According to a new report from Firestone Complete Auto Care, American drivers overspend nearly USD 18.6 billion every year on fuel, largely due to underinflated tyres. The report reveals that almost half of the vehicles on the road are operating with insufficient tyre pressure, significantly impacting fuel efficiency. As the summer travel season ramps up, Firestone estimates that drivers could save enough money for an extra 500-mile road trip each year simply by maintaining proper tyre inflation.

The data was gathered from over 9.7 million vehicles serviced at Firestone’s 1,800+ locations between June 2024 and March 2025. Findings show that underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making engines work harder and consume more fuel. Beyond the economic cost, this issue also contributes to faster tyre wear and higher carbon emissions.

The report, ‘How to Get Money from Thin Air: The Hidden Benefits of Proper Tyre Inflation’, revealed that 42 percent of vehicles had underinflated tyres, with an average deficit of 13 PSI below recommended levels. The problem was most prevalent in the District of Columbia, Hawaii and California. In contrast, the Northeast had the lowest rate, with New Hampshire and Rhode Island showing the best maintenance habits. Sports cars and minivans were among the worst offenders.

Firestone advises checking tyre pressure monthly and before long drives or heavy loads. Maintaining the correct pressure improves fuel economy, enhances handling, reduces wear and can significantly lower CO₂ emissions – equivalent to recycling over two million garbage trucks of waste annually.

Melissa Vaglio, Vice President, Bridgestone Retail Operations, said “Paying attention to your tyres saves money, helps the planet and keeps you safer on the road. Proper tyre inflation is one of the simplest ways to keep more money in your wallet. We encourage drivers to lean on us as a trusted neighbour for a free inflation check and air top-off, early and often.”

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The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has launched National Tire Safety Week 2026, a public education campaign running from 29 June through 4 July. This year’s initiative, themed ‘Driving Safety, Full Circle’, introduces a new storytelling platform called Full Circle, which emphasises the essential role of tyres in everyday American life. The campaign underscores the critical importance of regular tyre maintenance for overall vehicle safety.

To illustrate this message, the association has released Full Circle Moments, a series of short videos depicting common scenarios where tire performance is paramount. The series features five distinct vignettes, including an infant’s secure journey home from the hospital, a parent’s lesson in driving for a teenager, the durability required for a family road trip, the traction needed during a heavy rainstorm and the stopping power necessary for sudden braking. These videos are being distributed via USTMA’s official website and social media channels.

The campaign also provides motorists with a practical maintenance guide, urging them to remember the acronym ‘P.A.R.T.’, which stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. Drivers are advised to conduct these checks at least monthly and prior to embarking on extended summer road trips. According to the association, investing a few minutes in these simple inspections can significantly reduce the risk of highway incidents.

Furthermore, National Tire Safety Week marks the official launch of the Full Circle digital platform, which is structured around five core pillars: safety, sustainability, innovation, economic impact and advocacy. The site offers evidence-based narratives about the tyre industry’s dedication to reliable mobility and environmental stewardship, including efforts to repurpose tyres. The initiative is supported by all major USTMA member companies, including Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and several other leading tyre manufacturers.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA, said, “Every drive home, every family road trip, every race to an emergency by a first responder happens on tyres. Proper tyre maintenance plays a critical role in safety on the road, and we must all do our part to protect the people and moments we value most. National Tire Safety Week is our reminder that caring for our tyres is simple and essential, and that behind every safe mile is an industry working to make mobility safer, smarter and more dependable.

“Tyres are essential to nearly every part of modern life, yet they’re easy to take for granted. Full Circle embodies the depth of our industry’s commitment to the communities we serve. It’s a story of an industry committed to continuous progress with safety at the forefront, and we’re proud to keep driving it forward.”

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NEXEN TIRE made a prominent appearance at THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026, where it underscored its dedication to the digital evolution of mobility in partnership with the Global Data Service Organisation (GDSO). The company’s presence at the event highlighted its active role within the organisation, a commitment that has been ongoing since January 2024.

As a GDSO member, the tyre manufacturer is contributing to the establishment of unified digital standards that promise to transform tyres into intelligent, data-centric assets over their entire lifespan. The push for standardised and reliable tyre data is expected to foster greater transparency, operational efficiency and novel value creation across the broader mobility sector. This digital infrastructure is designed to enable advanced services, improve vehicle connectivity and bolster road safety while promoting sustainable transportation.

Through its GDSO collaborations with industry partners including Michelin and Devel, NEXEN TIRE is advancing technologies for lifecycle tracking and digital identification. These innovations aim to revolutionise tyre maintenance and management, ultimately benefiting manufacturers, fleet operators, regulators and drivers by creating a more integrated and efficient mobility ecosystem.

Gianluca Lo Vercio, Chief of (EU) Standard & Regulation Unit at NEXEN TIRE and member of the Board of Directors of GDSO, said, "The future of mobility will depend on reliable and standardised data exchange across the entire value chain. Through its active participation in GDSO, NEXEN TIRE is contributing to the development of digital standards that will support greater transparency, efficiency and innovation in the tyre industry and beyond.”

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ZC Rubber, in collaboration with its UK distributor City 1st Tyres, introduced its newest WESTLAKE off-the-road tyre portfolio at Hillhead 2026. The event, recognised as the largest exhibition for the quarrying, construction and recycling sectors within UK, served as the primary venue for this product showcase.

The three-day exhibition attracted approximately 600 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 attendees, creating a significant hub for industry professionals to evaluate cutting-edge equipment and technological advancements for challenging off-road environments. The collaborative exhibit drew considerable interest from original equipment manufacturer users, service providers and clientele representing UK, Ireland and broader European markets.

Attendees directed their focus towards ZC Rubber’s heavy-duty solutions engineered for rigid and articulated dump trucks, wheeled loaders and excavators, telescopic loaders,and quarry-specific vehicles. The company presented five distinct tyre models under the WESTLAKE brand, each tailored for specific operational demands. The CB745 L5 for wheeled loaders features a non-directional tread and robust carcass to boost load capacity and resist punctures, while the CB785 E4 for rigid dump trucks incorporates deep treads, reinforced sidewalls and high-tensile steel for stability and cut protection.

Additional models included the CB792 E3/L3, designed with a multi-edged block for superior traction on soft, muddy terrain, and the CB740 E4/L4 for articulated dump trucks, which boasts a tread depth exceeding standard specifications to enhance grip and durability. The CB763 E4, specifically developed for 60-tonne articulated trucks, offers exceptional flotation and wear resistance through its deep tread and unique compound formulation. This strategic participation at Hillhead 2026 reaffirmed ZC Rubber’s dedication to the global OTR market, supporting heavy industries with durable products engineered for extreme working conditions.

John Ruddy, European OTR Tyre Sales Director of ZC Rubber, said, “Selecting the right OTR tyre is essential for improving equipment productivity and reducing downtime. Through our WESTLAKE OTR product portfolio, we are committed to providing application-specific tyre solutions that help customers improve efficiency, durability and overall operating value.”

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Eurogrip Tyres, a prominent two- and three-wheeler tyre brand under TVS Srichakra Ltd., recently orchestrated a strategic trade engagement initiative in Mumbai. The event served as a platform to underscore the brand’s distinct European engineering heritage and to showcase its newly introduced, Europe-inspired product lineup, reinforcing its commitment to advanced mobility solutions.

Silvio Montanari, the Head of Design and R&D based in Milan, steered the session, offering a comprehensive overview of the company's foundational product development strategies. He elaborated on emerging tyre technologies and the robust engineering frameworks that underpin Eurogrip’s international portfolio while also updating trade partners on the pivotal innovations poised to define future tyre generations and address shifting rider demographics.

Concurrently, Eurogrip is executing an aggressive expansion of its distribution and retail footprint nationwide. This growth strategy ensures that its diverse range, encompassing radial, adventure, touring and commuter tyres, is now readily accessible to consumers across every region of India, thereby solidifying its market presence.

T K Ravi, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Eurogrip Tyres, said, "Today, Eurogrip is recognised globally as a specialist in 2‑wheeler tyres, and our premium range has found strong acceptance among biking communities in India and abroad. It is a privilege to bring our Milan team to India to demonstrate the engineering and technology behind our products. This engagement gives our trade partners the technical insights and market updates they need to better serve customers and riders, and they pave the way for a wider roll‑out of our Europe‑benchmarked products in India.”

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