Tyre News

At the end of November Auto Express published its latest test comparing the performance of leading year-round tyres. Continental’s AllSeasonContact won but Goodyear’s Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 and Hankook Kinergy 4S2 were hot on its heels in second and third place respectively.

Introducing its 2020 test, Auto Bild Allrad comments that all-season tyres weren’t always highly regarded. Their reputation was one of compromise, of products best suited to drivers who demanded little from their tyres. In the words of the specialist 4x4 and SUV magazine, an all-season tyre “used to be a bad summer tyre and then, in the second half of the year, a bad winter tyre.” But its latest test shows that the story is a very different one these days.

When Ineos Automotive brings its Grenadier to market in early 2022, the Land Roveresque 4x4 will wear bespoke Bridgestone Dueler A/T 001 tyres as standard equipment. Bridgestone will supply two sizes of Dueler AT 001 for the Grenadier: 265/70 R17 116S XL and 255/70 R18 116S XL.

When it comes to tyre testing, the Germans are in a class of their own. During the last few months, the country’s magazines and motoring clubs (together with their Austrian & Swiss counterparts) have put a total of 197 winter and all-season tyres through their paces. As many of the tested products are available here in Blighty, UK drivers also benefit from this methodical approach to finding the right tyre.

A leading road safety charity is reminding drivers to check their tyre tread regularly using advice provided in a brand-new film-based production from TyreFlix, called Judge Tread. TyreSafe is the UK’s only charity dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of tyre safety and regular tyre maintenance checks. Its annual campaign is focussing on encouraging drivers to ensure their tyres are Ready for ACTion by checking Air pressure, Condition and Tread.

What to do: choose a set of all season tyres that last all year, or go for full winter tyres? That’s a question many drivers are asking themselves right now especially in countries that have legislation around winter tyres. But both of these types of tyres have one fundamental thing in common, which is that the side of the tyre needs to carry a “M+S” or 3PMSF marking (depending on the regulations in each country) that identifies the type of tyre, avoids motorists collecting fines, and guarantees safety even in winter.