The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) has released a new Probe Research survey showing that high gasoline prices are dramatically altering Canadian driving habits this summer. Two-thirds of motorists say fuel costs will force them to cancel or shorten road trips, yet 81 percent still plan at least one day trip or overnight stay. Seventy percent of respondents believe expensive fuel is the new normal rather than a temporary fluctuation.

Travel patterns are turning inward, with more Canadians opting to remain close to home. More than two-thirds have no plans for a United States road trip in 2026, while over half had already scrapped cross-border travel last year. Only one in ten drivers expects to head south of the border by car this year, marking a sharp retreat from international driving.

A significant disconnect exists between Canadian drivers’ tyre maintenance knowledge and their daily habits. Most understand that proper inflation boosts fuel efficiency, extends tyre life, prevents blowouts and improves handling. However, regular pressure checks remain uncommon. While 93 percent agree proper inflation is vital for safety and 85 percent know it saves fuel, only 35 percent of those with digital pressure displays check their tyres routinely. Among drivers without such displays, a mere 16 percent follow the monthly check recommendation.

Technical misunderstandings are widespread. Two-thirds of drivers do not know that pressure must be measured when tyres are cold. Nearly three in ten mistakenly use the sidewall stamp, which lists maximum load pressure rather than the recommended level, leading to uneven wear and reduced traction. Eleven percent rely on visual inspections or admit ignorance about proper inflation, even though a tyre can be underinflated by 20 percent or more and appear normal.

Using Statistics Canada data showing 43.8 billion litres of gasoline purchased in 2024, TRAC calculated substantial potential savings. United States Department of Energy studies indicate proper inflation improves fuel economy by 0.6 percent on average. Applied nationally, that would save 262.8 million litres of fuel annually, preventing over 600,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions. At April 2026 fuel prices of 1.69 dollars per litre, those savings translate to approximately 444 million dollars. Tyre manufacturers are also developing low rolling resistance tyres with specialised tread patterns and lighter materials, which can improve fuel economy by two to four percent, saving hundreds of dollars over a tyre’s lifespan.

The online survey of 1,000 Canadian drivers was conducted between 6 and 14 April 2026, using a national panel. A probability sample of this size would yield a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Carol Hochu, President and CEO, Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, said, “With gas prices continuing to impact travel plans, many Canadians are looking for practical ways to save at the pump. Proper tyre inflation is one of the simplest ways to improve fuel economy and vehicle safety. Regular tyre pressure checks, reducing idling, maintaining a steady speed, accelerating gently and coasting to decelerate all contribute to better fuel economy and meaningful savings at the pump.

“The good news is that the majority of vehicles on the roads today provide drivers with real-time tyre pressure information, giving those drivers the opportunity to maintain their tyre pressure more consistently. Drivers without this technology tend to be less consistent in checking tyre pressure, which leads to reduced fuel economy, shorter tyre life and ultimately higher operating costs. As tyre pressure monitoring systems become universal, drivers will be better equipped to maintain proper tyre pressure and improve fuel efficiency, safety and tyre life.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kuraray America, Inc. marked National STEM Day on 8 November by spotlighting a community educational event that brought together 15 of its volunteers and students from the Houston Japanese Supplementary School at San Jacinto College for a day of hands-on exploration and discovery.

Participants engaged in activities illustrating how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) converge in chemical manufacturing. Experiments with superabsorbent polymer beads explored chemistry and material properties, while a tour of the college’s facilities introduced industrial equipment. Students also learned about water filtration and distillation processes and how mathematical concepts underpin scientific and engineering applications.

One student showed particular interest in the distillation tower, linking the experience to the Kuraray Group’s contributions to everyday life and its mission of achieving for people and the planet what no one else can. The event also benefited KAI volunteers, who shared technical knowledge, exchanged perspectives and learned alongside potential future scientists and engineers.

Kuraray America thanked Reiko Fuwa and Tomohiro Tani for coordinating the visit, Hans Vandommele for sharing his expertise and all 15 KAI volunteers. The company also expressed appreciation to San Jacinto College for facility access and to the Houston Japanese Supplementary School students for their curiosity, enthusiasm and thoughtful questions.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Liberty Tire Recycling attended the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held from 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The automotive aftermarket event, one of the industry's largest, drew over 160,000 attendees from the automotive, tyre and transportation sectors to review new products, technologies and business opportunities.

The Lakin Tire brand, a consistent SEMA exhibitor, once again used the show to reinforce industry relationships and present Liberty's tyre collection, recycling and sustainable resource management capabilities. Personnel from Grade/Used Tires, Commercial Truck Tires, Metals, Recycling and Collection, together with corporate and regional leadership, met customers, suppliers and industry professionals from around the world.

The booth received existing and prospective customers from numerous tyre and automotive segments during the week. Costco Wholesale Corporate Office, United Tires and UTU Wholesale were among the organisations that stopped by to examine Liberty Tire's products, services and nationwide reach. The company viewed the event as an effective forum for monitoring emerging market trends and demonstrating its position in recycling and sustainability, alongside its focus on innovation, workforce development and circular economy principles.

A memorable moment came when a high school shop teacher and students, attending through a special educator programme, toured the booth to learn about tyre recycling and industry operations. Liberty team members provided industry insights, outlined career pathways and acknowledged educators' contribution to developing future skilled trades professionals, supplying tyre inflation gauges for classroom use.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Laufenn, Hankook's associate brand, earned a ‘Good’ ratingwith an overall score of 2.2 for its G Fit 4S in the Auto Bild Allrad all-season SUV tyre test published on 8 October 2026 (issue 41). The tyre competed credibly against 11 rivals from established premium marques, finishing competitively in a 12-strong field.

Wet handling proved a particular strength, with the G Fit 4S collecting the second-highest rating shared with other models. Aquaplaning resistance also impressed, as the tyre held its line until stability began to fade at roughly 100 kmph (62 mph). In snow, it recorded the third-shortest braking distance, matching two other contenders.

Testing spanned snow, wet and dry disciplines, each weighted equally in the final ranking, with a third-generation MINI Countryman serving as the test vehicle. Snow assessments were carried out in New Zealand, while European venues hosted the wet and dry evaluations. The jury's conclusion underscored Laufenn's value-focused positioning, finding the G Fit 4S a solid option for cost-conscious buyers.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tyres Europe has underscored that tyres qualify as fully recyclable under ISO 22628:2002 and UN Regulation No. 133, describing the established methodology as a robust foundation for assessing tyre recyclability. The organisation recently set out its position on the matter.

The distinction between recyclability and actual recycling rates is central to the group's argument. Recyclability refers to the technical potential of a product and its materials to be recycled, while the real rate hinges on treatment capacity and demand for secondary raw materials. Regulatory frameworks should therefore separate the two concepts clearly and align with an internationally recognised standard.

Tyres consist of rubber compounds, chemical additives and reinforcing textile and steel cords, and at end of life they are separated into rubber, textile and steel fractions, all of which existing mechanical or chemical routes can recycle. Mechanical processing yields rubber granules and powders usable as secondary raw materials across many applications, recovered textiles can be further processed and valorised, and cleaned recovered steel can re-enter metal recycling and steelmaking.

Tyres Europe pledged continued cooperation with policymakers and value-chain partners to strengthen circularity and maximise recovery of valuable tyre materials in Europe, with the full paper available on its website.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!