We love Choice – when they are putting products head to head for the ultimate consumer test – there’s no-one that does that better, so when they make a recommendation about tyres on your SUV it’s worth listening to.
Recently Choice experts tested a range of tyres from 12 brands made just for SUVs. These 225/60 R17 tyres were put through a series of tests on a Kia Sportage. Lastly, the tests included dry cornering, wet
There is no doubt that the car industry put tyres to the test. Naturally, this includes the Kia car company with their excellent “Sportage” range of SUV’s.
Of course, tyres are tested in many different ways. Including, dry and wet cornering. As expected, many of the results are mixed. As a result, In this case Goodyear tyres came out best.
In my opinion, I would just stick to the tyres that were fitted as original equipment. Hence, when the car was first bought. Of course, unless you were not satisfied with them.
Source: The best tyre for your SUV? Goodyear : according to Choice
Thousands of drivers will travel the UK highways over the May Bank holiday weekends, but a recent report from the National Transportation Safety Board shows improvements are needed when it comes to tyre accidents.
This is a great article that actually shows the tyres that have caused Tyre Accidents in the past.
For years, we have known this. But the figures are hardly published. This article is from the USA.They show things that perhaps we should see here in the UK.
Hence, we in the tyre industry know that a lot of these accidents happen. are a result of tyre accidents.
More information should be published.Thus, for the public to see. The wrong tyre pressure is a major factor in many accidents.son, I have even seen cars with the incorrect size tyres fitted.
The one that worries me the most.
Is there a growing number of worn-out tyres that are being fitted to cars in recent times? It’s these tyres that cause Accidents. Therefore, should be presented to the public on television. This would show the public the problems they may encounter. Naturally, when not treating their tyres correctly,.
Tyre-Related Accidents
A Bank Holiday Caution
What fun bank holidays have in the UK! These treasured holidays—May Day, Easter weekend, and August bank holiday, for example—are ideal for road trips to the coast or countryside, get-togethers with loved ones, or just spending time in the sun.
But as you prepare for your next journey, don’t forget about one important item that is frequently forgotten: your car’s tyres. in particular, the risks associated with using part-worn tyres.
Of course not! But trust me, the chances of having an accident are much higher when buying part-worn tyres than when buying new tyres. Accidents caused by these tyres can end up with a reprimand from the local police department, and it happens more frequently than you might think.
Why Do Illegal Tyres Exist? Tyre-Related Accidents Let’s start by understanding what constitutes an illegal tyre in the UK. For the centre three-quarters of the tyre, the minimum permissible tread depth is 1.6 mm. If it’s less, you can be in serious trouble. It’s not only tread depth, though; tyres with apparent ply, cuts, or bulges can cause you problems as well.
The Stress of the Holidays and Ignored Safety
Bank holidays result in increased traffic, more cars on the road, and regrettably, more accidents. Tyre safety can often be forgotten in the excitement of getting away for the day. People are frequently in a hurry. However, this is the very moment when the state of the tyres is most important.
Imagine yourself speeding along the M62 on your way to a relaxing weekend spent in the Lake District. A heavy shower of rain begins to fall. Already, tyres are unable to adequately grip the rainy road. What starts out as a fun trip can quickly devolve into a risky game of slip-and-slide. This is known as aquaplaning.
The Perils: Not Just Penalties. Tyre-Related Accidents
It is not only against the law to drive with part-worn tyres, though it could be a question of life and death. This is the reason why:
Decreased Traction: In wet weather, worn tyres have a harder time keeping their traction. You run a higher chance of losing control and skidding as a result.
Longer Stopping Distances: Your vehicle will take longer to stop if it has less tread. This might make the difference between a minor collision and a serious one.
Increased Risk of Blowout: Damaged or bald tyres are more likely to blow out, especially while travelling at a fast pace. Uncontrollably swerving due to a blowout could also put other vehicles nearby in danger.
Aquaplaning: When it rains a lot, low tread tyres are unable to efficiently channel water, which causes your tyres to completely lose contact with the road.
Local Focus: The Weather Problems in Yorkshire
We are used to erratic weather here in Halifax and the larger Yorkshire region. It can be sunny one moment and pouring rain the next.
This emphasises how important it is to have the right tyres. Our twisting roads, combined with our unexpected downpours, might spell disaster if your tyres aren’t in good condition.
An Individual Narrative. Tyre-Related Accidents
I’ll tell you a little story. My friend Dave was taking a bank holiday vacation to Whitby last summer. Although he drives cautiously, he hasn’t checked his tyres in a long time.
He had a blowout on a congested A-road halfway there. He was fortunate to only suffer a flat tyre and a scare. The risk he took wasn’t worth the few pounds he thought he had saved on second-hand tyres.
Actions You Can Take
Spend a few minutes checking your tyres before you embark on your next bank holiday adventure. Here’s how to do it:
Check the tread depth with a 20-p coin. Place it into the tread grooves. Your tread is too low if you can see the coin’s outside band. Pressure: Verify that the tyres are inflated to the recommended levels specified by the manufacturer. Condition: Check for any signs of damage, such as cuts or bulges. If in doubt, visit your neighbourhood garage. You and other drivers’ lives could be saved by a fast inspection.
Last Words. Tyre-Related Accidents
Bank holidays should be used for fun and leisure. So remember those four rubber tyres that help you stay on the road. Enjoy the trip and be safe on your travels!
Recall that the most important thing is to make sure you and your loved ones reach your destination safely. Your holiday or day trip to the coast will be unforgettable for all the correct reasons.
Tyre Accidents
Eric Roberts says, yet another recent discovery we have made is the number of tyres that drivers have bought that are years out of date. One Michelin that we removed was 19 years old? These ancient tyres are accidents waiting to happen.
It is easy for us to check the age of tyres because the date of manufacture is one of the sidewall markings that tyre manufacturers have always thought necessary to put on their tyre products.
A premium-price timeslot during yesterday’s Super Bowl marked “an important change” in Michelin’s marketing strategy. The 30-second advertisement – the first Michelin advertising appearance during …
Michelin Worldwide Campaign
I must confess, I am not a fan of the “American Super-bowl” series. However, I am a sports fan and did see some of the highlights. I did, however, notice the Great Tyres advertisement during the proceedings.
What I did not know was that this was the start of a global advertising campaign for Michelin tyres. I am thinking that it could start a war of giants. Hence, the other big tyre companies wont stand still.
Companies like Continental tyres, Bridgestone Tyres, and Pirelli tyres will all want to compete. This and rising tyre prices should make 2017 an interesting year?
2020 Update. Michelin Worldwide Campaign
Of course, The great French tyre company are moving forward with a great new product range. Importantly, to keep up with the different demands of modern motoring,.
Including special tyres to fit the new electric cars that are coming out in todays mix of vehicle technologies. Including the new “Energy Saver” tyre range.
Many other tyres are in the line from this great tyre company.
2024 Michelin Update
How Michelin Tyres Keep Up with the Fast-Moving Car Design and Technology Market Ah, the world of automobiles is constantly growing, isn’t it? Just when you think you’ve seen everything, a new model hits the road with more electronics than a Swiss Army knife. And who is at the forefront of ensuring that our rides run smoothly and safely? Michelin tyres, of course. Let’s talk about how these tyre titans stay ahead of the competition in this fast-paced market.
The Michelin Legacy. Michelin Worldwide Campaign
First, take a brief trip down memory lane. Michelin has been around since 1889, when it was founded in Clermont-Ferrand, France. They’ve been pioneers since the beginning, not merely in the production of tyres but also in the improvement of the overall driving experience. Remember the Michelin Man? That famous tubby figure is more than a mascot; he represents innovation and dependability.
The Growth of Electric and Autonomous Vehicles Now, let’s talk about technology. The car industry is bustling with electric and self-driving vehicles. These are no longer just fancy abstractions; they are the present and future. Michelin has tapped into the market with tyres built expressly for these new vehicle types.
Electric vehicles, for example, require tyres that can manage instant torque while also providing optimal efficiency to maintain battery life. Michelin produced the Energy EV range, which minimises rolling resistance, which means less energy is required to drive the car. It’s similar to constantly riding in low gear, which is gentler on the legs (or battery in this case).
Smart Tyres and Connectivity. Michelin Worldwide Campaign Have you heard of smart tyres? They aren’t only a thing in science fiction films. Michelin is right in there, integrating sensors that connect with your vehicle. These sensors measure tyre pressure, temperature, and even tread wear and provide real-time data to your vehicle’s system. It’s like having a personal tyre butler who keeps everything in tip-top condition.
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Innovations
Michelin is also a leader in sustainability. With all of the hype about lowering our carbon footprint, they’re on a quest to make tyres more environmentally friendly. What are their goals? To produce tyres made entirely of renewable materials by 2050. They are already making progress with the utilisation of recyclable materials and sustainable rubber.
Furthermore, they prioritise waste reduction. Michelin tyres are engineered to endure longer and perform better over their lifetime, resulting in fewer tyres ending up in landfill. Their ‘Long Lasting Performance’ campaign emphasises this dedication, demonstrating that going green does not entail sacrificing quality.
Local Ties and the UK Market.
So, how does all of this worldwide innovation apply to us here in the UK? Michelin has a significant presence in our neck of the woods. Consider their factory in Stoke-on-Trent, for instance. It has been a pillar of Michelin’s UK operations for decades, creating jobs and benefiting the local economy.
Furthermore, they actively participate in local communities by supporting road safety projects and sponsoring events. This link to local culture and economy ensures that Michelin is more than just a worldwide powerhouse; it is a brand that knows and invests in the communities where its consumers live and work.
The Future of Michelin and Cars
Looking ahead, Michelin is not slowing down. They are investing in new technology, such as airless tyres; imagine never having a flat tyre again! They’re also developing tyres that can react to changing driving conditions on the fly, providing the greatest performance whether you’re negotiating the rainy streets of Halifax or speeding down the highway.
Michelin is also pushing the boundaries with its engagement in motorsports. Racing-related innovations frequently make their way into regular vehicles. The principles they acquire from the fast-paced world of racing help make our daily trips safer and more pleasurable.
Wrapping Up
Michelin Tyres is not only keeping up with the fast-paced world of automobile design and technology but also leading the way. From smart tyres to ecological procedures, they are continually developing to satisfy the needs of modern cars. With a strong presence in the UK, they are not only a global giant but also a local hero.
So, the next time you’re looking for new tyres,
Keep in mind that Michelin has over a century of invention behind them. They are not simply keeping up with the times; they are setting the pace. Safe travels, and here’s to many more miles of pleasant driving!
Hi this is one of those great videos that can explain many things at a glance. One of the great things about owning a tyre shop these days is the diversity of the car models and tyre types and sizes.
One of the surprises to me was the popularity of the SUV vehicles in the past five or six years?
SUV Winter Tyres
The Importance of Winter Tyres on SUVs for Safer Driving in Winter
Let’s talk about something that’s sometimes ignored but can make a huge difference when the weather turns cold: winter tyres for your SUVs.
If you live in the UK, where winter can quickly transition from a light drizzle to a full-fledged snowstorm, understanding the need of winter tyres is critical. Especially if you’re driving an SUV, which is designed to withstand any type of weather.
What makes winter tyres unique?
First, what is the thing with winter tyres? Unlike conventional tyres, winter tyres are made of a unique rubber mix that remains flexible in colder temperatures.
This elasticity provides a better grip on cold, icy, or snowy roads. They also have specific tread patterns that direct slush and water away, lowering the chance of hydroplaning.
SUVs and Winter Wonderland
SUVs are ideal for winter driving due to their higher ground clearance and, in many cases, all-wheel drive capability. Even the best 4×4 systems cannot perform miracles on ice and snow if your tyres aren’t up to the task.
Here’s where winter tyres come into play. They can turn your SUV from a sliding menace into a sure-footed beast equipped to face the harshest winter conditions.
Local Challenges in the UK
Let’s discuss about the local scene for a while. The winter weather in Halifax, and throughout the United Kingdom, is notoriously erratic. One minute it’s a fresh, clear day, and the next you’re dealing with black ice or an unexpected snow shower.
Our roads, which are typically small and winding, can become dangerous when the temperature drops. Winter tyres provide an added boost of confidence and control, lowering stopping distances while enhancing handling.
Safety first. SUV Winter Tyres
Safety is the name of the game here. With winter tyres, you safeguard not only yourself but also your passengers and other road users. Consider this: at 30 mph on a snowy road, winter tyres can cut braking distance by up to 50% compared to conventional tyres. That might mean the difference between a close call and a serious accident.
Real-world Benefits
Imagine travelling through the picturesque yet twisting roads of the Yorkshire Dales in January. The view is spectacular, but the roads are treacherous from ice.
Winter tyres hold the road better, allowing you to traverse bends without skidding. Even in urban environments, such as driving into town for last-minute Christmas shopping, winter tyres make abrupt stops and start less frightening.
Common Misconceptions.
A widespread misconception is that winter tyres are only needed in areas with heavy snowfall. Not true! Winter tyres are built to operate in any cold weather, whether it’s ice, snow, or simply chilly and damp. Winter tyres are a prudent investment given our British winters, which often hover around freezing.
Making the Switch. SUV Winter Tyres
So, how do you go about this? Swapping your standard tyres for winter ones is simple. Many garages, like those in Halifax, provide seasonal tyre storage, so you won’t have to worry about where to keep your spare set. It is a minor inconvenience in exchange for significant safety benefits.
Cost versus Benefit
Yes, buying winter tyres is an upfront expenditure, but consider it an investment in your safety. Furthermore, wearing winter tyres during the colder months allows your regular tyres to survive longer, thus saving you money in the long term. Not to mention the potential economic savings from averting accidents.
Wrapping Up
Finally, winter tyres are a must-have for every SUV. It’s about being prepared for whatever winter brings. With the correct tyres, your SUV will handle like a dream, even on icy roads.
As winter approaches, consider making the switch. It’s a little tweak that can significantly improve your driving safety. Keep it safe and stable, and enjoy your winter journeys with peace of mind. And remember, whether you’re driving through the icy streets of Halifax or the snowy countryside, winter tyres are your best friend for remaining safe on the road. Have fun driving!
Our female customers are now driving many of these vehicles
but for some reason they believe they are drive-anywhere vehicles.
the truth is that the SUV’s come out on summer tyres only ,in most cases. The drivers think that they can drive them in all kinds of weather conditions,even on snow.
Even the 4X4 drive vehicles are mainly on summer tyres?
Because the tyres are also of a large size and width, it is even more important to fit winter tyres.
This video shows exactly what i mean. Even the four-wheel-drive car was hopeless in snow when fitted with summer tyres. The cars were completely different when fitted with winter tyres.
The snow tyres made a complete difference to the handling of the cars when tested on a snow-covered ski slope.
SUV Winter Tyres had been proven to work very well in winter weather before i saw this excellent video. One of the vehicles that benefits very well by fitting General Tyres is the BMW range of SUV’s.
These cars have massive tyres, which work great in summer, but their owners will tell you that they are hopeless in any kind of bad weather, especially snow and ice.
Do I need winter tyres ? Everything you need to know about cold weather tyres.
A great question. Hence, that I have tried to answer a million times. We all live very busy lives. Therefore, we do not like to be hampered or hindered in our daily dash. Thus, from home to work or home to school.
The roads in the UK are packed to the brim with our cars. Every family now owns two or three cars. We just cannot do without them?
On the other side of the coin. We all want safer cars and safer roads. Our families are very precious to us.
This in my opinion is where I answer the question “do I need cold weather tyres”. The answer is a big fat YES we do need tyres to aid us in bad winter weather.
The past five or six winters here in the UK. Of course, have shown us all just how bad winter can be. As I am sat here writing this. The weather forecast is for snow to fall. In parts of the UK and this is usually in the Halifax area of Yorkshire, where my tyre business is.
Do I need these tyres
A good point to remember is that a winter performs much better when the temperature drops to bellow 7 degrees C. The tyre stays more flexible, because of certain additives in the tyres compound and enables the tyre to grip much better in cold winter weather, This makes winter tyres much safer to drive on in the winter time.
My winter tyres business has built up because of “word of mouth” from the customers that have bought these type of tyres in the past, and have spread the word, about how good the really are.
Coming forward to 2020 then we are hoping for a cold snowy winter. Because, it will give us a chance to catch up with the loss of business. Of course caused to us by the recent “lock-down” . Consequently, due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
To summarise winter tyres are a major safety asset for your family and yourself.
As the temperature drops and thoughts turn to winter, many buyers will be wondering once again whether it’s worth investing in Winter Tyres Safety. Here’s our guide.
This is a good article written with some good sense?
In my opinion the Winter Tyres Safety debate should be non existent. Wherever there is going to be a chance of bad weather. So this includes snow, ice and rain. Of course, winter tyres are one of the biggest safety improvements. Hence that you should make for your car and your family.
In a recent article. I explained how some Canadian insurance companies were giving a discount bonus. Thus, to drivers who were sensible enough to fit Winter Tyres Safety to their cars.
Winter Tyres Safety Tools- Insurance companies know when they are on a winner?
Another recent development that i am not too sure about is the so called “all-weather” tyres that are now appearing on the tyre market. Tyres such as the one in the image, the vredestein Quatrac, have been around for years now and if they were going to be a better option for the genuine winter tyre then the Winter Tyres Safety would have gone out of existence?
I would still recommend that my customers fit a genuine winter tyre and not an all round summer and winter tyre, they do perform as well
Snow ploughs will be a common site shortly as winter comes sneaking in?
Winter Tyres Safety Tools in winter, its as simple as that.
In my opinion Winter Tyres Safety is not an issue with arguments any more. There are of course people who just cannot afford them. This is fine, but it may just be worth making a small sacrifice and divert e little money away from other less important things, to be able to afford some winter tyres.
This will ensure that you will be safer if winter strikes with vengeance, and you get caught out in lets say a less hospitable situation without any Winter Tyres Safety, to get you out of trouble.
This is all part of a continuing trend. Because, tyre manufacturers are looking to trade direct with the public. Hence, by buying out tyre retail groups. Therefore, to increase their market share.
I have seen all this kind of thing before. In the sixties and the seventies all the big tyre companies bought out retail tyre groups. It became a mad frenzy? Thus to try and build up the largest retail organization.
Dunlop began to build it’s Tyreservices empire. This is where I first started in the tyre industry. A tyre fitter at National Tyres Dewsbury, UK.
One big thing that came out of it is that Tyre manufacturers could not handle running the retail sector. The whole thing eventually fell apart. Most of the best guys worked for the independent tyre retailer.
I suspect that this is what will happen again. Tyre manufacturers have no idea about running a retail organization. Who knows? only time will tell. Meanwhile people like Hankook tyre think that this is the way forward and only time can tell.
Sumitomo tyres of Japan. Have taken the best route in my opinion. Hence, by buying the wholesale group known as Micheldevers.
Apollo Tyres Spending Spree I must admit as an Apollo tyre retailer, this one came out of the blue?
Apollo Tyres Spending Spree has taken another step
With the recent acquisition of the German tyre retailer “Reifencom”. Hence, this is just a part of the mad rush for the cash strapped tyre manufacturers. Hence, to expand their empires.
The agreed price is said to around 45 million Euros. Although, I have never heard of the German tyre company. So they are said to have grown to one of the largest tyre retailers. Thus, with an online presence. Reifencom have 37 retail outlets and also sell tyre products online. Naturally, in Germany and other parts of Europe. Including France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark.
The Apollo Tyres Spending Spree has not yet hit the UK tyre market, but with tyre retailers the likes of “National”, up for grabs, then who knows?
The nearest we have been was the acquisition of Vredestein tyres in Holland. Vredestein have a very strong presence here in the UK and so I think it is a case of watch this space?
Neeraj Kanwar, is the MD of Apollo tyres and said,” The acquisition is a strategic fit in further growing our European business”, “It will enable Apollo to improve its mix of distribution channels in Germany and Europe and aid in increasing the visibility of Apollo and Vredestein tires in the offline and especially the fast growing online retail space.”
All of this follows in the steps of Michelin tyres who have now acquired online tyre businesses in Germany, France and the UK.
Tyre manufacturer’s boardrooms must be buzzing with conversations about what will be happening next. My money will be on Bridgestone?
Bridgestone are the world’s largest tyre manufacturers are will not want to be left behind. The large Micheldever tyre operation is up for grabs? Now bought by Sumitomo tyres. Who knows.
The Vector 4 Seasons tyres are for new Ford car models.
Hence, to versions of its Galaxy, C-Max, Focus, Fiesta, and S-Max models.
The Goodyear vector 4 Seasons tyres, came out with very good results. Especially, in a recent German Auto Magazine tyre test. The Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons tyres came with excellent wet braking results. Of course, in snow and icy conditions, she also did well in all the other disciplines during the test.
There is no doubt
that winter and all season tyres have become a popular choice for UK and European motorists in recent years. In my opinion, it is a faster lifestyle and more safety conscious drivers who are looking to fit safer tyres on their cars.
We are also having more unsettled winters.
The weather can change from mild and wet to a heavy snowstorm over night. Motorists are more aware of this now and are fitting winter tyres such as the Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons tyres.
The original Goodyear all-season tyres were brought out more than thirty years ago. Today’s tyre is a different animal, with the use of up-to-date materials for the tyre compounds. This includes the addition of “silica” and natural rubber to the compound mix.
Ford has made a good move by fitting these Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons tyres, and I am sure that other car manufacturers will follow suit.
Goodyear all-season tyres are said to have the following attributes:.
Excellent year-round performance
Traction for all road conditions
Environmentally friendly
Better control on wet and dry roads
These tyres follow in the Goodyear tradition of supplying excellent quality tyres at a reasonable price and are available from Pellon Tyres in Halifax.
There were 500 deaths and 19,000 injuries in 2014 from aging tyres-related accidents, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
AGING TYRES
Cracks, like the ones in this tyre are probably caused by aging tyres .Hence, that are too old to be driving about when fitted to your cars.
There has been an increase of tyre related accidents. Naturally, due to the increase of drivers buying part worn aging tyres. Many of these aging tyres are from breakers yards. For that reason, are well past there sell by date and not fit for the road.
Compounds containing anti-oxidising chemicals. Are used to slow down the natural aging process of rubber. Thus, in new tyres. The problem arises. because, the tyre becomes older than five years old. On the other hand Michelin and Continental. As expected, say that, under the right conditions a tyre could last up to ten years.
AGING TYRES
Like anything else you should check out your tyres for any cracking and bulges or bubbles appearing on the sidewall area or the tread area. The tyre in the image could have been running under pressure, but it could also be over age?
The date when the tyre was manufactured is embedded onto a tyres sidewall. It tells you the week and year that the tyre was manufactured. In the past few years, cash strapped motorists have been buying part worn tyres.
AGING TYRES
What people do not realise is that many of these part worn tyres have been sold illegally. In the 1990’s we had a similar economic downturn and laws were passed to curb the number of part worn tyres that were sold.
These laws allowed the sale of part worn tyres, providing they were inspected and tested in a correct manor. This resulted in an improved situation, until recent times. All sorts of rubbish part worn tyres are now been sold to the public.
In recent times we have seen tyres with cuts, nails, bubbles, screws and worse of all aging tyres that are passed their best and full of cracks.
