Since the coronavirus pandemic struck us in 2020, we have been adjusting ourselves to the new normal. No concerts, no sporting events, no festivals, no large gatherings, no fun! Well, not exactly. With the lifting of the lockdown, the roads are already loaded up with vehicles and people are trying to escape the chaos to find peace and solitude in nature. A long bike ride is a perfect escape from the bustling city streets and hectic schedules of everyday life.

Tyres are a vital part of the journey and ensuring that they are in top condition before hitting the road for a long road trip is a must. A good set of tyres also mean that the rubber is in good condition which helps with the ride quality of the vehicle.

Before you leave home, Maxxis Tyres recommends these simple steps to protect your vehicle and prepare for a delightful road trip experience: -

• Checking Tyre Air-Pressure: It is imperative to always check the tyre air inflation pressure of your vehicle in advance, as correct air pressure plays a key role in balanced braking, maximum grip and maximum tyre life. The part of the tyre in contact with the road is called the 'footprint'. Incorrect tyre pressures will cause a lack of traction, rapid wear and shorter tyre life. Ensure your tyres are filled with recommended air pressure as per your requirements – load- Solo/Dual Riding. Recommended air pressure can be checked by going through the ‘Vehicle Owner Manual’ or ‘Tyre Information’ sticker placed over the vehicle (fuel Tank/chain Set). Always make sure to use valve caps as it protects the valves not only from dirt and dust but also prevents air leakage.
• Checking for adequate Tread Depth: Proper tread depth helps to prevent tyres from aquaplaning/skidding and makes riding safer especially during wet weather conditions. Therefore, it is always advised to check the tyre tread depths of your vehicle. All we need to do is compare the tyre tread’s depth with ‘TWI: Tread Wear Indicator – Bars’ found in-between the tread grooves. If the tread depth has or nearly reached the TWI – raised bar height, then the tyre needs to be replaced and it will not be safe to ride, especially for longer routes where we require more traction due to high speed.
• Continuous Inspection of Tyre's Age: You can always check your vehicle’s tyres' age by simply searching for the four-digit -manufacturing code found on their sidewall. The first two number tells us the manufacturing week and last two numbers tell us the manufacturing year. Tyres are recommended to be replaced if they are more than 10 years old, no matter how much tread depth is left.
• Find and fix slow air-leakages: If you find your vehicle’s tyre deflating after every second day or every week, it may be due to slow gradual air leakage caused by minute cuts, rim bends, faulty puncture repairs, damaged valve or stem etc. This should be checked and resolved before you start your journey.
• Visual Inspection for cuts/damages: Visually inspect your vehicle’s tyres for any kind of crack or cut or bulge. If you find any, it is advised to show and discuss with a tyre expert of the nearest authorised dealer counter.
• Carry Emergency Tools: For emergencies, you should always carry a tyre inflator or a plug-in puncture repair kit to deal with issues involving tyre punctures.

As part of a strategic effort to increase its presence in the region's premium original equipment (OE) market, Kumho Tire has confirmed its plans to establish its first tyre production facility in Europe by 2027.

The company has shortlisted Poland, Serbia and Portugal as possible locations for the plant, which is projected to need an investment of more than KRW1 trillion (USD 705 million). The decision is closely linked to Kumho’s ambition to strengthen its partnerships with European automakers and was revealed by Kumho Tire CEO during the South Korean premiere of Kumho's new Ecsta Sport tyre line.

Kumho has recently secured OE supply contracts with major brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen Group. At the moment, Kumho runs eight tyre production plants in China, Vietnam, South Korea and the US. Its capacity to compete in the premium OE market, however, has come to be perceived as being constrained by the absence of a European production base. Through the benefits of local production, the new facility will improve response to European client requests, save freight costs and shorten delivery times, all of which will strengthen the company's partnerships.

Sentury Tire USA has opened pre-enrolment for its two associate dealer programmes (ADPs), the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program and the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program, underscoring the company’s commitment to rewarding dedication and partnership to the Landsail and Delinte brands.

The ADPs, which are customised for each brand and intended to encourage dealers, will formally start on 1 June 2025. Both programmes give dealers access to special benefits, incentives and strong tools to help them expand their businesses. This involves dependable customer service, effective marketing and worthwhile financial incentives to promote dealers' success at every stage.

Beginning in Q3, dealers may earn up to USD three per tyre through the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program. Dealers can receive retroactive benefits for purchases completed in Q2 if they register before 1 June. The awards are available for all Delinte PTR, LTR and the new DV3 LMD AS last-mile delivery tyres. For all Landsail PTR and LTR tyres, independent dealers that sign up for the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program can also earn up to USD three per tyre. For customers who sign up by June 1, the new LMD 100 AS last-mile delivery is also eligible for the benefits and will get the same early bird incentive for Q2 2025.

No initial order is necessary. Dealers only need to register to begin making money. According to the monthly programme rewards structure, 48 tyre purchases each month are eligible for a reward of USD one per tyre, 120 tyres are eligible for a reward of USD two per tyre and 240 or more tyres are eligible for a reward of USD three per tyre.

ENSO, a London-based tyre manufacturer engaged in the production of sustainable tyres specially designed for electric vehicles (EVs), has launched its new ENSO Premium range of EV-specific ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres aimed at drivers of high-performance EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Specifically designed for electric passenger vehicles, the ENSO Premium range comes with A/A EU-label ratings for both energy efficiency and wet grip. The tyres are designed to provide safety, increased range and a reduced total cost of ownership. Conventional tyre designs frequently fall short of the special performance needs of electric vehicles, which include greater vehicle weight, regenerative braking and higher torque loads. By lowering tyre wear and rolling resistance, ENSO Premium takes care of these issues.

The company is an authorised provider of replacement tyres for LEVC's electric taxis and has partnered with Uber to install its tyres in high-mileage metropolitan areas. The company now plans to grow throughout Europe and North America, and with ENSO Premium, it is now offering its services to individual EV owners throughout the United Kingdom. According to ENSO, the range offers advantages including longer tyre life and fewer replacements, lower energy usage, fewer charging stops and lower CO₂ emissions and tyre particle pollution.

Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, CEO and Co-Founder, ENSO, said, “We’re plugging a long-standing gap in the tyre market by offering EV drivers a purpose-built, affordable, premium EV tyre alternative that matches the innovation of their EV.”

Kraton Corporation, a leading global sustainable producer of specialty polymers and high-value bio-based products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has announced a general price hike in North America for its SBS, SIS and HSBC product lines with effect from 1 May 2025.

Following a careful analysis of the effects of recently implemented tariffs, related cost increases and a conclusion that the company cannot independently absorb these repercussions, Kraton is adopting these pricing hikes, according to a company statement. The company further said that it will keep an eye on the scene and reassess these measures promptly in the event that conditions and US import tariffs alter.