A recent collaborative study from The AA and TyreSafe reveals a significant and concerning disconnect between UK drivers' confidence in their tyre knowledge and their actual understanding of legal requirements and maintenance practices. The research, which surveyed more than 22,000 individuals, indicates that while drivers grasp basic safety concepts, this awareness fails to translate into consistent action or knowledge of severe legal consequences.

A foundational safety principle is well understood; an overwhelming 98 percent of drivers correctly recognised that worn tyres increase stopping distances in wet weather. However, this awareness is not matched by familiarity with the law. A startling 61 percent of motorists are unaware that the maximum fine for driving on an illegal tyre is GBP 2,500 per tyre, meaning a vehicle with four illegal tyres could incur a GBP 10,000 penalty. Furthermore, 45 percent did not know that each illegal tyre can result in three penalty points on a driving licence, an oversight that could quickly lead to a disqualification for drivers with multiple faulty tyres.

Confusion also exists regarding fundamental legal responsibilities. Only two-thirds of respondents correctly identified that the person driving the car is legally responsible for its tyres, with a significant portion mistakenly believing the responsibility lies with the vehicle's owner. Knowledge of the minimum legal tread depth was also found to be lacking, with just 57 percent correctly stating it is 1.6 mm for cars.

This gap between perceived and actual knowledge is further evidenced by inconsistent checking habits. While an overwhelming 96 percent of drivers claimed to know how to check tyre pressure, only 30 percent had actually done so in the week prior to the survey. Similarly, just 19 percent reported checking their tread depth weekly, with a concerning number admitting to checks less than every six months or never at all. The research also identified clear demographic trends, with male and older drivers consistently demonstrating better knowledge and more frequent maintenance practices than female and younger motorists.

In response to these findings, The AA and TyreSafe are urging all drivers to integrate regular tyre checks into their monthly routine and before long journeys. They emphasise that maintaining correct pressure and sufficient tread depth is not merely a legal formality but a critical measure for ensuring vehicle safety, optimal handling and fuel efficiency while also avoiding severe financial and legal penalties.

Greg Carter, AA Technical Specialist, said, “The findings from our joint research are a stark reminder that while drivers understand the dangers of worn tyres in principle, a significant proportion are completely unaware of the precise legal requirements and the severe financial and licensing consequences they face for non-compliance. It’s alarming that so many drivers are risking not just their own safety and that of others, but also potentially crippling fines and driving bans, simply due to a lack of knowledge and inconsistent maintenance. We need a concerted effort to educate drivers about their responsibilities. Checking your tyre pressure and tread depth should be as routine as checking your fuel gauge. The risks of not doing so – both to safety and your wallet – are simply too high. We particularly encourage targeted campaigns for younger drivers and women to bridge the knowledge gap highlighted in our research.”

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “Our partnership with The AA on this vital research has unveiled critical knowledge gaps that we, as an industry, must address. Tyres are the only contact points a vehicle has with the road, and their condition directly impacts braking, steering and overall vehicle control. It’s concerning that fundamental aspects of their maintenance and the critical legal ramifications of neglect are so poorly understood. This collaborative insight reinforces the urgent need for greater public education to empower drivers with the knowledge and habits needed to keep their tyres, and our roads, safe.”

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Making a powerful debut at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Doublestar Tire captivated the global automotive industry with a display of innovative products. This premier event for customisation and accessories, which attracts top enterprises and professionals from over 130 countries, served as the ideal platform for the company to demonstrate Chinese manufacturing and technological advancement. Doublestar’s booth, emphasising high performance and green technology, became a central hub for visiting partners and industry experts.

The company’s strategy was precisely tailored to the specific demands of the American market, focusing on tyres for popular pickup trucks and SUVs used for long-distance highway travel. Key products included the Wildpuma AT10, noted for its exceptional wet grip and stable handling, and the durable, wear-resistant TBR tyre DLS918, designed for extended mileage. The vibrant on-site response saw numerous clients expressing strong collaborative interest, with Doublestar affirming its commitment to deepening its market presence in the United States.

Beyond simply meeting existing market needs, this successful appearance at SEMA proved Doublestar’s advanced capability to proactively identify and co-develop products that create new customer demand. The event ultimately served as a definitive demonstration of the brand's strength and its readiness to compete directly with leading international tire manufacturers on the global stage.

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German tyre major Continental Tires has inaugurated a new Continental Premium Drive (CPD) dealership in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The new outlet, operated by Tyre Tune Up, strengthens Continental’s retail presence in central India.

The new CPD store, spread across 3,000 sqft, is located in Mechanic Nagar, Indore. It is designed as a one-stop destination offering Continental’s premium tyre portfolio alongside advanced services such as computerised wheel alignment, precision wheel balancing, nitrogen inflation and premium alloy wheels.

Indore was chosen for its status as a commercial and cultural hub with an expanding vehicle base, aligning with Continental’s expansion strategy. Tyre Tune Up has been a part of Indore’s automotive journey since 1956.

Samir Gupta, Managing Director, Continental Tires India, said, “With this new CPD store in Indore, we are bringing Continental’s promise of safety, innovation, and driving comfort closer to customers in Madhya Pradesh. India is a key growth market for us, and through our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we continue to expand our retail network and strengthen customer connections across the country.”

Rafique Khan, Owner of Tyre Tune Up, said, “Tyre Tune Up has been a part of Indore’s automotive journey since 1956, and our partnership with Continental allows us to deliver global standards of quality locally. This CPD outlet will not only provide premium products but also ensure a seamless service experience that our customers have come to expect over the decades.”

Continental recently announced a strategic investment of approximately INR 1 billion in India to strengthen and expand its Passenger and Light Trucks business in the country.

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Steelastic LLC, part of the HEICO Companies, has officially announced a new strategic partnership with PT Pelita Esa for Indonesia. In this capacity, the company has welcomed Evan Soerjaatmadja as its official agent for the region.

With over 15 years of experience in the tyre industry, Soerjaatmadja is a respected professional known for his work with PT Pelita Esa Wanua and his representation of Bartell, a member of the HEICO Group. He will now collaborate closely with Hemant Agrawal, Steelastic’s Business Development Manager, to bolster customer support and strengthen the company's market presence throughout South Asia. Steelastic anticipates that this partnership will yield substantial new opportunities for its customer base.

The company statement read: “Going forward, Soerjaatmadja will work closely with Hemant Agrawal, Steelastic’s Business Development Manager, to enhance customer support and strengthen Steelastic’s presence across South Asia. We look forward to this partnership and the new opportunities it will create for our valued customers.”

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The Sailun Ice Blazer Alpine 2 tyre in size 205/55 R16 94H XL has proven itself a formidable competitor in the winter tyre market, as confirmed by rigorous independent testing from TÜV SÜD. The examination, which pitted the Sailun tyre against four rival European products across 12 different disciplines, resulted in the tyre being awarded an official seal of approval. This prestigious endorsement officially validates the tyre's strong safety characteristics on wet and dry roads, its low rolling resistance and its quiet operation, with a measured rolling noise of just 69 dB(A).

Performance in key comparative tests was particularly strong, with the Ice Blazer Alpine 2 achieving top-tier results in acceleration, braking and handling on snow, plus braking on both wet and dry roads. This makes it an excellent all-around choice for the common driver seeking a modern, high-performance winter tyre. It delivers essential safety features including reliable grip and precise control on snow and ice, alongside superb braking on wet surfaces and commendable resistance to aquaplaning. Furthermore, it maintains excellent fuel efficiency.

These capabilities are derived from its advanced technical design. An innovative tread pattern and a specialised high-silica winter compound ensure the rubber remains pliable and effective in cold temperatures. The tread features a variably angled ice-gripping pattern at its centre for superior traction on ice and snow, while numerous closely spaced grooves in the shoulder blocks interlock with snow for enhanced control on snow-covered roads. For wet conditions, a directional HydraFlow pattern efficiently channels water away from the tread, promoting strong wet grip. The overall combination of narrower grooves and robust rubber blocks also provides consistent and responsive handling in variable winter weather. Finally, the use of a durable, wear-resistant rubber compound strikes an optimal balance between extended tread life and energy efficiency.

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