Tyres, etc

Cooper Tires literally invites drivers to drag its name through the mud. But don’t worry, this is part of a new image overhaul that also includes updates to the brand logo, a refined colour palette, and a more contemporary design language – all with the aim of helping the brand cut through in crowded retail environments and digital marketplaces. Consumers will begin seeing the new branding from March 2026 on Cooper website updates across the globe, Cooper social channels updating identity and content, and in paid media activity launching in selected markets. Retail points of sale will transition over time.

What’s the difference between driving on tyres with 1.6mm tread and scrolling on your phone behind the wheel? The first these is entirely legal, but as the team at Halfords points out, just because something is allowed doesn’t mean we should do it. In fact, a study it commissioned indicates that tyres worn to the current legal UK limit have a greater influence on stopping distance than driver phone use. Based on this result, Halfords opines that the UK minimum tread depth may be too low.

New research from online used car retailer cinch reveals the escalating scale of Britain’s pothole crisis. Based on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests submitted to all 207 road‑maintaining authorities across Great Britain, the findings show that almost 5 million potholes have been repaired since 2022, with more than 3.3 million potholes reported by drivers in the same period. Of the authorities contacted, 172 responded, providing substantial insight into the growing pressures within the nation’s road network.

Bridgestone has introduced two tyre safety initiatives as part of its “Stay Safe This Autumn” campaign, aligning with Tyre Safety Month. The campaign aims to raise awareness about tyre maintenance and reward responsible drivers. As part of the initiative, motorists who purchase two or more Bridgestone tyres in October or November will receive a complimentary winter safety bundle. This includes essential items such as a tread depth gauge, ice scraper, and a locking wheel nut bag to help drivers maintain their vehicles during colder months. For full details of the promotion, entry deadlines and terms and conditions, visit the official campaign page.

A joint study by The AA and TyreSafe, surveying over 22,000 UK drivers in May and July 2025, reveals a troubling lack of tyre safety awareness and poor maintenance habits. 61 per cent of respondents were unaware that driving on an illegal tyre could incur a fine of £2,500 per tyre, and 45 per cent did not know that each illegal tyre carries three penalty points: therefore, four illegal tyres could result in a driving ban. Only 65 per cent correctly identified the driver as legally responsible for tyre safety, while 34 per cent mistakenly believed it was the car owner.

Two major organisations in the UK tyre industry, TyreSafe and the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA), have announced a new partnership aimed at improving road safety and raising awareness about tyre care. TyreSafe is a charity focused on tyre safety, while the NTDA represents more than 300 tyre businesses - accounting for around 2,000 points of sale - across the country.

Hankook is underlining the position its Dynapro range holds in the 4x4 market. According to the company, these tyres are designed to deliver exceptional performance across diverse terrains and weather conditions.

TyreSafe is warning that just two illegal tyres could cost new drivers their licence in its new flagship Young Driver Campaign. The campaign coincides with the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) Operation Spotlight – a nationwide road safety operation targeting young drivers – running from 22 September to 5 October. The simple core message is that driving with unsafe or illegal tyres carries fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre. For new drivers in their first two years on the road the six penalty points accrued for two unsafe tyres is enough for an automatic licence revocation.

Yangwang is not a household name, at least not yet. The brand from Chinese vehicle maker BYD produces high-end cars and SUVs, including the Yangwang U9 all-electric supercar. On 8 August, a Yangwang U9 Track Edition set a new global electric vehicle (EV) top-speed record of 293.54 mph / 472.41 km/h at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany, officially making it the world’s fastest EV. Giti Tire is proud of the role its tyres played in securing this record.