr. Michelin first made these in France well over 100 years ago.

Michelin looks for models for the future

as a result, almost all the leading tyre companies are looking for the concept tyre designs for future urban cars and Michelin tyres are no exception. The first idea started to come out of the Michelin Laboratories in about 2005. The new concept was to become the “Tweel” a simple cross between the tyre and the wheel, this is where the name comes from, the “T” from the tyre and the Airless Tweel Wheel Tyre.

The Airless Tweel Wheel Tyre looks like a giant bicycle wheel, probably a futuristic version of the original solid bicycle wheel that Michelin worked on over 100 years ago. The tweel has a solid hub, with spokes and an outer rim. Materials that are used, will be manufactured, using a polyurethane type substance, which is a hard material and light in weight. The tyre tread is stretch fitted onto the spokes in a rubber band similar to the tyres mounted on fork trucks. This construction looks very solid yet flexible. These have the spokes absorbing all the shocks, just like air would do in a tyre, but having the advantage of “not having punctures”.

Airless Tweel Wheel Tyre

In addition, Michelin, has been testing different cars with the tweel fitted. Furthermore, this includes the Audi with good handling results. They admit though that they are still in the early stages of development. I think it is good to try other materials to try out to replace rubber products. A large amount of oil, is used for making tyres? and we are running out of oil ?.

Please click on the link bellow to read more about the TWEEL from MICHELIN TYRES

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/tweel-airless-tire.htm

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 275/35 R20 102W tyre specifications, review and features

25th June 2023/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

Tyre Michelin Pilot Alpin PA 4 275/35 R 20 102 W specs, price, review. Michelin tyres for cars.

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4

Not many Michelin Pilot Alpin PA 4 customers here in Halifax UK

As many of my readers will know. I am a big fan of almost everything that Michelin tyres produce. Including products they have produced over the years. Therefore, I think that this could be something to do with the fact. Hence, that the Michelin Pilot Alpin was developed with the larger luxury car in mind. As I have said before, Halifax ix a small market town in Yorkshire UK .Therefore does not have that many wealthy people who would buy such luxury cars.

Tyre retailers in say Leeds and York. of course, do get a larger share of the BMW’s and Porsche’s as we do in Halifax. With this in mind, we do see some of these famous marques in our area. Of course, we have also fitted a few Michelin Pilot Alpin tyres to these type of cars. The drivers that bring this type of car into us for their tyres. are people that trust us with these valuable machines, we do not scratch their alloy wheels, that sort of thing.

The customers who use us also give us good feedback, I have been a tyre retailer now for 40 years and it is surprising how they like to chat to me especially about their tyres, the people with these types of luxury cars are usually very knowledgeable about their cars and so like a chat.

One particular guy owns a business that supply wall insulation and also installs it into buildings.

His business does very well. Consequently, he likes fast, sporty cars. So, his latest car is a Porsche. Fortunately for us, he came to us for a set of winter tyres . So, to fit his Porsche car. For this reason, he was visiting friends in Germany and he normally drives in his Range Rover in winter, but he decided to give the Porsche a run out.

Like me the guy is a very big fan of Michelin tyres, in fact he will not have anything else on his car. He insisted on a set of Michelin Alpin tyres. The guy’s name is Richard, but the tyres he wanted were not available in the UK. We have some good connections and suppliers in other European countries and so we had a ring round.

To my surprise I found out that Michelin make these tyres in two different tread pattern designs, the asymmetric and the directional. At first I thought that there some kind of mistake as I found this very unusual?. Sure enough when I rang Richard he did know about this and wanted the asymmetric pattern that was recommended for the Porsche models.

Michelin pilot Alpin in two distinct pattern types

When I checked this out with Michelin. They told me that they thought that both Tyre Tread designs had their own successes. Achieving, the end desired result for both types of tyres. Both tyre designs are subsequently, made from what Michelin Pilot Tyres call their Helio-compound rubber mixture, compound 3 G. Which is a compound that is made from sunflower oil and silica and traditional rubber. Giving the tyres more flexible sidewalls. Therefore a better gripping tread surface in cold weather. Especially at temperatures bellow 7c .

Indeed the new MICHELIN PILOT ALPIN has two different tread patterns.

The reason is that we worked simultaneously in two parallel ways: one is made in collaboration with Porsche, the second one in a more common way. The two solutions have succeeded to achieve the desired result. Both of tread patterns respond perfectly to the “ridge-n-flex” philosophy and use the same elements but in a slightly different way.

We finally received and fitted Richards and off he went to Germany with his new Michelin Pilot Alpine tyres fitted.

Another customer that fitted these tyres said that it was the first time that he had bought a set of winter tyres. But he now feels that he can fully measure the benefits. Especially in treacherous weather conditions. Winters are the difference between getting home safely, or getting stuck in snow.

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

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Tyre/Details/Michelin/Pilot+Alpin+PA4

All-Season Tyres versus winter tyres-(tested)-Are they better than changing to winter tyres?

17th June 2023/in All Michelin Tyres, All Pirelli Tyres Stuff, All Tyre Articles/by Eric Roberts

All-Season Tyres versus winter tyres

All-Season Tyres versus winter tyres-This is yet another test, regarding the effectiveness of All-Season Tyres versus winter tyres. It is normally the winter tyres versus the summer tyres. The difference in recent years is that we have seen the introduction of new tyre products with differing claims and counter claims.

Leading tyre companies Pirelli, Michelin, Nokian and Goodyear are all launching new all-season products this year. The problem is that, so are many of the mid-range tyre suppliers. These include Apollo tyres with their excellent Vredestein range of winter and all-season tyres.

Most of the tyres that were tested came out very well, n but all-season tyres are not the same as winter tyres. In my opinion, it is still better to fit the real thing and stick to winter tyres. This is especially if you live in a hilly or mountainous region of the UK. Here in Yorkshire, we have a mixture of terrain, but we do have many hills. These hills are large and small and this is where we need the proper winter tyres.

winter tyres are a great debate.

But the fact is that you are better fitting the different products depending where you live. General All-season tyres do offer the driver better protection in all the types of weather that we can expect in a bad UK winter. This, in my opinion, is if you live in the part of the country that has a flat landscape. This would be in say Lincolnshire and Norfolk. All-season tyres are certainly better than using summer tyres.

I can foresee a future when most tyres produced will be of the all-season variety. Why not? It is up to the car manufacturers to these tyres as original equipment. The problem would be that the fact that the tread pattern is more aggressive, alters the rolling resistance of the tyre. This would be no good for the new hybrid and electric cars unless the tyre designers came up with yet another special tyre to fit the electric cars?

Finally, Pellon Tyres are still Nokian tyre dealers for the Calderdale area of Yorkshire UK.

The tyre tests can be seen on http://www.particlenews.com/

Michelin Star-Not tyres this time-but Michelin Restaurants and their Star System.

14th June 2023/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

A few months ago I decided to look into the history of the Michelin star rating system for restaurants.

I found it fascinating. Hence, how the whole thing started. From the desire to help the early motorists to secure a good place to eat on their travels. To today’s

the sophisticated way that Michelin award recognition to the best eating places all over the world.

I got it into my head that I must visit such a place to see what the difference is. My wife Michelle and I make sure that we go out at least once a week together and preferably on our own. I must admit that I prefer good Italian food, but now later on in life can take in an Indian meal. Eating out is a good time to reflect on the week gone by and talk about our garage business because we have a large grown up family, it is a real time have a bit of one on one conversation together.

However back to Michelin star?

Michelle’s birthday is on the 17^th of December. It becomes increasingly difficult to buy something so near Christmas. In recent years I have treated her to a concert and a hotel stopover (which we both love doing). This year I thought about the Michelin star, and looked up about the Star Inn in a village near Helmsley, in North Yorkshire.

The Star is on the main street of a picturesque village called Harrome, about three miles from Helmsley. I looked it up online and discovered that the Star also

Does overnight accommodation. This also included a taster evening the first night, and because we decided to take the two-night deal the second night included a choice from the a la carte menu.

Did we arrive on wet, misty December day? The rooms were all individually set out. Hence, and were all decorated in a countryside style.

This was to be the first time that I had visited a Michelin star restaurant. I could not wait. Thus, the building itself dates back to the fourteenth century. As a result and from the outside looks small with a beautiful thatched roof. The pub part of the star is like stepping back in time and is one of the best pub’s I have ever visited.

I started to see that this is what every business should be run like? All the staff were very kind and helpful. The most important thing to me though was the staff’s knowledge about the food, the wine and their understanding of the business and the history.

Michelin Star

This is what dealing with customers, and the public is all about. The Star had hundreds of small thoughtful ideas to make the public’s stay a better experience.

This is what running any business (even a garage) was all about, little touches that are not expensive to implicate, but make a huge difference to the public’s experience, when they visit your tyre shop or garage.

The food was out of this world, and the wines we tasted were all part of the experience, I sort of thought they would be because that’s what a Michelin star is all about.

The thing I did not expect was the total business experience? You could compare this with your business experience and procedures, to improve the way that we treat our garage customers and add those little extra touches that make a world of difference, that can also give you a better bottom line.

I must congratulate the Star Inn for opening my eyes. Especially, to the way that a business should be run. Especially a company that deals with the public. So we all can add those little touches that make a difference. hence, to the visitor experience. I like to think that I run my garage and tyre business in a similar fashion. But it gave me a whole new enthusiasm and insight. For this reason, into make better profit margins. By not thinking cheap all the time.

I would like to end by also thanking Michelin for introducing me to the Star Inn; we have decided to make a visit there an annual pilgrimage near my wife’s birthday. I would recommend any business owner to visit and see how a company that deals with the public should be run.

More Information…http://www.thestaratharome.co.uk/

Motorhome tyres from Michelin-Massive motorhome fit new tyres-sad ending?

12th June 2023/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

Motorhome tyres from Michelin

Last Saturday saw yet another campervan pulling onto our forecourt for some new tyres fitting. The guy had fitted Kumho tyres in the past but was a little disappointed with the low mileage that he had achieved.

The guy told us that his father always fitted Motorhome tyres from Michelin. His father had two front Motorhome tyres from Michelin fitted about two months ago and was highly delighted with their performance.

Consequently, they pulled his twin rear wheel motorhome into the forecourt and we decided that we should jack the vehicle up and remove the wheels outside. As we were fitting the tyres the customer came into the reception for a free coffee and a chat. I love chatting to my customers, as I believe that it’s all part of giving a good service. Although I don’t always feel like talking all the time, then I make an effort

Motorhome tyres from Michelin

Excellent, Motorhome tyres from Michelin are specially designed specifically for vans and motorhomes; these are the exact tyres for the job. They are called the “Michelin Agilis” and are the ones to fit to achieve a better mileage and carrying capacity.

Especially relevant, they are closely related to van tyres are built with extra performance in terms of load capacity and sidewall kerb wear. You would be surprised if you saw the campervan owners who fit normal car tyres to their vehicle. Because, the correct tyre choice of campervan tyres can lead to reduced fuel consumption due to reduced rolling resistance. Because of their ability to carry all the extra weight that a motorhome may carry.

Because there is no doubt that this customer has made the correct choice of tyre for his motorhome. Finally, to end on a sad note the guy told me that his father did a six week drive to Spain and sadly past away. He now has to go to Spain and drive his father’s vehicle back home, to sell it.

More information… http://www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/van-motorhome-tyres#type=type_2