An old customer recently came into our tyre depot in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK. Fred as we will call him. Bought a second hand car from a lady whos husband had recently passed away. The car had been stood in a garage for a few years. Consequently, the car was in good condition. The mileage was 47000 and the car was a Vauxhall Vectra.
The vectra was in immaculate condition. However, Fred only wanted the tyres checking. The car had two makes of tyres fitted. Accordingly, two were Michelin zx and the other two were both BF Goodrich. The tyres had tell tale “cracking”. Hence, on the bead and shoulder area of the tyres. Cracking is a tell tale sign of aging tyres?
Subaru Forester XT-General Grabber Tyres Good Combination
This excellent video shows the quality and endurance of this Subaru car in thick snow. Consequently, equipped with General Grabber AT2 tyres.
The AT2 tyres have been a popular choice
for millions of drivers. Especially the drivers of SUV and 4X4 vehicles. Bridgestone 4X4 tyres are also popular, but General are the top of the pile.
The Forester, was fitted with 215/70R16 General Grabber AT2 tyres. of course the car had standard suspension, (not uprated). Thus this probably the reason for the car bottoming out a few times(this can be heard on the video).
The experiment with the tyres took place on a farm.
Of course, the filming took place with a video camera over a few days in winter. Snow had fallen to a depth between 3 inches and 2 feet. Thus giving the car plenty to think about during the tyre test.
General Grabbers are also very popular here in Halifax, Yorkshire, in the Pennine mountain range foothills. All types of drivers use the tyres, from farmers to families that live in the hilly areas. Therefore, they are well prepared for the snow that falls practically every winter.
This is the text that accompanied the video
Snow ranging from 3″ to close to 2 foot. I have about 9.5″ of ground clearance and you can hear it bottom out several times in the video on hard snow. Some highlights from a few days out on the farm (Iowa) this Winter with the FXT. Using 215/70r16 (28.1″ diameter) General Grabber AT2 tires (stock suspension). I didn’t have a camera man this weekend to take video from outside the car so we’re stuck with the video from my DVR207 dash man which isn’t that great. The rattling you hear is actually the slightly loose mic inside the camera.
German tyre maker Continental has shared its view on the comparative test of ten budget SUV tyres conducted by Auto Bild Allrad magazine. The tyre maker sees the test, which used its ContiCrossC…
This is the result that i would have expected?
The know-how of the giant tyre companies. Have gained over the years. Therefore, cannot be made up by relatively new players. Thus, in the tyre manufacturing game,.
The knowledge that Continental tyres have acquired. In their many years of motorsport participation. Has gelled the expertise, research and development. Thus, to make an excellent product,. Therefore, the car manufacturers love to fit them into their new models.
Budget tyre brands have a long, long way to go
and are, in my opinion, never going to catch the major tyre companies up. One of the problems with these tyre comparisons is that we have a problem with some of our drivers not having the ability to pay the premium cost of these tyres. We would all like expensive clothing, but the biggest clothes retailer at the moment is Primark?
To me, this sums up my point of view? Many of my customers here in Halifax, Yorkshire, would love to be able to afford Continental or Michelin tyres, but they just cannot afford them.
We have to offer them a complete choice of brands, including budget SUV tyres.
It is the drivers of second-hand SUV’s that are also suffering from lack of finances. These people usually have a young family and buy an SUV for the extra space that they offers.
Most of these SUV’s are on very large and expensive to buy. This is why budget SUV tyres are very popular at the moment; they are affordable.
However, if you can afford
If you buy Continental tyres, you are buying a better product than budget SUV tyres, but any new tyre is miles better than the dreaded part worn?
PLANS for a waste tyre disposal site in a Bradford neighborhood have been branded a fire risk by a worried resident.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
In my opinion the residents have a right to be worried. A recent fire in near by Halifax, took two weeks to get under control, sending out thick black toxic smoke.
These Waste tyre disposal site facilities
Therefore, should be miles away in secluded places. We have thousands of such areas. Especially, in the dis-used coal mining areas. Waste tyre disposal has always been a huge problem. Thus, for the industry. In days gone by many of our old tyre casings were indeed remoulded. Consequently, tyre collection companies. Would pay us £1 a tyre to get their hands on them, especially the Michelin casings.
Michelin casings were and still are regarded as the best. As a result, and so were much sought after for remoulding. However, things changed when we started to import from China. Cheap car tyres for sale. As a result, are a common site in tyre adverts. This diminished the remould car tyres industry virtually overnight.
Many well known names closed down. This left the problem of what do we do with our waste tyres? . Therefore, new laws were introduced. Millions of these recycled tyres were just dumped in the country side and it became clear that heavy penalties were to be dished out to anybody who was caught tyre dumping.
A new scam business soon emerged. Unscrupulous people were
Tyre were often dumped in the countryside and now most old tyres will end up in a Waste tyre disposal site
calling in at tyre retailers and charging £1 to get rid of the old tyres for us. Companies who set up legal tyre collection businesses had to be registered by law.
This cut out much of the tyre dumping and this started to improve in the ways that waste tyres were recycled. The industry now believes that we now recycle many of our old scrap tyres in a green and environmental friendly way in a waste tyre disposal site .
I am not sure though that having a waste tyre pyrolysis plant in a city like Bradford is a good idea. These facilities often catch fire and can take weeks to extinguish, only time will tell?
Yokohama are one of the worlds leading tyre manufacturers. They are also a great tyre supporter in the motorsport scene. This involvement helps the Japanese tyre company to create better tyre products for the car replacement tyre market.
One such innovation has been Yokohama’s BluEarth range of tyres. As Yokohama dealers for their tyres here in Halifax, we are big fans of their commitment to the BluEarth range, which, in my opinion, demonstrates its commitment to reducing its environmental impact globally.
The Yokohama’s Bluearth tyres AE-01 tyre developments
Are the results of much of Yokohama’s environmental technology and experience. As a result, the Yokohama’s Bluearth tyres pioneered “Orange Oil technology”. Thus, in which oil from the peel of citrus fruit is used. Hence, to replace some of the more dangerous ingredients in the tyre itself. Therefore, reducing the harmful petroleum-based particles by up to 80 per cent.
Yokohama’s BluEarth tyres feature a combination of “NANO” blend compound technology. Including, external aerodynamic features. Naturally, and lightweight inner liner which makes the tyres more leak-proof and also lighter.
Yokohama is well known for its commitment to the motorsport scene.
For this reason, this is where many of the new tyre developments have come from. Including, the race track speeds up research and development for their tyre products. Yokohama’s BluEarth tyres are made for the replacement tyre market and are aimed at the small and mid-range car market; these are the AE-01 tyres.
For the drivers of larger cars.
Yokohama has added their most recent addition. Of course, the BluEarth-A (AE-50). Which also uses the latest NANO-blend compound technology. Hence, it improves the levels of wet weather grip and also improves the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Yokohama’s flagship ADVAN Sport (V105) tyres also get the BluEarth treatment in certain sizes. Replacement V105 tyres with Yokohama’s BluEarth tyre technology allow vehicle manufacturers to offer a high-grip greener tyre option for their top-of-the-range performance tyre models.
Yokohama’s Bluearth tyres have also won “original Equipment” approval
from Mercedes-Benz for many of its models, the V105 complete with the BluEarth symbol, are factory fitted to the latest S-Class, SL-Class and AMG C63 models. Yokohama’s BluEarth tyres have also been chosen by many other leading car manufacturers, such as Honda and Lexus, as “original equipment”.
Lexus recently chose the BluEarth E51A tyre
as OE fitment for its new Crossover model, the NX in 225/60R18. This tyre also fits the Lexus NX, which also has hybrid engine technology and will be fitted on the range-topping F-Sport and Premier models.
These are great steps forward for the Japanese tyre company, which recently announced a research and development partnership with Kumho Tyres of South Korea, who, by the way, are also great participants in motorsport, to aid tyre development. www.pellonautocentre.com
Is where the relationship between the wholesale tyre industry and the retail tyre industry will ultimately end with the combination of the online revolution. I don’t profess to know the answer?
Up to recent times, things have been ticking along in the tyre industry, with different online developments coming at us at a leisurely pace.
As a progressive tyre retailer, these new ideas have helped me move my business on. Instead of moaning about the increase in new web sites that sell tyres at very low margins, I have joined the “quantity and not quality “brigade.
We became a fitting station for Blackcircles. I must admit at first I did this because I was intrigued at why my customers were buying from Blackcircles (BC) and not from me?
I soon realised when speaking to the BC customers that they were not my customers at all. Only one out of the first twenty drivers had ever visited my depot before and not for tyres.
Tyre Industry
It looked like (and still does) that the BC customers were buying the leading brands and would have normally bought the tyres from a national tyre company or Kwik-fit. We then became a fitting station for the ASDA website. I must admit that I like this system because, although the margins are low, we actually get the full tyre sale.
The system just drives extra traffic. I also did some research as to where the ASDA customers had previously bought tyres, and some of these were in fact my old customers.
I had mixed feelings about this, but in the end, if I had never worked with the ASDA formula, then I could have lost the business to whomever else fitted the ASDA tyres in Halifax? Our next online venture was with the Micheldever online system in conjunction with Cam-Systems stock system. This system is a very good thing for us.
Tyre Industry
It has enabled us to set up our own local prices with a stock that is held at the MD warehouse in Elland just five miles away. This is the type of system that I would recommend for the small tyre retailer. It allows you to change things around and optimise the site for Google and the other search engines. The big thing I have learned though is that your local customers will look at your website and prices but will NOT buy online. They will contact you by phone or actually call in with the online price.
This proves to me that it does pay to go online but not everybody buys online and also gives some strength to the retailer.
I am also a member of Point-S, and together with our online presence, our sales are growing. ( Now resigned from Point-S) One or two things have recently come to light? This I have to mention because it may be a different ball game in the near future. As we all know, by now the great Michelin have bought a French online retailer and recently Blackcircles here in the UK
. In my opinion, they will be driving the BC traffic through their ATS tyre retailer chain. They have said that this is what they will do in the rest of Europe and so there is no reason to believe that the UK will be any different?
Tyre Industry
Goodyear Tyres did the same thing in America last year and bought an online tyre retailer to sell the Goodyear products direct to the public. The wholesale sector is also once again trying to muscle in on shaping up a retail empire.
Stapleton’s tyres are now linked with Kwikfit and Micheldever wants to double there retail outlets (Pro Tyres). I must admit though the old saying “what comes around goes around “comes into mind. Those of us old enough can remember all this type of thing before, but it never closed us down; in fact, we go from strength to strength.
– It will be interesting, however, how tyre manufacturers such as Bridgestone and Continental will react to Michelin selling their tyre products on the Blackcircles web portal? Could we develop into an American-style tyre retailer system here in the British tyre industry, where the depots only sell one manufacturer’s product, similar to Michelin now in the Costco Cash and carry outlets? Only time will tell.
The Tyre Industry’s Future in 2024: Ushering in a New Era
The tyre sector is going through some significant changes as we go towards 2024, both internationally and in the UK. Today, tyres are about more than simply rubber and treads;
Technological advancements, environmental concerns, and modifications to driving habits are all pushing the tyre industry into new frontiers. If you’re in the market for new tyres, it’s important to monitor these trends, as they will influence the selection, pricing, and performance of the tyres that are offered.
An Increase in Sustainability
Sustainability is one of the main topics of discussion in the tyre industry at the moment. Tyre producers are under pressure, much like many other industries, to lessen their carbon footprint.
The UK government is working for net-zero emissions by 2050, therefore, there is a tremendous push for greener tyres, and significant breakthroughs in the field are anticipated by 2024.
Tyre manufacturers are making investments in novel materials that are less dependent on conventional oil-based goods. More tyres made from environmentally friendly rubber sources, such as dandelion roots, are becoming available.
These sources don’t harm the environment like big rubber plantations do. For instance, Continental has already begun testing with this technology, and it is probably going to become more and more popular.
But the process of recycling tyres is just as important as the process of manufacturing them. The problem of end-of-life tyres has never gone away. But as recycling technology advances,.
More businesses are figuring out how to use used tyres to create new goods, like playground materials and road surfaces. In fact, rubberised asphalt derived from recycled tyres is currently being used for road repairs by several UK municipalities!
Electric Cars (EVs) and Tyre Innovation
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, so do the requirements for tyres. Because of their batteries, EVs are typically heavier than conventional petrol or diesel vehicles; therefore, the tyres on these vehicles must be more resilient and long-lasting to support the increased weight.
By 2024, we should witness an increase in the number of tyres made especially for electric vehicles (EVs), with an emphasis on rolling resistance, noise reduction, and longevity. As EV use increases, tyre manufacturers such as Michelin and Pirelli will only extend their offerings to satisfy these new demands.
This change may have a large effect locally, particularly in places like Halifax and Leeds where there is a strong drive for more environmentally friendly transit choices.
The need for these cutting-edge, EV-specific tyres will undoubtedly increase as more people in our community convert to electric vehicles. Additionally, don’t be surprised if local garages start carrying more of them than typical types.
Smart Tyres: The Tracking of the Future
A noteworthy trend to watch in 2024 is the emergence of “smart tyres.” These tyres have sensors built in that track temperature, pressure, and tread depth, among other things.
The goal is to provide drivers with real-time data so they can make sure their tyres are operating as safely and efficiently as possible.
This is especially important for those of us who travel frequently, either for business or leisure. Imagine knowing precisely when your tyres are worn down to the point where they need to be replaced, or receiving an alert before a gradual puncture results in a breakdown.
That will be possible with these intelligent tyres, and although though they may initially cost a little more, they will probably end up saving money on gas and safety.
What Does It Mean for Halifax and Beyond in Terms of Local Impact?
What does this mean for those of us living in Halifax and the neighbouring areas locally? To begin with, it might provide you other possibilities for selecting your next pair of tyres.
There will be more options available whether you’re searching for anything EV-friendly, loaded with smart technology, or environmentally friendly.
More crucially, as a result of the government’s push for cleaner driving practices, there may be financial rewards or tax breaks available to individuals who choose environmentally friendly or sustainable tyre options.
Local tyre stores and garages will also need to change; they should provide a greater selection of these new, high-tech tyres and make sure their employees are trained to use the new equipment.
This presents a local business and council potential as well. Businesses in West Yorkshire may find themselves at the forefront of these green efforts as tyre recycling gets more sophisticated, supporting a cleaner environment while generating jobs and boosting the local economy.
The Path Ahead
In 2024, the tyre business is expecting big changes. It’s obvious that tyres are changing in ways that will impact everyone, whether it’s the drive for sustainability, the rise of EVs, or the introduction of smart tyre technology.
Keeping up with these advancements could have a significant impact on how those of us who depend on our automobiles for transportation for work or pleasure drive and maintain them in the future.
There is no denying that tyres are now more than just the rubber piece that separates your car from the road.
They are increasingly playing a crucial role in our efforts to address some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary mobility, such as energy efficiency and climate change. We’ll be feeling the effects of these changes sooner rather than later here in Halifax.
Thus, keep an eye out for these trends, whether you’re in the market for new tyres or you’re just interested in where the industry is going. It appears that tyres have a bright future ahead of them, and it is coming closer than you might think!
These bald tyres in Halifax were removed recently and are down past the steel belt?
Bald tyres-Halifax
6 Dangers of having Bald tyres on your car
Reduced traction and grip: Bald tyres have less tread depth, which means they have less surface area in contact with the road. This can lead to reduced traction and grip, particularly in wet or slippery conditions. This can make it more difficult to control your vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents or loss of control.
Increased braking distance: Bald tyres may also have a shorter lifespan and may not perform as well as new tyres when it comes to braking. This can result in longer braking distances, which can be dangerous in emergency situations.
Increased fuel consumption: Bald tyres can cause your vehicle to be less fuel efficient due to increased rolling resistance. This is because the tyre’s tread is designed to reduce friction with the road, and when the tread is worn down, it can increase the amount of energy required to keep the tyre rolling.
Increased risk of aquaplaning: Aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tyre and the road, causing the vehicle to lose contact with the road surface. Bald tyres are more prone to aquaplaning because they have less tread depth to displace water and maintain contact with the road.
Increased tyre wear: Driving on bald tyres can lead to increased tyre wear and damage. The lack of tread depth can cause the tyre to wear more quickly, resulting in the need for more frequent tyre replacements.
Legal consequences: In some countries, it is illegal to drive on bald tyres, and you may be fined or have your vehicle seized if you are caught doing so. In addition, if you are involved in an accident and it is determined that your bald tyres were a contributing factor, you could be held liable for any damages or injuries that result.
Bald tyres-Halifax: are an every day occurrence?
The tyre in the original image is the type of thing that we see every day. especially here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK.
Burnt Tree is a reputable vehicle hire company. Thus, this tyre would have been picked up before it reached such a bad state.
It never stops to amaze me. As a result, the number of cars arriving at my tyre retailer depot is increasing. Accordingly, with bald tyres-Halifax In fact, tyres make up the vast majority of what we remove. Therefore, we are now beyond the bald tyre stage. They are down (and, in some cases, past thesteel belt stage). This makes driving the car on these tyres extremely dangerous.
It is hard to imagine. that some of these vehicles could have been travelling at high speeds just a day before the new tyres were installed. I do realise, though, that tyres are one of the last things on drivers’ minds. In today’s busy world, we are all flying about at the speed of light with other things on our minds.
Bald Tyres-Halifax
It is important, though. Therefore, you should step back once in a while and consider your poor car. I believe it is safe to say that the vehicles have extremely poor tyres As expected, these are the same cars that have never been serviced. If the cars are serviced on a regular basis, the garage will notice any worn tyres. When the car is picked up, these tyres will be reported to the driver.
We find that when we report such things, it is on the driver’s mind. If they do not have the new tyres at the time, then they usually save up for them or have them fitted in the near future.
These Bald tyres-Halifax, are very dangerous, and the tread limit should be adhered to. All you have to do is call in to your local tyre centre and they will check them and the tyre pressures for free. thanks .
Improved traction: Winter tyres are designed with a special tread pattern and softer rubber compound that provides better traction on snow and ice. This can be especially important when driving in mountainous areas with steep inclines and declines, where traction is crucial for safety.
Enhanced handling: Winter tyres are designed to provide improved handling on cold, slippery roads. They have a higher lateral grip and a lower rolling resistance, which allows for better cornering and stability on icy roads.
Quicker braking: Winter tyres are also able to stop more quickly on snowy and icy roads because of their special tread pattern and rubber compound. This can be especially important when skiing, as you may need to brake quickly to avoid obstacles or other vehicles on the road.
Increased safety: Using winter tyres can significantly improve the safety of your vehicle when driving in cold, snowy conditions. They provide better traction and handling, which can help you avoid accidents and reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
Better fuel efficiency: Winter tyres are generally more fuel efficient than all-season or summer tyres because of their lower rolling resistance. This can be especially important if you are driving long distances to your ski destination.
Legal requirements: In some areas, it is required by law to use winter tyres during the winter months. This is because they provide improved safety and performance on cold, snowy roads. It is important to check the laws in the areas where you will be driving to ensure that you are complying with all necessary regulations.
Winter Tyres-Rental Cars
before the start of the winter. Hence, you should consider a set of winter tyres. As a result, the most effective way to keep your vehicle moving and safe is of course, on the roads during inclement weather. Especially in areas where driving a vehicle with regular summer tyres is difficult. Hence, once you leave the city and enter open country or a hilly area. Then your need for winter tyres will increase.
Many of our customers are looking at all-season tyres. Because they are a hybrid of summer and winter tyres. As a result, I’m not sure if all-season tyres are useful in areas where snow is likely. It has been proven that in dry, cold weather with a temperature of 5 °C, the winter tyres far outperformed the all-weather tyres.
As a result, a study was put out
by the Quebec Ministry of Transport. demonstrated that winter tyres can improve braking by up to 25%. Compared to all-season tyres, they can consequently improve accident avoidance by about 38 percent.
Winter tyres generally have deeper tread with specifically designed patterns that allow snow and slush to be cleared as the car drives through the snow. Winters are made with a specific rubber compound that includes a silica compound. Hence, it stays softer and more flexible in the cold weather. As a result, that provides more contact with the road surface and thus more control.
As a result, winter tyres are absolutely necessary for winter driving safety. if you are lucky enough to be going to the local mountains to ski. In fact, in some countries, snow tyres are often mandatory. As a result, winter tyres must be fitted from March to November.
Winter Tyres-Rental Cars
This advice is also applicable to rental cars. Consider renting one with snow tyres in any mountain area. Including vans. Sometimes it will cost a little extra, but it is well worth paying.
When getting out of the city at any higher elevation, it is likely you will encounter winter conditions and therefore will require snow tyres to get you to where you have to go safely.
Our terrain here in Halifax is very hilly and rugged in places. Thus, many of our customers fit winter tyres. especially with the rise of the SUV vehicle. SUVs are notoriously bad at gripping in inclement weather conditions. As a result, these Nokian Winter SUV tyres are the most popular tyres that we fit.
Free compound choices, 18-inch wheels, a new tender for 2017 – Formula 1’s tyres are back in the spotlight. Adam Cooper analyses what can be expected in the near future.
Source: www.motorsport.com
It looks like Pirelli tyres could have agreed to accept the idea of teams choosing their own preferred tyre compounds to use in future F1 races.
The Italian tyre company would also offer a larger choice of tyre compounds. Thus, six compounds have been branded around. Hence, there are two teams to choose from.
The choice would have to be put forward to the teams. But the general consensus is that the proposal will make racing more interesting. Naturally, with the winning driver and their teams. As expected, having made the best choice of tyres, along with other factors of course.
This has worked to a lesser extent.
So, in the past, some of the teams have coped better. Hence, with the different compounds on offer for each race,
Although the tyre compounds are the same for each team. Therefore, some teams are able to cope better with the compounds on offer. Because who knows, in the future they will be able to choose their own tyre compounds. Making the choice more crucial to the winner.
In my opinion, this will make racing more competitive and indeed more skillful.
Other factors may also come into the equation. Both Pirelli and Michelin (who are now considering putting in a bid for future tyre supply) are looking at the prospect of increasing the wheel and tyre size from the current 13-inch wheels to 18-inch wheels.
Tyre Compounds
Tyre Compounds
In fact, Martin Brundle recently completed a test trial on 18-inch wheels on a GP2 car at the Monaco Circuit. This gives an indication of where things may be heading. It is all very interesting, and things are changing all the time.
The Development of Pirelli Tyre Compounds in Formula One Racing: Advancement and Effectiveness Formula 1 is a cutting-edge venue for tyre technology as well as a contest between drivers and machines.
The tyres have been one of the most important factors affecting race results over the years.
Since 2011, Pirelli has been the only tyre supplier to Formula One (F1); their efforts in creating innovative rubber compounds have revolutionised the sport and pushed technological limits.
Pirelli’s tyre compounds have evolved over time to reflect improvements in safety, performance, and race strategy—all of which have a significant impact on how races go.
Let’s examine the evolution of Pirelli’s tyre compounds in recent years and the effects these modifications have had on the sport.
A Synopsis of Pirelli’s F1 Career
After spending decades away from Formula 1, Pirelli made a comeback in 2011 and was given the mission of developing tyres that would encourage thrilling races.
Their goal was to create tyres that would deteriorate faster than those from earlier eras, necessitating more pit stops from teams and adding a strategic element to keep races unpredictable.
Pirelli created a line of compounds that combined durability and performance to address these issues. At first, the range included super-soft, soft, medium, and hard compounds, each with varying degrees of durability and grip. Pirelli had to meet the needs of the sport, though, as it developed and the cars became quicker and more potent.
Enhancement of the Composite Spectrum With the introduction of turbo-hybrid engines to Formula 1 in 2014, the cars’ enhanced torque and power output placed previously unheard-of strain on the tyres.
In response, Pirelli improved the stability of their compound range while preserving the thrillingly unexpected aspect of tyre degradation.
Later on, the need for compounds that could provide optimal performance for brief periods of time led to the development of ultra-soft and hyper-soft tyres.
These tyres gave teams the freedom to drive their vehicles to the limit during qualifying and during crucial moments in races, but because they degraded quickly, they needed to be handled carefully.
But in 2019, Pirelli changed their strategy.
They standardised the options to C1 through C5, streamlining the range for drivers, teams, and fans alike in place of a confusing assortment of tyre designations and colours.
With C1 being the toughest compound and C5 being the softest, this modification provided clarity. During race weekends, the tyres were then referred to as hard, medium, and soft, and Pirelli would choose three compounds from the spectrum for each event.
This advancement maintained the difficulty teams experienced in getting tires to last through a variety of circumstances and circuits while also improving race strategy planning.
Pirelli’s Conversion to 18-inch Wheels
The largest shift in recent memory may have been the conversion of Formula 1 to new technical regulations in 2022, which called for the use of 18-inch tyres instead of the customary 13-inch ones in an effort to increase overtaking and bring racing closer.
This change was more than simply cosmetic; it necessitated a thorough reconsideration of the compounds and manufacturing of tyres.
Hi, I would like to introduce myself.
I now own a garage and MOT testing centre here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre, and I am a keen blogger about anything to do with cars and their related products that will help my business.
Winter has well and truly arrived in the UK, hasn’t it?
The heavy snowfall in many places can really throw a spanner in the works for us motorists. It’s like Mother Nature decided to give us a bit of a challenge, but fear not, because I’ve got a little piece of advice that can make all the difference during these chilly months:
fitting winter tyres. Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Oh, not another car-related thing to worry about,” let me break it down for you in a way that’s as straightforward as a cup of tea.
Winter tyres are not just another expense;
They’re your best buddy when it comes to staying safe on those icy and snowy roads. Picture this: you’re all snug in your car, ready to head out on a frosty morning, and you hit the road with your regular tyres. But guess what? They’re not cut out for the winter wonderland out there. You’ll find yourself slipping and sliding like a penguin on a dance floor. Trust me, it’s not a great feeling.
So, why winter tyres, you ask? Advantages of Winter Tyres
Well, these specialised wonders are designed to tackle the cold season head-on. They’ve got a unique rubber compound that stays flexible in low temperatures, ensuring you get proper grip on icy and snowy roads.
That means fewer heart-pounding moments when you hit the brakes. But that’s not all, folks. Winter tyres also have a deeper tread pattern, which helps them bite into the snow and slush, giving you better traction. It’s like they’ve got mini crampons on the soles—perfect for our frosty British roads.
Now, I know what you’re thinking
“Do I really need winter tyres in the UK? It’s not like we’re in the Alps.” True, we might not have Alpine peaks, but our lovely British weather can throw some curveballs, can’t it? And when it does, having winter tyres can be a game-changer. Let’s talk about safety for a minute.
Advantages of Winter Tyres
Winter tyres aren’t just about convenience;
They’re about keeping you and your loved ones safe. When the roads get slippery, your regular tyres might as well be roller skates on an ice rink. Winter tyres significantly reduce the risk of accidents, and isn’t that what we all want? Plus, think about it this way:
Investing in winter tyres is like having an insurance policy for your car’s safety.
They might cost a bit upfront, but they can save you from costly repairs or, worse, a nasty accident. Now, I can almost hear the grumbling about expenses, but here’s the thing: winter tyres aren’t just for one season.
If you switch back to your regular tyres in the warmer months, your winter tyres will last longer, giving you more bang for your buck. It’s like having a pair of well-worn boots for the snow and swapping them out for comfy sneakers in the summer.
So, my friends, Advantages of Winter Tyres
if you’re looking to stay safe and sound on the UK’s winter roads, consider fitting those trusty winter tyres. They’re not just a luxury; they’re a necessity. And remember, it’s all about keeping things cool, just like a snowman in your driveway. Stay safe out there!
When winter arrives, the cold temperatures, slushy roads, and snowfall can make driving more dangerous. To be safe on the roads in winter weather, it is important to have the right kind of tyres.
Advantages of Winter Tyres, are specifically designed for cold and wet weather conditions and offer better grip and handling than all-weather tyres. Winter tyres are made of a special rubber compound that stays flexible even in sub-zero temperatures, allowing them to maintain their grip on slick surfaces like ice and snow.
They also have wide grooves, which allow them to channel away water and slush more effectively, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Furthermore, winter tyres feature small, jagged slits in their tread that help create extra traction when driving on snowy or icy roads. When winter arrives, the combination of these features gives winter tyres a significant advantage over all-weather tyres.
Skiers should use winter tyres
Of course, skiers should absolutely use winter tyres on their cars when travelling to their destination. This is because winter tyres are designed to provide superior grip and braking performance in icy, snowy, and wet conditions.
Winter tyres are made from a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures, allowing them to better bite into the snow and ice for enhanced traction.
They also feature a unique tread pattern that helps disperse water and slush from under the tyre for improved grip. Furthermore, these tyres have more sipes (small slits) to provide extra biting edges for better traction when driving on snow or ice-covered roads.
As a result of their superior design, winter tyres provide skiers with a safer and more comfortable driving experience when travelling in winter conditions.
Law in some countries
Importantly, In some countries, it is actually the law to fit winter tyres during the winter months. This is to ensure that drivers have the appropriate levels of grip and traction when it comes to driving on icy and snow-covered roads.
The tyres are designed to provide better grip on icy surfaces as well as increased braking force, allowing drivers to remain safe while driving in winter conditions. Winter tyres are made from special rubber compounds that remain flexible in temperatures below 7 °C, meaning that they can still provide traction even when the temperature drops below freezing.
Additionally, winter tyres also feature special tread patterns
that are designed to disperse water more efficiently, thus reducing hydroplaning and providing better grip when driving in wet conditions. Furthermore, they also feature a deeper tread depth, which provides extra grip on snow- and ice-covered roads. Overall, winter tyres are essential for those driving in cold climates and can greatly improve driver safety during the winter months.
Don’t know correct inflation pressure? Haven’t checked tyres for a while, don’t worry- let us do it for you-any time #foc pic.twitter.com/qlS9dYRji5
Source: twitter.com
Tyre pressures are very important?
The main thing that drivers are unaware of is whether low pressures result in increased fuel consumption.
That’s right!
Maintaining proper tyre pressure can help save money in a few ways:
Improved fuel efficiency: Properly inflated tyres can reduce rolling resistance, which means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move the car. This can improve fuel efficiency and save money on fuel bills.
Longer tyre life: Underinflated tyres can suffer from excess wear and tear, which can shorten their lifespan. By maintaining proper tyre pressure. Subsequently, you can extend the life of your tyres and avoid the cost of replacing them prematurely.
Improved safety: Proper tyre pressure is important for maintaining the stability and handling of your vehicle. Underinflated tyres can be more prone to blowouts and accidents, which can be costly in terms of both repair costs and potential injury.
Overall, maintaining proper tyre pressure is a simple and effective way to save money and improve the safety and performance of your vehicle.
Run-flat tyres
Of course, are designed to allow a vehicle to continue driving even after a puncture or loss of tyre pressure. They have reinforced sidewalls that can support the weight of the vehicle for a limited distance and time. Typically around 50 miles (80 km) at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h). This can be a useful feature in certain situations. Importantly, such as when you have a flat tyre and are unable to safely change it by the side of the road.
However, run-flat tyres have some limitations and may not be suitable for all driving conditions. They tend to be more expensive than traditional tyres, and they may also have a shorter lifespan. In addition, they can provide a rougher ride and may not perform as well as traditional tyres in terms of grip and handling.
It’s important to consider your specific driving needs and preferences when deciding whether run-flat tyres are right for you. It’s always a good idea to consult with a trusted mechanic or tyre dealer to get professional advice on the best tyre choice for your vehicle.
Run-flat tyres were first developed in the 1930s by the Continental Tyre company, but they did not become widely available until the 1980s. The first mass-produced run-flat tyre was the Bridgestone SO-2, which was introduced in the 1980s and used on several luxury car models. Today, run-flat tyres are available from many tire manufacturers and are used on a variety of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
So, drivers who do not keep up with their tyre pressures are throwing money down the drain. Especially such as larger vehicles such as motorhomes and light commercial vans.
WHY tyre pressures are important
Because an under inflated tyre has less rolling resistance. Importantly, and will affect your cars performance and reduce your fuel consumption.
We all know that if you have a front tyre that has say a slow puncture, then the car will pull in the direction of the tyre with less air. We imagine the effect if ALL your tyres had less air in them.
The cars engine will be working harder to drive your car along and consequently use more fuel.
So it makes sense to get your tyre pressures checked at regular intervals. Your local tyre dealer will do this free of charge. Here in Halifax Yorkshire UK, we have a regular string of customers, who call in at regular intervals to have their tyres checked and inflated. It only takes five minutes and you then know that you are safer and not throwing money away.
Pressures are important
Pellon Tyre and Auto-Centre offers car and van servicing and repairs to all makes and models of vehicles. We also sell Continental Tyres online from our website, www.pellontyres.co.uk, by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size.
We offer courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work and leave their car with us for work. We are also an official MOT testing station.
