As I speak with industry members, regulators and legislators I continue to be stunned by the lack of appreciation of the very critical role that tyres play in our societies.

Governments bleat about fuel security “investing” precious currency to prop up petroleum fuel storage and production in the face of the ever-expanding development of electric vehicles and more recently the advent of hydrogen as a viable fuel with thanks to the PV (solar) industry advancements. Tyres? What do you mean tyres? Without tyres our societies would grind to a halt in the near term. How are they not a strategic consideration?

Our industries (tyre, road freight transport, mining, public transport and leisure) are facing sufficient difficulties with COVID as well as international shipping challenges to be faced with continued ignorance and negligence by our legislators and regulators.

Please review your countries legislative requirements in regards tyre inflation for light vehicles (say <4,500 kgs) and then the same requirement for heavy vehicles (>4,500 kgs). What do you find?

Mostly I think you will find that tyre inflation pressures are regulated for light vehicles via the vehicle manufacturers tyre placard. For heavy vehicles there is little, if any, such requirement. To illustrate the yawning gap between reality and regulation one peak heavy transport regulatory body published a procedure for roller brake testing for heavy vehicles. The procedure details in minute detail the requirements of the pneumatic system on the truck under test yet merely stated “tyres should be inflated.” As everyone in the tyre industry understands a tyre can be inflated at low pressures totally unrelated to actual operating pressures. What connects the brakes to the pavement? Tyres!

I’ve spoken at length about the absolute requirement for a tyre to be appropriately inflated. This is basic physics, the air molecules captured within the tyre’s air chamber actually support the applied loads. If there are insufficient molecules of air the tyre will be overworked so overheat and so enter a failure phase. There are other requirements for the inflation being the actual shaping of the tyre to interface with the pavement at the optimum level, read traction. A wide based tyre requires special construction to maintain the tread platform shape. If the inflation pressure is not at the manufacturer’s specified level will this critical shape be maintained? Then it is not only the performance of the tyre in question but also the safety of the vehicle and that of the general public in the areas this vehicle operates in.

The extensive report produced by the TNO Organisation (TNO 2013 R10986) detailed not only the exhaust emissions as a result of inappropriately inflated tyres but also the road safety outcomes. This paper is now just over eight years old but the situation with real time pressure monitoring for heavy vehicles remains as it was, 50 years or more ago. WHY? Are our regulators asleep at the wheel (or tyre some may say) through entrenched inaction and ignorance? Or is it that there are just “no votes” in tyres and everyone just ASSuMes their tyres are “ok”?

EV tyres

With the advent of electric vehicles, the ramifications for tyres are huge. In the past internal combustion engines (ICE) built up torque over a rev range, drivelines multiplied the torque developed and for heavy vehicles there is a sweet spot for torque. The multi speed gearboxes assisted the driver to maintain forward motion within this torque sweet spot. Electric motors apply maximum torque over most of their operating range. From the instant the power is applied by the driver (be that human or robotic) the tyres are under peak stress. Any deficiency within the tyre will be magnified with detrimental results. Such a deficiency may be of a manufacturing nature but this is largely controllable by the manufacturer. What is not currently controllable is the human maintenance factor, the applied inflation pressure.

Tyre manufacturers have for as long as they have been manufacturing tyres been informative about the criticality of appropriate tyre inflation. There are untold charts and pictorials showing how a tyre is influenced by under or over inflation yet our regulators and legislators continue to keep their heads buried deep out of the light. WHY when tyres are such a critical component of our modern-day motor vehicle? I would charge ignorance and negligence on one hand but then on the other suggest that because tyres work as well as they do, are as forgiving (by nature of their fundamental flexible design) our “guiding powers” can focus on other trendy and glamorous aspects such as stability control or autonomous braking. An important question for these people to consider and respond to; “what item on the vehicle transfers the power (and so directly influence these vehicle control systems) from the vehicle to the pavement (be that power tractive or retardation)? Yes of course, the humble tyre.

So, when a government sponsored or publicly funded body involved in road safety ignores tyres (for whatever reason, ignorance or negligence) are they really serving the interests of our communities and societies or are they just -- I should stop there but you know where I’m going!

The technology to monitor tyre pressures in real time is and has now been available for decades. The TREAD Act (USA) mandated tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS) for light vehicles in the USA in the year 2000. This year TPMS gets a key for its birthday, yes well and truly a mature product (some may say adult) and industry yet, our regulators and legislators continue to ignore the humble tyre.

The upsides of maintaining tyres at an appropriate pressure I’ve discussed previously, all positive. The same detail has been published in many papers (such as the TNO paper!) but we as an industry continue to live in the past whilst adopting hi-tech solutions for other aspects of our industries, e.g., GPS tracking, fatigue monitoring, reefer monitoring and control, real time video surveillance of the drivers and the surrounding traffic conditions. Why? To me there is little respect paid to the critical role the tyre provides for us. So many users do not consider how the tyre works for them and why the simplest of tasks will enhance the performance, yes, I speak of inflation maintenance. Without respect the tyre will never be recognised for the contribution it has made and continues to make.

I publicly and openly challenge our tyre manufacturers as a collective to mount an education campaign to enhance the level of respect the general public has about tyres. The TIA (US) and USTMA have local campaigns on behalf of their members but I consider that until the tyre manufacturers as a collective industry actual improve the level of respect for the humble tyre we will be chasing our tails on a race to the bottom. Our tyres deserve better!

What about Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Continental, BKT, Dunlop, ZC Rubber, Hankook, Pirelli, Toyo, Sumitomo, Yokohama, Kumho, MRF, Apollo, Nokian, JKTyres, Cooper, Titan, Linglong, Triangle et al?

Remember success does not reward a lack of action. (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pirelli has designated the SC0 rear tyre as the new benchmark for Moto2 as the MotoGP World Championship resumes its season this weekend at Silverstone for the 12th round. The Italian manufacturer is supplying its standard range compounds for both support classes, with the updated SC0 making a notable return to the British circuit following its successful evaluation there last year.

The 2026-spec soft rear tyre, which initially debuted as a development prototype, features an altered structure from its predecessor and was universally embraced by competitors during practice sessions, even contributing to a new lap record. Its promotion to the standard lineup sees it joined at the rear by the new medium SC1 compound, formerly a development specification, while front tyre duties are covered by the soft SC1 and the medium SC2 options.

Silverstone presents a formidable technical challenge as the longest venue on the calendar at 5.9 kilometres, demanding exceptional machine and rider performance through high-speed corners and rapid directional shifts. The circuit’s low-abrasion surface and notably wide racing corridor allow for varied lines, adding another layer of strategic complexity to the already fast-paced weekend.

In the Moto3 class, Pirelli has made available the soft SC1 and medium SC2 compounds for both front and rear positions. The majority of the field last year favoured the medium SC2 at both ends, a choice that propelled José Antonio Rueda to victory from the back of the grid, though a segment of riders alternatively selected the softer SC1 option for their machines.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said, “For this weekend's round at Silverstone, one of the most iconic and technically demanding circuits on the World Championship calendar, Pirelli will once again provide standard range tyres for both classes, featuring the rear soft SC0 compound that made its Moto2™ debut at this very circuit last year as the E0125 development option. The E0125, which complemented the then standard soft tyre, was immediately appreciated by the intermediate class riders, who, on a highly demanding circuit characterised by numerous high-speed corners and changes of direction where stability is essential, focused exclusively on this new solution from Friday onwards.

“Introduced again at subsequent events, the former E0125 quickly became the Moto2™ riders' benchmark, offering greater stability, outright one-lap performance and consistent performance across a wide variety of weather and track conditions. As a result, it was promoted to the new standard soft tyre for this season. More than a year after its debut, and thanks to the significant development work carried out by the teams during this period, the SC0 has already contributed to numerous lap records this season. Weather conditions permitting, it will therefore be interesting to see whether Silverstone can deliver further progress compared with last year's benchmark.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship, played a central role in the season's 10th round at Secto Rally Finland. The event concluded on 2 August in Jyväskylä, where the company’s Dynapro R213 extreme all-terrain rally tyre was put to the ultimate test across the demanding Finnish landscape.

Competitive action unfolded over 20 Special Stages, covering a total distance of 316.04 kilometres. Renowned as the fastest rally on the WRC calendar, the event subjected vehicles and tyres to extreme speeds. The challenging route was characterised by blind crests that impaired visibility, frequent jumps and narrow forest roads, placing a premium on tyre durability and overall driving stability.

The supplied Dynapro R213 tyre proved instrumental in managing these severe conditions. On the ultra-high-speed gravel sections, it effectively absorbed the impact of repeated landings while delivering consistent grip and precise steering response. Its robust construction ensured reliable performance across the loose dirt and forest roads, allowing competitors to push their vehicles to the limit.

Sami Pajari of Toyota GAZOO Racing claimed a home victory, securing back-to-back wins after his success in Estonia. This result advanced him to second in the Drivers’ Championship with 171 points. Looking ahead, Round 11 is the ueno Rally del Paraguay from 27 to 30 August, featuring gravel stages that will demand exceptional tyre resilience. Hankook applies data from its WRC involvement and other global motorsport events to its R&D, fostering continuous innovation and reinforcing its status as a leading global brand.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Legislation aimed at overhauling decades-old federal tyre safety regulations has been introduced in the United States Senate. The Tire Safety Modernization Act of 2026, sponsored by Senators Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Raphael Warnock of Georgia, seeks to replace outdated testing mandates with contemporary performance standards that better reflect current manufacturing innovations and production techniques.

The proposed bill directs the Department of Transportation to revise federal testing protocols, retiring obsolete requirements in favour of more relevant criteria. A key component of the legislation involves aligning high-speed testing procedures with internationally recognised best practices while also clarifying existing safety criteria to ensure more effective regulatory oversight. The measure preserves a strong emphasis on passenger safety while adapting to the capabilities of modern tyre engineering.

Strong support for the initiative has emerged from the tyre manufacturing sector. Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, praised the bipartisan effort as a crucial step towards aligning American rules with technological progress, bolstering road safety and enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness. Executives from major manufacturers, including Continental Tire, Goodyear and Yokohama, have similarly endorsed the update, noting that it would allow engineering and compliance resources to focus on innovations that genuinely benefit drivers.

Senator Warnock highlighted the importance of Georgia’s prominent tyre production sector, while Senator Wicker emphasised that federal regulations have failed to keep pace with evolving manufacturing technology. Industry leaders collectively view the act as a thoughtful, science-based modernisation that supports domestic manufacturing competitiveness and ensures that safety standards reflect the demands of modern vehicles, roads and driving conditions across the country.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone's e-CENTRE Excellence Programme has delivered a significant financial boost to two community organisations in South London, with nearly GBP 1,000 raised through a charity initiative run by Merityre Southfields, a flagship Bridgestone e-CENTRE. The campaign generated a total of GBP 938, which was evenly distributed between St Michael's Church Social Projects and the Friends of Wimbledon Park, both of which are vital to the Wandsworth area.

Over a five-month period spanning November and December 2025, as well as February to April 2026, motorists were given a one-pound donation token with every Bridgestone tyre purchased. Customers were then able to choose which of the two local causes would receive their contribution, resulting in GBP 464 for St Michael's and GBP 474 for the Friends of Wimbledon Park.

The funds allocated to St Michael's Church Social Projects will finance the installation of an additional water tap at its Kitchen Garden Project, located on the Church Memorial Field. Since its establishment in 2020, the garden has expanded into a productive allotment with over 30 raised beds, providing fresh organic produce for community lunches and a weekly food bank. The new tap is expected to reduce watering time for volunteers, enabling them to dedicate more attention to the retired, unemployed, isolated and vulnerable individuals who rely on the project for support, skill development and social connection.

Meanwhile, the Friends of Wimbledon Park will direct its share towards a new seating area in the Waterfall Garden, with any leftover funds supporting tree and bulb planting as well as maintenance materials. This retail-led effort exemplifies a core component of Bridgestone's broader e-CENTRE Excellence Programme, which has allocated over GBP 1 million to encourage retailers to adopt sustainable practices and foster positive social and environmental change within their localities.

Dene Arnold, Director, Merityre, said, “As a business rooted in the local community, we wanted to give our customers the opportunity to support causes that really matter to people in Southfields. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who got behind the campaign and helped us raise such a fantastic amount. Being part of Bridgestone's e-CENTRE network is about much more than providing premium products and services. It's about making a meaningful contribution to the communities we serve and creating a positive impact beyond the garage doors. It's especially rewarding to know exactly where the money is going. Whether it's helping volunteers continue to grow fresh produce for people in need or creating new spaces for the community to enjoy in Wimbledon Park, these are projects that will make a lasting difference locally.”

Gresia Cabrera, Bridgestone's Business Development Manager and project lead for the e-CENTRE programme, said, “Community engagement sits at the heart of the eCentre philosophy, so it's fantastic to see Merityre Southfields bringing that vision to life. The team continues to demonstrate that modern tyre retailers can be a force for good, supporting local people and causes while delivering outstanding service for motorists. Initiatives such as this show that the industry can make a genuine difference and create value far beyond tyres alone. One of the strengths of the e-CENTRE programme is that it empowers retailers to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Seeing these donations translated into practical improvements that will benefit local people for years to come is exactly what the programme is all about.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!