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)

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Discount Tire is launching complimentary tyre safety inspections across its network of more than 1,275 US locations in observance of National Tire Safety Week, scheduled from 29 June through 4 July 2026. The initiative comes just ahead of the busy Independence Day travel period, aiming to equip motorists with essential vehicle care before summer road trips.

Citing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper inflation can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 11 cents per gallon and add nearly 5,000 miles to a tire’s usable life. To support safe driving, the company advises monthly pressure checks, particularly before extended journeys, since temperature fluctuations affect PSI levels and can compromise handling or cause irregular wear. A simple penny test – with Lincoln’s head fully visible indicating worn tread – along with rotations every 6,000 miles and verification of the tyre’s age via its DOT sidewall number, are among the key recommendations. Drivers seeking personalised options can utilise the Treadwell tool for tailored selections.

In partnership with the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, Discount Tire reinforces its year-round educational commitment, offering free tread, pressure and rotation services at both Discount Tire and America’s Tire stores. For those needing replacements, an instant savings promotion of up to USD 80 on select tyres and wheels runs from 30 June to 9 July. Appointments are available for all complimentary checks throughout the year.

Tom Williams, Chief Experience Officer, Discount Tire, said, "With household budgets under increasing pressure from rising costs, maintaining your tires is a practical way to save money while prioritizing safety,". "Whether families are traveling to a local event or embarking on a road trip to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, our technicians are committed to helping them prepare for safe, reliable journeys."

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Tegeta Green Planet attended the closing ceremony and teachers' award presentation for the ‘Education for a Green Future’ project, hosted by the Environmental Information and Education Center under Georgia's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture as part of World Environment Day observances. As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the company conferred its own special awards upon three educators during the event.

The project aims to support preschool and primary school teachers who integrate environmental and agricultural educational resources into their teaching, making meaningful contributions to raising ecological awareness among children and young people. Nearly 150 educators participated in this year's competition, presenting diverse, creative and results-oriented environmental education projects.

Tegeta Green Planet has operated since 2022 as one of Georgia's first authorised Extended Producer Responsibility organisations, managing waste streams including used tyres, waste oils and batteries through collection, transportation and recycling in accordance with circular economy principles. The company recognised Ketevan Tskhvariashvili from Kakabeti Public Kindergarten No. 2, Darina Malatsidze from Mikeltskaro Public School and Sopio Gvelesiani from Kutaisi Public School No. 40.

Laptops were awarded to the winning educators as incentives. Supporting initiatives that strengthen environmental education and promote sustainable development values remains a key priority for the company. The long-running ‘Education for a Green Future’ project has consistently integrated environmental topics into schooling, uniting innovative teachers and proving that education serves as a fundamental foundation for environmental progress.

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Birla Carbon is reinforcing its dedication to South America’s evolving tyre and rubber sectors by merging worldwide innovation with localised production, technical proficiency and customer service. With a well-established history in Brazil and extensive experience across the continent, the company is strategically positioned to assist manufacturers in navigating present market challenges while simultaneously planning for future industry demands.

This fusion of regional insight and global research capabilities will be prominently featured at Expobor 2026. The event is scheduled from 23 to 25 June at São Paulo’s Expo Center Norte, where the corporation will occupy Booth 19004, offering attendees a direct look at its latest advancements.

As a dominant force in global carbon black production, Birla Carbon serves diverse sectors that depend on this critical material, ranging from tyres and rubber goods to specialty applications. Leveraging its regional production sites, a vast international research network and a comprehensive product lineup – which includes BC grades, Raven and Conductex blacks, Continua SCM and Nanocyl nanotubes – the firm ensures products are customised for local needs without compromising the consistency and excellence expected worldwide.

With rising customer emphasis on performance, dependable supply chains and ecological responsibility, Birla Carbon is advancing solutions like Continua SCM to facilitate the shift towards circular economies. This sustainable material can partially replace traditional carbon black in numerous industrial uses, aiding clients in meeting their environmental targets. By combining local roots with global reach and a strong sustainability ethos, the company remains a pillar for the long-term resilience and competitiveness of South America’s rubber industries, and its team at Expobor will be available to discuss these innovations further.

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AZuR participated as a cooperation partner for the tyre material flow at the conference ‘NRW can do DPP!’ held on 16 June 2026 at the Bottrop campus of Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences. Approximately 150 participants from industry, academia, associations and politics convened to exchange knowledge and discuss implementation strategies for the Digital Product Passport.

The strategic significance of the Digital Product Passport for North Rhine-Westphalia was underscored by Susanne Hagenkort-Rieger from the state's Ministry of Economic Affairs. She articulated that the circular economy has become a pivotal competitive factor for regional value creation and resource sovereignty, with digitalisation serving as the essential catalyst for unlocking efficiency potential.

European Commission Policy Officer Franziska Zibold detailed the DPP's role within the broader EU sustainability strategy and forthcoming regulatory obligations via live video. Thomas L Rödding of the CEN-CENELEC standardisation committee subsequently emphasised that standardised data structures and interoperable systems are fundamental to successful implementation.

Yorick Lowin of the German Federal Association of Tire Dealers presented the DPP's application in the tyre circular economy. Tyres were identified as an ideal use case due to their material complexity and diverse recycling streams. The digital passport can optimise used tyre sorting, streamline retreadable casing selection and support recycling by making manufacturer and production data accessible.

Lowin also raised concerns regarding data sovereignty and integration challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises, calling for neutral platforms accessible to all market players. For AZuR, the conference reaffirmed the DPP's importance for prolonging tyre lifecycles, enhancing recycling transparency and driving resource efficiency and climate protection across Europe.

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