Tyre News

Auto Bild is back with another tyre test, this time featuring a “diverse mix” of all-season SUV tyres in 215/50 R18 from “established premium manufacturers to promising up-and-coming brands and budget brands.” The motoring publication evaluated the ten makes of tyre in snowy, wet and dry conditions at proving grounds in both hemispheres, and by the close of play had determined that these all-season products “do not quite match the high standard set by summer or winter tyres in this size category.” Even so, Auto Bild declared three tyres ‘exemplary’.

Lotto players have a 1 in 45 million chance of cracking the jackpot, but the odds of choosing the right six appear much shorter for tyre testers. Motoring publication Sportauto has evaluated half a dozen winter tyres and is happy with each and every product. Even the all-season tyre they looked at alongside the winter tyres left a good impression.

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.

We’re receiving mixed messages from Auto Bild allrad. In their brief summary of the publication’s 2025 winter SUV tyre test, expert testers Dierk Möller and Martin Westerhoff state that “safety comes at a price,” a comment made in reference to two inexpensive but poorly performing products. But they then show this isn’t always the case by declaring a cheaper than average tyre joint winner of the test.

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.