|
|
| |
| Home
> Latest tyre news |
 |
Latest Tyre News |
 |
|
| Beware Of Curbing Tyres |
5 7 08 |
Motorists unaware of hidden dangers from bumping up and scuffing kerbs
TyreSafe has issued a warning to motorists about the increase in the number of premature tyre removals as a result of either kerbing damage, or uneven tread wear due to wheel or axle misalignment.
The cause of a significant number of these early removals is due to motorists mounting or hitting a kerb, which usually occurs during a parking manoeuvre. As most modern cars are now equipped with power steering, drivers consider that the presence of a kerb is not an obstacle to manoeuvring a car into a tight spot, which may lead to a tyre’s sidewall being pinched between the kerb and the wheel, or the steering system becoming misaligned.
A driver may not be aware of any problem associated with such a manoeuvre until either the tread pattern shows rapid and irregular wear or a bulge appears on the tyre sidewall, therefore increasing the likelihood of an accident. Furthermore, the level of grip of an unevenly worn tyre is unpredictable in the wet, whilst a sidewall bulge, the result of a fracture in the carcass of the tyre, can cause a tyre to either lose pressure or in a worst case scenario a tyre blow-out.
Whilst it should be common practice for motorists, TyreSafe points out that tyres should be maintained at the levels of pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. TyreSafe recommends that drivers who are aware of having impacted a kerb with some force should have the tyre(s) inspected for any damage and the vehicle alignment checked by a tyre dealer. Tyre sidewall damage cannot be repaired and may lead to possible failure because of the leaking of air from the tyre.
|
|
|
|
| Save On Car Fuel! |
12 5 08 |
Petrol prices are at a 20-year high and motorists are now paying around 25% more to fill up a tank, than they were last year.
Oil companies are reaping the rewards of rising oil prices, but with BP and Shell having recently announced record profits, pressure is mounting on the fuel giants to spare consumers some of the pain and not to pass on the full increase in the cost of oil.
The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, announced in the Budget that a planned 2p increase in fuel duty would be postponed until October. However, he is now under pressure to delay the increase further.
In the meantime, there are things individuals can do themselves to minimise their fuel bills.
While the average price of a litre of unleaded is now 110.6p, prices vary significantly, so it is well worth identifying the cheapest provider in your area. Unfortunately those in rural areas tend to pay more as there is less local competition. Motorway service stations are also expensive places to refill. The large supermarkets that offer petrol tend to be competitively priced. You can find the cheapest filling station in your area by inputting your postcode at petrolprices.com.
There are many more tips that can help you gain more miles to the gallon including:
Keep your car in good shape - Keeping tyres inflated to the correct pressure could save as much as 5% on fuel economy. Replace your air filter where necessary and use the recommended fuel and oil for your vehicle.
Watch your speed - Driving at 70mph consumes 25% more fuel than driving at 50mph. When legal, 56mph is the optimum speed for most vehicles.
Plan your journey - Avoid traveling in rush hour and cut out as many short journeys as possible.
Car sharing - See if a colleague lives close by - you could cut your fuel costs in half by taking turns to drive each day.
Top gear - Stick to the highest gear you can as more fuel is consumed when traveling in lower gears
|
|
|
|
Lives of motorists endangered as too many potholes are ignored
Further to a damning report last year which revealed damage to vehicles from potholes and bad road surfaces amounted to £320 million in 2006, 2007 showed little improvement according to figures released by the AA motoring organisation last weekend. The latest statistics show that 12% or 120,000 out of all of the UK’s one million potholes are not being filled by local councils, which means that repair bills are now soaring every year because of the lack of maintenance by government authorities. Since 1996, the number of claims has soared by 78% in London alone, by 42% in England and by 70% in Wales.
This presents a worrying situation for motorists as there are signs that a turnaround in the level of maintenance of the UK’s roads is still a long way off. It is estimated by the Local Government Association that it would need another £200m a year to reach the target the government has set for filling in potholes by 2010.
Motorists are most at risk from potholes in hours of darkness or in periods of reduced visibility, with added dangers for those who are more exposed on motorcycles. Frequently, damage to the tyre is not immediately visible, and therefore motorists may be unaware of this until a potentially catastrophic failure occurs, thus putting the vehicle occupants and other road users at risk. Furthermore, at high speed, alignment of the wheel may be affected, thereby promoting uneven tyre wear and the potential for a tyre blow-out.
Whilst it should be common practice for motorists, one method of reducing damage to tyres caused by potholes is to maintain them at the levels of pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If any level of damage is suspected, motorists should visit their nearest dealer or tyre retailer for their tyres to be examined for any faults.
|
|
|
|
| Auto express Magazine Find Valuetyres.co.uk the Cheapest! |
19 12 07 |
Auto Express magazine recentley conducted a survey of tyre suppliers and found that valuetyres.co.uk offered the cheapest tyres! Well tell us something new!! |
|
|
|
| HEAVY RAIN FALLS PUT PRESSURE ON TYRES |
14 8 07 |
Look after your tyres during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding says TyreSafe.
With rainfall reaching record levels in some parts of the UK, TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation, is calling on motorists to take added care, and to spend time checking their tyres before driving. Many roads are still experiencing high levels of standing water, with more rainfall scheduled, therefore presenting added dangers to drivers.
The latest research has indicated that skidding in the wet is a motorist's major fear, which can result from reduced adhesion of the tyre following driving through deep water. The build-up of rainfall on the road can equally cause aquaplaning, the loss of steering capability and grip, as a result of a layer of water forming between the tyre and road surface.
The risks associated with wet weather driving can be reduced through maintaining tyres to the manufacturer recommended pressures and to the legal minimum tread depth. Worrying findings have revealed that almost 25% of all cars and vans on the roads in the UK have at least one defective or badly worn tyre, highlighting the importance of having tyres conforming to the minimum legal requirements. The level of tread will equally determine the ability to corner, and the ability to stop in the wet; braking distances are significantly extended in the wet by up to four times compared to dry conditions.
TyreSafe is recommending motorists undertake a simple 5 minute tyre safety check to ensure that their tyres are safe before starting their journey.
Check and adjust if necessary, the tyre pressure in each tyre including the spare as recommended in the manufacturer’s handbook.
Clean dirt from around valves and fit dust caps to all tyres
Remove stones and other foreign objects from the tread
Check that tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread across three quarters of the width of the tyre. TyreSafe recommends that motorists consider changing tyres when the tread falls below 3mm
Check for un-even tyre wear which might mean steering misalignment or out of balance wheels.
Check tyres for cuts and bulges which could render the tyre defective and potentially dangerous.
TyreSafe recommends that if tyres need replacing they should be replaced in two’s or all four.
Motorists uncomfortable checking their own tyres can take advantage of a free tyre check offered by most reputable tyre retailers who will also provide tyre safety advice and information.
|
|
|
|
| POT HOLES ARE RIPPING TYRES APART! |
17 6 07 |
Badly maintained and unfinished roads are putting driver safety at significant risk more than ever before. A recent study revealed that damage from potholes and bad road surfaces amounted to a worrying £320 million in 2006, with Scotland topping the list for some of the worst roads. The failure of local authorities to act quickly enough is becoming an ever increasing source of complaints.
Motorists are frequently unable to avoid or see even the smallest of potholes, with danger being significantly increased at night, and during conditions of reduced visibility. On many occasions, the internal damage to the tyre may not be immediately visible, and is frequently hidden away from view. Damage may often only be seen weeks or months later following the impact. The driver may also be unaware of any damage to the tyre until a potentially catastrophic failure occurs, thus putting the vehicle occupants and other road users at risk. Furthermore, at high speed, alignment of the wheel may be altered, thereby promoting uneven tyre wear and subsequent tyre blow-outs.
Whilst it should be common practice for motorists, one method of reducing damage to tyres caused by potholes is to maintain them at the correct pressure level, as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Although this can extend the life of the tyre by up to 40%, under-inflation or over-inflation can cause even greater structural damage both to the rim and tyre when a vehicle makes contact with a pothole. If a motorist suspects any level of damage, they should visit their nearest dealer or tyre retailer to examine their tyres for any faults. This could make all the difference.
|
|
|
|
| Motorists get their tyres ''back to front'' |
4 5 07 |
A car tyre is often a distress purchase, but even when replacing one in the course of normal vehicle maintenance, it has long been believed that the new tyres should be fitted on the front wheels. Research by TyreSafe, Britain’s foremost tyre safety organisation, has indicated that over 50% of motorists believe this to be the case and 30% of motorists did not know.
However, recent demonstrations have indicated that it is more beneficial to fit the new rubber to the rear wheels, regardless of whether the vehicle is front or rear wheel drive. Industry research suggests that if the new tyres are fitted to the rear wheels, water on the road surface is better dispersed, which improves straight line braking ability. Conversely, if the rear track is fitted with part worn tyres, the car often has a dangerous tendency to oversteer.
Although the majority of the cars on the road are front wheel drive, it seems to make sense to have the new tyres up front. The demonstrations also showed that there is often a greater loss of control when a rear tyre suffers a puncture, so in fact it makes greater sense to fit the fresh, less vulnerable rubber to the rear wheels.
Rear tyres are subject to relatively low wear rates as well, meaning that the new tyres will have a longer lifespan on the back rims. Fitting new tyres to the rear and moving part worn rubber to the front each time also means that the rear tyres will be less prone to age-related deterioration from prolonged exposure.
|
|
|
|
| SUPERCAR DRIVERS RISKING AN ACCIDENT |
13 3 07 |
Over 30% of high performance tyres removed at a specialist tyre outlet proved to be potentially dangerous.
Drivers of Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini and other high performance cars are risking an accident and injury on wet roads because of worn tyres, according to research released by TyreSafe, Britain’s foremost tyre safety organisation.
One of the UK’s largest suppliers of high performance tyres and a major TyreSafe supporter has, over a two month period, checked on the condition of tyres removed from high performance cars at their depot in the south of England. The results give cause for concern says TyreSafe. A dramatic 30% of the tyres removed were either defective or badly worn, almost three times the national average*. In addition to risking a £2,500 fine and 3-penalty points on the driver’s licence, worn tyres increase the risk of an accident on wet roads. Independent research undertaken by the tyre industry at the Motor Industry Research Association showed that the ability of tyres to grip in the wet fall dramatically with a tread depth below 3mm.
Many of these cars, say TyreSafe, are not used regularly, and so tyres are not being checked on a weekly basis. Furthermore, high performance tyres tend to be more hidden under the wheel arch than those which are of more conventional size and therefore, visual checks of the tread are consequently more difficult to undertake.
TyreSafe is urging drivers of high performance cars to take advantage of free tyre checks offered by all reputable tyre dealers. This is to ensure that their tyres are legal and are capable of matching both the performance and handling potential of the car.
*The national average for defective tyres is 12%, a further 12% have at least one tyre below between 1.6mm and 2mm.
|
|
|
|
| Supercar drivers risking an accident says TyreSafe |
19 2 07 |
Over 30% of high performance tyres removed at a specialist tyre outlet proved to be potentially dangerous
Drivers of Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini and other high performance cars are risking an accident and injury on wet roads because of worn tyres, according to research released by TyreSafe, Britain’s foremost tyre safety organisation.
One of the UK’s largest suppliers of high performance tyres and a major TyreSafe supporter has, over a two month period, checked on the condition of tyres removed from high performance cars at their depot in the south of England. The results give cause for concern says TyreSafe. A dramatic 30% of the tyres removed were either defective or badly worn, almost three times the national average*. In addition to risking a £2,500 fine and 3-penalty points on the driver’s licence, worn tyres increase the risk of an accident on wet roads. Independent research undertaken by the tyre industry at the Motor Industry Research Association showed that the ability of tyres to grip in the wet fall dramatically with a tread depth below 3mm.
Many of these cars, say TyreSafe, are not used regularly, and so tyres are not being checked on a weekly basis. Furthermore, high performance tyres tend to be more hidden under the wheel arch than those which are of more conventional size and therefore, visual checks of the tread are consequently more difficult to undertake.
TyreSafe is urging drivers of high performance cars to take advantage of free tyre checks offered by all reputable tyre dealers. This is to ensure that their tyres are legal and are capable of matching both the performance and handling potential of the car.
|
|
|
|
| Caravans/Trailers and Runflat Tyres |
8 2 07 |
Run flat tyres are becoming increasingly commonplace and the number of new vehicles fitted with this type of tyre is set to grow. Self supporting run flat tyres have specially reinforced sidewalls designed to provide a run on period following deflation.
Different issues come in to play, however, when run flat tyres are fitted to a vehicle that is towing a caravan or trailer says the Tyre Industry Council. In their inflated, normal condition run flat tyres may be used in the same way as a standard pneumatic tyre. Whilst a deflated run flat tyre is designed to cope with the demands of a solo vehicle, the additional mass of a caravan/trailer subjects the tyre to higher stress levels and impacts on the tyre's in-built torsional and lateral stability. The consequence of this is that even travelling at a restricted speed of 80 kph (50 mph), the additional flexibility of the deflated run flat tyres may negatively affect the stability of the car/caravan combination.
To avoid this potential hazard, it is recommended that the distance travelled and maximum speed on the deflated run flat tyre should be reduced. As the vehicle itself has an influence on the tyre's performance, drivers should refer to the vehicle manufacturer's handbook for further information.
As regards run flat tyres and pressure monitoring systems, the same advice applies to a car towing a caravan or a trailer. Run flat tyres must only be fitted to a car that has been designed to accept this technically advanced tyre and has a pressure monitoring system that provides the driver with an audible or visual warning of a deflating tyre. As yet no caravan or trailer is equipped with a pressure monitoring system and hence should not be fitted with run flat tyres.
|
|
|
|
| Pressure Washers Warning! |
18 1 07 |
Pressure washers can damage tyre sidewalls in only 5 seconds says TyreSafe
Hand car wash teams have mushroomed dramatically in the UK in the past few years. Estimates suggest that there are between 5,000 to 10,000 two or three man teams up and down the country offering this service to motorists. However, TyreSafe – formerly the Tyre Industry Council, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation – has issued a warning of a potential safety risk involving the equipment used by these groups that could lead to potential tyre failure.
There is growing evidence that pressure washers used by hand car wash providers can cause tyre damage unknown to most motorists and that they could be putting there own lives and that of their passengers and other road users at risk.
Heavy-duty pressure washer machines are capable of dispensing water at extremely high pressure and if aimed directly at the tyre, the jet can cause sidewall damage and degradation particularly if the water is heated or if the pressurised water is applied for an extended period.
According to a recent survey by TyreSafe, it was revealed that over 80% of drivers were unaware of the impact that pressure washing can have on their tyres and the danger posed.
In fact, German safety group DEKRA has discovered that if a washer nozzle is held close to a tyre at very high pressure, serious damage can occur in just five seconds! Even tyres that appear normal after being subjected to a pressure washer may have microscopic perforations, which can weaken the sidewall and cause a possible blow-out.
Other contributory factors to sidewall damage are the width of the water jet and the strength of any soaps or detergents used. Strong soap can remove protective chemicals that are embedded in the sidewall – usually resulting in the visual indication of brown watermarks – which can result in a significant reduction in durability.
For worry-free washing, TyreSafe has the following tips for motorists:
• Ideally, a light-to-medium duty pressure washer should be used (110 bar or less)
• The washer jet nozzle should be kept at least 20 cm from the tyre surface
• Always use a fan nozzle to clean tyres, rather than a circular nozzle
• Prevent prolonged exposure to a specific area of the tyre
• Avoid aiming the water jet directly at the join between the tyre and the wheel rim
|
|
|
|
| Bridgestone run-flat tyres named as best! |
12 10 06 |
Bridgestone's pioneering run-flat tyre has been named “Best Buy 2006” in a new independent test carried out by the UK's leading consumer motoring magazine.
Auto Express carried out the first independent assessment of the technology as part of its annual tyre test, with experts assessing some of the biggest names in run-flat rubber in a variety of disciplines including wet handling, rolling resistance, and dry handling. The Bridgestone Turanza ER300 RFT scored an unbeatable overall 100 per cent rating.
“We're obviously delighted to have been given the top rating,” said Andy Lane, marketing manager with Bridgestone UK. “We have worked hard for many years to develop a run-flat tyre that offers consumers the best in performance, safety and comfort, and this test shows that we're the best at doing just that.” |
|
|
|
| Shocking New Survey On Female Motorists! |
21 9 06 |
Bridgestone Tyres have recently commissioned a survey of women motorists. In it they found that half of women motorists are risking their lives and the lives of their passengers.
* Less than one quarter of women know the legal minimum tyre tread depth.
* More than 40% have not checked their tyre pressures in over a month.
* One in fur admit they never checked their tyre tread depth, and half of drivers have not checked it in over a month.
AND YET
* A staggering 82% of women motorists claim to have never driven on tyres which are even slightly flat or unsafe. |
|
|
|
| PART WORN TYRES STILL A PROBLEM |
16 12 05 |
Almost 40% of tyres checked did not meet legislation The sale of part-worn tyres - used tyres removed from cars on the continent and sent in containers to the UK - are still a cause for concern says the Tyre Industry Council - the UK foremost tyre safety organisation. These concerns are backed-up by the environmental protection services at Glasgow City Council who found in checks at tyre dealerships, that a high percentage of the secondhand tyres checked did not meet the legal requirements and therefore could have posed a risk to an un-suspecting motorist. |
|
|
|
| Tread Depth Findings |
11 10 05 |
THE importance of adequate tread depth on vehicle tyres has been independently supported in tests at the Motor Industry Research Association which the Tyre Industry Council has welcomed. Independent braking tests conducted by the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) into stopping distances and cornering performance of car tyres on wet road surfaces show conclusively that these deteriorate noticeably well before the end of a tyre's life. As an example, braking tests show that significant increases in stopping distance begin to appear when tread depth falls below 3.5mm. Compared with the reference tyres used in the MIRA test, which had 6.7mm of tread, stopping distances were approximately 16% higher on similar tyres with 3mm of remaining tread and over 60% higher on those with only 1mm. UK legislation requires a minimum of 1.6mm of remaining tread. This research shows just how important it is that motorists check the tread depth on their tyres regularly as well as pay attention to other safety critical features of their tyres such as pressures and wheel alignment. The Tyre Industry Council (TIC) welcomes this research and the information it contains, as an important contribution to road safety. Tyre tread depth is critical, especially in the wet, and the Tyre Industry Council is pleased that RoadSafe has decided to share the results of these braking tests with the public. |
|
|
|
| TIC WARNS AGAINST RETRO FITTING SELF SUPPORTING RUN-FLAT (SST) TYRES |
19 7 05 |
The fitment of SST run-flat tyres to cars not originally designed to accept these advanced types of tyre, and not equipped with a pressure monitoring system, is not recommended by the tyre industry's foremost safety body, the Tyre Industry Council. A car's suspension is specifically tuned for SST run-flat tyres for maximum safety, performance, handling and ride quality. SST Run-flat tyres must only be fitted in conjunction with a tyre pressure monitoring system to ensure that a tyre deflation is communicated to the driver at the earliest possible moment. Failure to do so could result in a tyre being run in a deflated condition for longer than the recommended period and the driver left in ignorance of a tyre's condition. Retrofitting of SST run-flat tyres may also compromise the ride characteristics of the vehicle to which they have been fitted because few older vehicles have been designed with run-flat fitment in mind. An example pointed out to the TIC recently involved the fitment of a set of run-flat tyres to a ten year old vehicle not fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system. The car suffered a puncture and the driver was unaware of the deflated tyre, which was run in this state for some time, and the car failed its MOT because of damage to the tyre. All major tyre manufacturers producing SST run-flat tyres, along with all major tyre retailers, recommend against fitting run-flat tyres to vehicles not originally designed with this type of tyre in mind. Self supporting run-flat tyres must never be mixed with standard tyres on any vehicle. |
|
|
|
|
British motorists are collectively wasting more than £1billion every year, and increasing the risk of an accident, by failing to keep an eye on their tyre pressure. According to analysis by Avon Tyres, up to 90 percent of vehicles on Britain's roads do not have the correct pressure in their tyres leading to reduced fuel consumption and accelerating tyre wear. Alarmingly, it also increases the likelihood of a serious road traffic accident. Failure to regularly check their tyres means drivers unknowingly spend an extra £790m on fuel on £230m on new tyres every year. Data from the Department of Transport also highlights tyre wear as a possible cause of 2,600 serious injuries or fatalities every year as a result of blowouts or tyre deflation. This represents around seven percent of all road traffic accidents per year. Experts at Avon estimate that at any one time, ninety percent of vehicles on British roads have at least one tyre under inflated by 10% of the recommended pressure. This equates to a 15% reduction in the tyre's life expectancy or an extra £5.12 per year. With 25 million passenger vehicles on the road, that represents a whopping £230m premature spend. This astronomical figure pales in comparison to the amount wasted due to unnecessary fuel consumption. A similarly under inflated tyre requires more power from the engine to get it moving, leading to a two-and-a-half percent reduction in fuel efficiency. If the average car does 30mpg, and travels 10,000 miles per annum, British motorists are collectively shelling out an additional £790m. “The cost of failing to carry out this most mundane, yet easiest, of checks not only hits the motorist in the pocket but raises the possibility of a tyre failure at speed,” explains Malcolm Jones, product manager at Avon Tyres |
|
|
|
| TIC WARNS AGAINST RETRO FITTING SELF SUPPORTING RUN-FLAT (SST) TYRES |
20 6 05 |
The fitment of SST run-flat tyres to cars not originally designed to accept these advanced types of tyre, and not equipped with a pressure monitoring system, is not recommended by the tyre industry's foremost safety body, the Tyre Industry Council. A car's suspension is specifically tuned for SST run-flat tyres for maximum safety, performance, handling and ride quality. SST Run-flat tyres must only be fitted in conjunction with a tyre pressure monitoring system to ensure that a tyre deflation is communicated to the driver at the earliest possible moment. Failure to do so could result in a tyre being run in a deflated condition for longer than the recommended period and the driver left in ignorance of a tyre's condition. Retrofitting of SST run-flat tyres may also compromise the ride characteristics of the vehicle to which they have been fitted because few older vehicles have been designed with run-flat fitment in mind. An example pointed out to the TIC recently involved the fitment of a set of run-flat tyres to a ten year old vehicle not fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system. The car suffered a puncture and the driver was unaware of the deflated tyre, which was run in this state for some time, and the car failed its MOT because of damage to the tyre. All major tyre manufacturers producing SST run-flat tyres, along with all major tyre retailers, recommend against fitting run-flat tyres to vehicles not originally designed with this type of tyre in mind. Self supporting run-flat tyres must never be mixed with standard tyres on any vehicle. The Tyre Industry Council is Britain's foremost tyre safety organisation. Formed in 1989 is a not for profit, non -commercial organisation charged with the responsibility of raising the awareness of the dangers of driving on defective or badly worn tyres. In 2001 the Council received the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for its contribution in raising the awareness of the importance of tyre safety. The TIC engages in high profile campaigns with the police and is credited with reducing the number of defective tyres in the UK from 17% some 10 years ago to 12% today. The Council's activities are supported by various organisations including the Association of Chief Police Officers, The RAC Foundation and The Institute of Advanced Motorists. |
|
|
|
| Bridgestone Claims Top Award for Run-Flat Technology |
10 6 05 |
Bridgestone has scooped a prestigious tyre industry award for its development of run-flat technology. The company's newest generation run-flat tyre, the Potenza RE050 RFT, helped it win the Product Innovation category in the inaugural Tyre and Fast Fit (TAFF) awards distributed by the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA). "It's a tremendous honour to win this award," said John McNaught, managing director at Bridgestone UK, "and it demonstrates how we are leading the way in the development of this breakthrough technology. "An increasing number of high-performance and executive-class cars are fitting run-flat tyres as standard, and we are now seeing the technology on high-volume cars such as the Vauxhall Astra and the BMW 1-Series - both of which fit the Bridgestone Potenza RE050 RFT. "We believe that run-flat tyres will soon become a standard fitment on most cars sold in the UK, and we are continuously working to further develop the technology, and, together with the leading car manufacturers, make the extensive benefits of run-flat tyres available to all motorists," added McNaught. The Bridgestone Potenza RE050 RFT is one of the most technologically advanced tyres in the marketplace, and is original equipment on a number of prestigious vehicles including the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, the Mercedes S-Class and the BMW 6-Series. Two key design elements of the Potenza RE050 RFT are its rigidity and heat resistance, allowing the tyre to support weight when it is rotating with total air loss. Its sidewall is constructed with reinforced rubber, so it can carry the vehicle's weight at zero pressure, while a special bead filler with low heat generation is used, meaning that a tyre with no air pressure still fits securely to the rim. And with a bead configuration the same as standard tyres, it can be fitted to conventional wheel rims too. |
|
|
|
| LATEST RESEARCH CONFIRMS CONCERNS OVER WORN TYRES |
2 6 05 |
A series of independent tests carried out at the Motor Industry Research Association provides new evidence that with tyres currently in use on British roads the risks of having an accident in the wet rise significantly the lower the tread depth. The tests were commissioned by the British Rubber Manufacturers' Association (BRMA), representing the major tyre manufacturers supplying tyres into the UK market. They were undertaken on a passenger car tyre typical of those currently in use and involved measuring the stopping distance and cornering performance of five sets of tyres, on two different wet test surfaces. The results of the braking tests showed that significant increases in stopping distances in the wet began to appear below 3.5mm. Compared with the reference tyre with tread at 6.7mm, stopping distance increased by 30% with 3mm of remaining tread and by over 50% with only 1mm. UK legislation requires a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth. The findings reinforce the TIC's call to motorists to check the tread depth and pressures on their tyres frequently, at least once per month, and to consider replacing tyres well before they reach the minimum legal tread depth. The TIC works closely with UK police forces supporting roadside tyre checks, latest figures confirm that 11% of cars and vans on UK roads have at least one defective tyre, a further 11% of vehicles checked had at least one tyre below 2mm. The Tyre Industry Council is a not-for-profit, non-commercial body, funded by tyre manufacturers and the majority of UK tyre retailers via its Associates programme. The main, and most successful, activity of the TIC is the roadside tyre check programme, run with the support and assistance of police forces throughout the UK. These checks have been highly effective in reducing the number of illegal and defective tyres on the UK's roads. Overall, the percentage of dangerous tyres on UK roads has fallen dramatically, from 17% six years ago, to 11% today. |
|
|
|
| Airless Tyre Announced |
12 11 04 |
The airless tyre is now with us. Michelin's maintenance free airless tyre was displayed for the first time at this years Paris motorshow. Key to the Airless tyre is its advanced radial structure manufactured from high –performance composite materials, on to which a rubber tread is bonded. Once the tread wears down it can be removed and a new tread bonded to the core structure. The central structure is designed to last the life of the vehicle (typically 150,000 miles) and using advanced adhesives it is envisaged that motorists simply have a new tread each time the current set wears out. A huge boon to motorists will be that the new tyre will be specifically "tuned" to their vehicle. It will never leak air, will never puncture, cannot be dangerously over-inflated, and ends the need to regularly check tyre pressures all round the car. |
|
|
|
| LONDON DRIVERS AND RIDERS AT RISK FROM DEFECTIVE TYRES |
12 11 04 |
Checks identify London as worst city in the UK for danger tyres London cars drivers and bike riders have come out badly compared with the rest of the UK in a series of roadside tyre checks arranged by the police and supported by the Tyre Industry Council - Britain's foremost tyre safety organisation Checks arranged just before Christmas in the Mall and Constitution Hill by the Royal Parks Constabulary and supported by motorcycle officers from the Metropolitan Police showed that almost 17% of London car and van drivers with at least one defective tyre - classified as having a tread depth below 1.6 mm - a further 13% of vehicles examined had a at least one tyre below 2mm whilst not illegal were in need of imminent replacement. The national average for defective tyres is 11%. The situation on bike and scooter tyres is equally worrying says the TIC. Again almost 17% of motorcycles in the London checks had at least one tyre below the 1mm legal minimum - only 10% of the riders questioned knew the minimum legal tread depth for motorcycle tyres. "These are serious and disappointing figures for London riders and drivers" said TIC secretary Peter Taylor. "Having a defective or badly worn tyre places a motorist in much greater danger of having an accident, particularly in the wet. It is particularly disappointing that the figure is 6 percentage points higher than the national average. We would urge all those riding or driving in London to check their tyres." |
|
|
|
| Dunlop SP Sport Maxx |
12 11 04 |
Dunlop tyres also lived up to their reputation as being the driver's choice. Autocar declared the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx to be the fasted in their handling test. “The Dunlop turned in not only the quickest laps, but, subjectively, the most satisfying performance” stated Chris Chilton, Road Test Editor, Autocar. The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx performance advantage in the dry was not a result of compromised wet weather performance. The Dunlop was also in the top three of all brands tested in wet handling, wet braking and curved aquaplaning tests. |
|
|
|
BACK |
|
|
|
Home
| Tyre quote
| Retrieve quote
| Buy tyres
| Buy alloys
| Buy
packages
| Find centre
| Advice,
technical support & FAQs
About Valuetyres.co.uk
| Links
| Terms
|
Privacy policy
| Contact us
| Site map
|
|
Buy
tyres
