Gone are the days when tyres were simply circular structures of rubber, which formed an integral part of the function of a car. Now, tyres enhance the engineering and performance of the car itself, improve safety and make driving easy and pleasurable.

Tyre giant Goodyear’s latest innovation in tyre technology, a concept tyre dubbed the Triple Tube, promises to set a precedent in the motor industry following in the footsteps of and actively enhancing existing intelligent vehicular technology which uses its surroundings to make for a safer and more enjoyable drive.

The tyres consciously adapt to road conditions, inflating and deflating according to the surface and the condition of the road they are placed on.

So how do they work?

The name ‘Triple Tube’ is a giveaway as to the anatomy of the tyre itself.  It has three so-called ‘positions’ or modes and is comprised of three chambers and a main chamber. These three chambers are positioned next to each other under the tread of the tyre – 2 on each side and one in the middle. An internal pump allows the air to be moved from the main chamber to one or more of the three chambers, thus creating a different shape and firmness to the tyre with each position. Each of these three chambers represents a different position for an individual road type or condition.

The Eco/Safety Position enables better braking as it gives each tyre a wider surface area with which to adhere to the road, flooding every chamber with air. The Sporty Position allows the tyre to adapt a conical shape which makes for better magnetism to the road surface in hot or dry conditions, and the self-explanatory Wet Safety Position helps to prevent aquaplaning and skidding in dangerous wet conditions.

This clever technology also increases tyre longevity, as if one chamber suffers a puncture, the others are able to provide more air to keep it going for longer. The safety implications of this significant step forward are huge along with the improved performance benefits for petrol-heads – the substantial number of accidents caused by skidding tyres in wet conditions could be dramatically reduced, whilst high-end super cars could be set to experience a fantastic new frontier in driving technology.

Although these tyres at present are just prototype concepts, Goodyear has indicated that it will continue to fund experimentation into this game-changing new technology – along with others which will revolutionise the way we drive forever and increase the role which tyres have to play in the overall driving experience and function. If you’re interested in Goodyear Triple Tube tyres, then be sure to get the best price in your area, by visiting www.tyrequote.com

Michelin have a long track record, over 100 hundred years in fact, of making quality, reliable tyres and the Primacy 3, designed for high performance vehicles and which will replace the Primacy HP, is one of their newest products.  With a new tread pattern and tread compound designed to ensure the whole of the tread is in full contact with the road surface, Michelin says this should give improved longevity and fuel savings.

The test results
In independent tests, using tyres of differing sizes and with V and W speed ratings (V is 149 mph/240 kph; W is 168 mph/270 kph), the Primacy 3 demonstrated excellence in wet cornering, and wet and dry braking.  It also performed well in a noise test, which is a real bonus on long motorway runs.

 
The reviews
Despite this, online customer reviews are showing mixed results with many drivers saying that the Primacy 3 is giving lower mileages than its predecessor the Primacy HP.  Some report that they are seeing only 10-11000 miles from a tyre before it wears although others are delighted with the performance and say that they are easily getting in excess of 20000 miles from the Primacy 3.  There are also variations in reports regarding the tyre’s grip capabilities with some declaring themselves to be distinctly under-whelmed by Michelin’s stated improvements while others think the tyre is the best thing since sliced bread and are very impressed by the grip, particularly in the dry.  Of course, different driving styles in different cars and in varying road conditions are bound to throw up wildly differing opinions but the overall impression is that the Primacy 3 is good value for money.
Retailing at around £58 – £189 (approximately) the Michelin Primacy 3 is not the cheapest tyre around but you get what you pay for and with this one you get a very safe, reliable and competent tyre for your money. If you’d like to check out the best price for Michelin Primacy 3, then why not take a look at Tyrequote.com to get the best quote in your area for Michelin tyres.

With the advent of the modern motor industry, leading car manufacturers including the popular Mercedes-Benz have rolled out brand-specific parts and other accessories to be used exclusively on their cars. This includes tyres, and recently, there have been concerns raised about this supposed ‘customization’ of tyres and other factors revolving around it. Whether or not these original markings, that are usually inscribed on brand specific tyres, have any considerable influence on their suitability for use, is no longer a subject of speculation. In case you’re wondering whether using a non “M.O” marked tyre in your Mercedes is going to affect the performance or safety of the vehicle, then this short but detailed look into this subject might just clear the air.

What does MO stand for?

‘M.O’ which stands for Mercedes Original, is a trademark logo inscribed on tyres that this giant car manufacturer assembles to be used specifically with it’s branded vehicles. Not long ago, Bridgestone ( A UK-based tyre and independent tyre and auto care company) introduced a luxury line of M.O – Mercedes Only tyres to be used by luxury car brands including the Volkswagen Passat, BMW and Audi A4. These tyres have been solely made to optimise the luxurious comfort and performance of these cars while still maintaining high standards of safety and durability. So this raises the questions; Does it pay to invest in MO marked tyres for my vehicle of is it just some sort of branding hype? Is it permissible by law to replace MO tyres with non-MO tyres? What are some of the added advantages of riding on MO tyres?

The benefits of MO tyres

Truly speaking, there are some proven profits of using an MO marked tyre as compared to conventional tyres this includes;

• Optimised car stability and balance: The MO marked tyres are designed exclusively for the use with the vehicle’s suspension system and enhanced tread patterns to offer more control and better handling of the car.
• Reduced driving noise levels: The tyres are manufactured to fit specifically the car’s body’s and weight dimensions. This results in the vehicle’s mass been better proportionally distributed and a noise-free ride.
• Increased steering responsiveness: The MO marked tyres integrate a unique and intelligent design that includes a longitudinal rib that runs along the tyres’ groove to allow precise directional steering when driving.

Despite the numerous profits attached to using M.O marked tyres, at times, it may not be possible to replace your worn out tyres with these original branded tyres due to availability and costs constraints. In such an event, you may replace the tyres with non-MO branded versions but it’s worth getting a quote from tyrequote.com to find get the best deal on M.O tyres in your local area. Nevertheless, it’s important to point out that the vehicle insurance may be invalidated if, in case of an accident, the use of these non-manufacturer-approved tyres, is cited as a contributory factor.

Owning and running a car is an expensive business nowadays and tyres can be one of the biggest expenses. However, if you are on a limited budget and don’t fancy paying hundreds of pounds for the latest tyres there is the option of going for a budget tyre or even a part-worn tyre.  And usually there is very little difference in price in the case of good part-worns and new budget tyres.  But there are several issues to consider when making your decision, not least the safety aspect.

Tyre regulations for part-worn tyres

The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 lays down strict rules regarding part-worn tyres including;

A part-worn tyre must not have cuts longer than 25mm (or 10% of the section width of the tyre) and the original grooves must be to a depth of at least 2mm across the full breadth of the tread.

It should have no lumps, bulges or tears both internally and externally and no cords or piles should be exposed.

It must still show all the original markings including speed ratings and feature the words ‘PART-WORN’ in 4mm high letters.

What to consider

Consider these points: do you know where the tyre has come from? Has the tyre been previously punctured and repaired? Tyre wear is unique to each vehicle and a part-worn tyre will have ‘moulded’ to the vehicle it was originally fitted to so this may potentially cause steering or wear anomalies which may require tracking correction or even, in the worst cases, may affect your car’s suspension.  A brand new tyre comes with a tread depth of 8mm whereas a part-worn tyre can legally be sold with as little as 3mm of tread depth so, considering the legal minimum is 1.6mm then it is obvious that a part-worn tyre will have a limited lifespan on your car.  It may also have less grip on the road, especially in adverse weather conditions.  So, although a part-worn tyre may be suitable as a short-term solution it could prove to be a false economy.

A new ‘budget’ tyre, on the other hand, comes with a manufacturers guarantee for peace of mind.  From brand new it will adjust to your car and your driving style and because it will already have more tread depth it will obviously last longer and will have better grip on the road surface; more reassuring from a safety point of view.

There are so many tyres to choose from so to get some expert advice on which one best suits your needs and budget click on www.tyrequote.com.

Tyron Bands are a good safety device reducing the impact of a tyre blowout.

How they work.

There is a recess around the inner circumference of the wheel. This recess is known as the “fitting well” into which the inner bead of the tyre is dropped into during fitting.

A Tyron band is a mechanical device that is fitted onto the wheel & inside the tyre filling the recess if the tyre deflates, the beads and sidewall of the tyre cannot physically come off the wheel giving the driver time to safely pull the vehicle over to the side of the road.

http://www.tyron.co.uk/why_tyron_caravans.htm

Disappointingly a lot of tyre depots will refuse to replace tyres when it involves Tyron bands. Here at TyreQuote.com we have a dedicated network of tyre dealers who have the expertise in replacing tyres to wheels fitted with Tyron bands.

Bridgestone have some of the highest rated winter tyres by consumers on the UK market, and now they are picking up the pace by announcing their further commitment to developing safer and even more effective winter tyres.

Bridgestone provide some of the most popular winter tyres on the market.

Bridgestone have now announced that they has extended their lease to test tyres on the brink of the Artic Circle. Less that 100km away from the edge of the Artic Circle, the Swedish ground allows Bridgestone to test winter tyres for up to 17 weeks of the year.

Bridgestone first used the ground back in 2009, and the facility provides the conditions and technology to test tyres to the very limit allowing them to be one step ahead of their competitors. With sales of winter tyres increasing across Europe, the extension of the lease seems like a clever move in a changing industry.

Michelin has launched its new range of tyres which focuses on “getting a grip on wet roads” with the Michelin Primacy 3 tyre.

Promoted as “The right tyre changes everything”, Michelin are really placing emphasis on tyre safety with their new range.

The new rang explicitly focuses on tyre safety with:

Excellence in Dry Braking
Excellence in Wet Braking
Excellence in Wet Cornering

Michelin have revealed that the Primacy 3 will gradually replace Michelin Primacy HP.

Phil Baldock, Michelin UK’s Head of Communications, said: “We have sought to convey the message that the right tyre changes everything. By choosing a Michelin tyre you can achieve greater fuel efficiency, longevity and safety – a combination of elements that will deliver all-round better driving performance.”

You can read more about the new range here.

Have you used these tyres? Why not share your experiences?

A rather unsavoury report today, one that really highlights the importance of buying the right tyres and checking your tyres are always fit to drive.

The High Court is currently holding a case involving passengers of a Mitsubishi Pajero jeep that are suing Toyo for damages after their friend was killed when the jeep suffered a blow out and flipped multiple times down the M4 in Wales. A terrible and tragic incident that occured back in 2006. What is under question is whether or not it was a defect in the manufacture of the tyre that caused the incident or if some other factors contributed to the tyre tread actually coming away from nearly half of the body of the tyre.

We always recommend regular checking of your tyres, in particular to ensure that there’s plenty of tread to give you grip, especially in the wet and cold weather, but how can anyone check that their tread isn’t going to detach itself? This is of course an extremely rare case and hope this would never happen again but if you ever see anything untoward with your tyres or feel your vehicle riding in an abnormal way – perhaps pulling to one side or the other or with unusual noises, bumps or delivering a wobble or feedback into the steering wheel, you really must contact your nearest tyre fitter immediately to assess you tyre. Tyre checks are usually very quick and free and can provide you with peace of mind that you are safe to continue driving. If you’re unsure of your nearest tyre fitting centre, then email us at help@tyrequote.com with your postcode and we can recommend someone for you.  Getting a tyre check doesn’t mean you have to buy new tyres, but if the fitter recommends that you do buy new tyres, please come back and see if we can get you some fantastic quotes to make you safe again.

The case continues at the High Court next week.

James

The chaps at Pirelli Motorsport have announced they will be taking the hard compound tyres with their silver stripe as the prime tyre for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the yellow stripe soft compound tyres as the option tyre.  The German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring will see medium and soft compound tyres and the Hungaroring will host the soft and supersoft PZero tyres that lit up the Canadian Grand Prix.

These decisions make for an exciting variety in terms of team strategy and number of pits stops taken at the next three Formula 1 races. Let’s just hope that Ferrari and McLaren can push the dominant RedBull team again. Vettel is desperate for his team to fix their problem with KERS and whilst that issue remains, there’s always a chance, especially with some vibrant home support for McLaren at Silverstone.

Hard or soft, fingers crossed for an exciting race next weekend..

If you fancy your own set of fresh new grippy Pirelli PZeros, then get great quotes from your nearest fitters from TyreQuote.com

James

You tyre shoppers out there are very clever people. With our pockets being pillaged by utility companies and petrol station tills you are looking all over for a deal to save a few quid here and there.

At a recent trade show in the Middle East, a speaker reported on ‘the emergence of budget tyres’ and that over 50% of UK tyre sales were now on budget brands. This is an even bigger than we had expected. The bigger brands spend a lot of money getting into your hearts and minds with clever advertising across all the media platforms, but it may be falling on deaf ears. Sure enough, when we looked at our own figures, more and more of you are scrolling down the list of tyres towards the cheaper end of the scale when you search our own site for replacement tyres. As a result we have increased the representation of budget brands on our database, to give you a bigger selection of options at the lower end of the tyre price range.

Is there anything to worry about with cheaper budget tyres?

The tyre industry is highly regulated and European legislation means that all tyres are safe for your vehicles. All we must say is that you make sure you buy the right size tyres and always buy new tyres, rather ‘part-worn’ tyres.  Saving money is one thing and buying budget brands is a sensible way to do so, but compromising on safety by buying tyres that have already been fitted to a different vehicle and/or damaged in the process is just foolhardy.

However, if you are doing a lot of miles, budget brands may not save you money as they could wear out a good bit quicker than some more expensive brands like Bridgestone and Pirelli.  You are much better off buying one good set of tyres that will last 12 months than a set that lasts 6 months and therefore requiring the inconvenience and expense of an extra tyre fitting.

If you have any experiences good or bad of budget brand tyres, please write to us at help@tyrequote.com, likewise if you ever need helping selecting the right tyres for your car.

James