Tyre News

TyreSafe, the UK’s tyre safety organisation, is calling on drivers to "take charge" of their safety by conducting vital tyre checks while waiting for their batteries to charge. This crucial period, often filled with scrolling on phones, grabbing a sandwich, or dozing in the front seat, presents an opportunity that could be life-saving if used to ensure tyre safety. The A.C.T acronym—Air, Condition, Tread—provides simple yet effective guidance on checks that can be done without specialist equipment. By taking just a few minutes to inspect their tyres, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and breakdowns. 

The 2024 summer tyre test conducted by European motoring organisations ADAC, ÖAMTC, and TCS has spotlighted the 215/55 R17 dimension, ideal for mid-size cars and smaller SUVs. Testing 16 tyre brands, the team expressed overall satisfaction with the results, despite noting “minor weaknesses” in some tyres.

The 205/55 R16 tyre size reigns as the top choice across Europe, especially popular among compact car owners like those driving VW Golf, Audi A3, and similar models. Recognising this trend, Auto Bild has opted for this size in its extensive 2024 summer tyre test. With 55 tyres under scrutiny, Auto Bild hasn't concluded testing yet but has given readers a taste of things to come with “noteworthy data” from initial wet and dry braking tests.

A new company dedicated to making low-volume racing and specialist tyres has been founded under the name Nova Motorsport. The brand is backed by its parent company, the UK rubber compounder SPC Rubber Group, and managing director Paul Hallas. He said Nova Motorsport will focus “solely on low-volume racing and specialist tyres,” with its first products and international partnerships due to be announced soon and throughout 2024. The brand has a website and social media channels in place, and will take its public bow at Retromobile – The Classic Car Show in Paris (31 January to 4 February 2024, Hall 1, Stand M-002).

Just over half of UK motorists check their tyre pressures at least once per month, according to research commissioned by Apollo Tyres. Of the 1,000 motorists polled, 15 per cent say they check their tyre pressures weekly, 11 per cent say once a fortnight, and 29 per cent once per month.

Porsche has approved several bespoke versions of Pirelli's ultra-high performance tyres as original fitments for the new Porsche Cayenne. The latest facelift of the sports SUV extends the collaboration between Pirelli and Porsche: Pirelli has equipped tyres to every generation of the Cayenne since the original model's launch in 2002. The Pirelli P Zero, P Zero Corsa, and Scorpion Winter 2 tyres have received the approval, covering the entire range of wheel sizes from 20 to 22 inches. Scorpion Zero All Season tyres are also available for some markets, in every size.