As petrol prices in the UK go higher tomorrow a little help to the beleaguered motorist is offered by Michelin. For the period 1 September to 30th November, certain participating dealers will be offering free fuel vouchers with Michelin tyres. Always a large part of the cost of running a car, fuel is starting to edge-up in price again so Michelin is offering £40 fuel vouchers to buyers buying a set of tyres for car,van or 4X4.
The offer is available through various tyre retailers. For information on participating dealers please see: www.michelin.co.uk

As the world leader in the development of low rolling resistance tyres, this offer will make Michelin tyres even more attractive. Whether you need the low rolling resistance of the Energy Saver or Primacy HP car tyres, the damage resistance and durability of the Agilis van tyre or the comfort of the Latitude Tour HP 4×4 tyre, one thing you can be sure of is that you will be getting some of the longest lasting and greenest tyres on the market.

Note also that the vouchers are redeemable in any Sainsbury’s store, the vouchers can be used to purchase fuel or even the weekly grocery shop.

In the Republic of Ireland the promotion runs from 1 to 30 September and the €40 vouchers are redeemable in Maxol service stations.

Here at cartravelcare.com we have been banging-on about the significant benefits to you of fitting energy saving tyres to your car. The following is well worth a look.

Michelin has prepared a report on savings generated by its most recent car and truck tyre ranges since their launch in 2008.

Michelin says tyres consume one tank of fuel out of five for cars and one out of three for trucks. The company says its goal is to design tyres that help to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining the same high performance in the areas of safety and tread life.

The company claims that overall fuel consumption has been reduced by more than 66.7 million litres and CO2 emissions by more than 134,000 tonnes thanks to its latest car and truck tyres, which have been on the market for just a year and a half.

The most recent car tyre developed using this technology is the Michelin Energy Saver, of which 23 million units have been sold since its European launch in early 2008.

These tyres have reduced overall fuel consumption by 65.6 million litres, the equivalent of 1.3 million full tanks of fuel (based on reductions in fuel consumption of 0.2 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 4 grams per km). As a result, they have helped to reduce CO2 emissions by 131,000 tonnes, equal to the amount that would have been produced by 73,000 cars in one year.

Car manufacturers recognised the performance of the Michelin Energy Saver in three areas – fuel savings, safety and longevity. As a result, the tyre has been homologated for use on more than 100 vehicles produced by leading car manufacturers in just over one and a half years on the market. Tyres are generally only certified for use on 20 to 40 vehicles over that period of time.

In May 2008, the Michelin truck division brought out the new Michelin X Energy SaverGreen in a single size – 315/70 R 22.5. Since then, the tyre has reduced overall fuel consumption by 1.1 million litres and CO2 emissions by 3,000 tonnes. The tyre alone can help reduce fuel consumption by 500 litres a year per truck. In addition to fuel savings, the Michelin X Energy SaverGreen was also designed to deliver superior performance in two other areas, exceptional longevity and increased safety.

Since 1992, Michelin has developed four generations of fuel-efficient tyres for cars and three for trucks. They have reduced fuel consumption by more than 11 billion litres and CO2 emissions by more than 28 million tonnes worldwide.

The Green Car Guide (www.green-car-guide.com)

Michelin Foot Pumps Put the Wind up the Opposition

Two foot pumps from the Michelin motoring accessories range were compared with 10 competitors’ products in tests carried out by Auto Express’ technical experts. The accuracy of the pressure gauges and their pumping power were at the heart of the tests, with points given for stability in use, build quality, hose length and ease of tyre-valve connection.

Michelin foot pumps have taken an impressive one-two in comparison tests run by Britain’s biggest selling motoring weekly, Auto Express. The Michelin Single Barrel pump was awarded the ‘Best Buy’ 5-star rating for performance and accuracy whilst the Michelin Twin Barrel foot pump took the runner-up ‘Recommended’ award and a 4-star rating.

Auto Express highlighted the superb performance of both Michelin pumps. The Single Barrel foot pump offered great accuracy, a grippy rubber foot pad, a box for storing adaptors and impressive stability; and it was this attention to detail that gave it the 5-star ‘Best Buy’ award.

The Twin Barrel pump’s large, clear gauge, long hose and smooth action were mentioned and the gauge was the most accurate in the test. These qualities plus a decent price clinched the runner-up ‘Recommended’ award and 4-stars.

Auto Express pointed out that regular use of an accurate foot pump is the most cost-effective way of keeping your tyres correctly inflated which in-turn will maximise fuel economy and keep tread wear to a minimum.

RRP: Single Barrel – £19.49 and Twin Barrel – £25.49

Both foot pumps are available from Halfords, and for more information CLICK BELOW :

Apparently,surveys carried out by jamjar cars reveal that 87% out of 789 drivers interviewed said they forgot to carry out the basic but vital safety check to ensure their tyres were in good condition and all were correctly inflated. In this way drivers were putting their lives in danger (and possibly those of others on the road if you have a crash -ed).

So what should we do to make sure we get into the mindset of checking our tyres weekly by completing a five-minute task?

Haynes Publishing, the world leading publisher of automotive repair manuals,is renowned for teaching millions of car owners how to carry out routine maintenance and repairs. each manual lists the correct tyre pressures (they vary according to the particular model and the number of passengers and the amount of luggage being carried) and explains how to check them - the five-minute check that should be done weekly.

Remember incorrect tyre pressure may result in less grip on the road, increase fuel consumption, and make a puncture more likely. Your tyres will wear out quicker,too.

Pressures are best checked when tyres are cold, so doing this at home rather than on the petrol station forecourt is the better option. A good quality pressure gauge need not be expensive. And check the spare tyre. You can correct all pressure levels at home once a week with a foot pump or compressor (with built in pressure gauge).

For your weekly check,more helpful advice from Haynes is given below:

• First check the required pressures in your car’s handbook or your Haynes manual, making sure the figures are right for your car and the loading conditions.
• Use a piece of rag to wipe any dirt from around the tyre valve on each wheel. Unscrew and remove the dust cap on each valve. If the cap is missing replace it. This will prevent dirt entering the tyre valve.
• Push the head of the tyre pressure gauge firmly onto the valve so that no air can be heard escaping. Remove the gauge to check the reading. If it is too low and you have a foot pump or compressor, push the nozzle onto the valve and secure it with the locking lever. If your pump has a built-in gauge, you don’t have to use a separate one.
• Inflate the tyre, the unlock and remove the nozzle. Use your pressure gauge again.If the pressure is now too high , you need to gently release pressure by depressing the pin in the centre of the valve. Your tyre pressure gauge may have a conical end for doing this. Alternatively, you can carefully use a small scew driver or key.
• This done,don’t forget to replace the dust cap on each wheel valve.

If one tyre is found to have a pressure much lower than it should,or needs pumping-up regularly, it may have a slow puncture or a leaky valve. Get this checked before it becomes serious.

While you are about it ,look at each tyre and wheel to check for damage. Check the the tread depth with an indicator gauge. The UK legal limit of 1.6mm is an absolute minimum and ideally you should replace any tyre with less than 3mm of tread.

Drive safely. Haynes Car Manuals retail at £19.99 (hardback) and are available from all good car accessory retailers and bookshops including Halfords and WH Smith. A comprehensive stockist locator can be found at www.haynes.co.uk

Research conducted by a leading tyre manufacturer and TyreSafe,the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of defective and worn tyres, reveals that almost 80 per cent of cars on UK roads are running on incorrect tyre pressures.

TyreSafe has added to its site a set of tyre safety lessons which uses a digitally animated format to provide advice on tyre wear and pressure,and tyre maintenance. The online guide explains how to measure tyre pressure and tread depth,and provides information,also, on tools and cost implications. This is the why tyre pressure is important,the how to check it properly,and the where and when tyre pressure should be adjusted.

For the new online guide click here for www.tyresafe.org

We bang on about the important safety issue of ensuring your tyres are kept up to recommended manufacturers’ pressures. There is the benefit, too, of running your car more efficiently thus saving you money on fuel.So how to do this properly. What if I am caught out on the road with low pressure? Michelin’s 12260 digital tyre inflator will answer your call.

The 12260 model can inflate a tyre in 4 minutes, and it can be powered by plugging into your car cigarette lighter socket. The product comes with a recommendation from the people at Auto Express,the leading weekly car magazine. For full details and specifications of this and other Michelin products click here for Michelin products atThe Ultimate Finish

When it come to high performance motoring that maximises the use of fuel and therefore significantly helps to reduce CO2 emissions,Michelin can show a long time collaboration with Peugeot to combine innovative and performance enhancing developments engineering,designing and tyre technology. The result is that Peugeot have shod its latest 308 with the new Michelin Energy Saver tyres.

According to Michelin, its technological solution generates fuel savings of nearly 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined cycle driving, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions of nearly 4 grams per kilometre. This represents around a one tonne reduction of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere over the entire life of the vehicle. By comparison, that same amount would take 40 trees, one year to absorb.The tyre manufacturer’s technological solution generates fuel savings of nearly 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined cycle driving, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions of nearly 4 grams per kilometre. This represents around a one tonne reduction of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere over the entire life of the vehicle. By comparison, that same amount would take 40 trees, one year to absorb.Michelin

The Peugeot 308 HDi 110 (at top) has a published fuel economy of 60.1mpg (combined), CO2 emissions of 129g/km and Peugeot’s latest Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS) technology. Its Michelin all-new Energy Saver tyre,originally exclusive to Peugeot reduces tyre rolling resistance by 20% and correspondingly improves overall fuel economy and environmental efficiency. It is worth repeating that CO2 output can be reduced by up to 4g/km with these tyres, reaching a total reduction of potentially 1 tonne throughout the vehicle’s life. Michelin have now put these tyres into the replacement market and are available for a wide range of vehicles. Michelin claim lower fuel consumption,more safety, and outstanding longevity for their tyres. Details on these at Michelin

 

TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation has cracked the tyre sidewall code.

The many and often unnoticed words and symbols on the sidewall of a modern tyre are a mystery to most of us TyreSafe reveals. It also reveals the meaning of a wealth of vital details for the health and safety of the motorist. Knowledge of the tyre sidewall code will help detection of tell tale signs of wear and weakness in your tyres, and help ensure the correct specification is used when replacing tyres (more and more often now purchased over the internet),such is the wide variety of tyre product available in an array of sizes and for different road conditions and applications.

When you consider there is little between your vehicle and the road surface save four narrow strips of rubber, it must pay to be more attentive to the ongoing condition of these supportive components.

Using the numbering shown in the tyre illustration above, the words and symbols on the side wall are explained, as follows:

1. Brand or trade name of the tyre - i.e. Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli etc.
2. Tyre model or pattern code. For example Sport, Pilot, Eagle etc
3. Tyre size - The width of the tread expressed in millimetres, which in this illustration is 205; the aspect ratio – height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the width, in this case it is 55% of 205mm; and the diameter of the tyre’s centre hole, expressed in inches. In this illustration, it is 16”. The letter between the numbers is the type of construction i.e. ‘R’ Radial. So this tyre is a 205/55 R 16
4. Service description - in this example the figure 91 denotes the maximum weight capacity of the tyre according to the official load index table, which translates to 615 Kg, The letter V indicates the speed rating of the tyre, in this case the tyre suitable for cars capable of reaching a maximum vehicle speed of 149.1 mph.
5. ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) Regulation 30 Conformity Approval Number – which means that the tyre meets the standards of the European Regulatory Authorities.
6. EEC Noise Approval Number, which means that the noise generated by the tyre is within approved European limits.
7. USA Department of Transport manufacturer’s code. This has no relevance to the UK market
8. Date of manufacture. This is important as the age of a tyre can affect its performance. The first 2 numbers refer to the month and the 3rd and 4th numbers refer to the year
9. USA UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grade) ratings. This has no significance in the UK.
10. USA maximum tyre loading. This has no significance in the UK
11. USA maximum tyre inflation pressure. This has no significance in the UK
12. Denotes tubeless construction
13. Safety warning refers to the dangers of under-inflation/overloading and the mounting of tyres together with the risk of severe over - inflation. This is particularly important as TyreSafe research shows that up to three quarters of cars on UK roads have incorrectly inflated tyres
14. Direction of rotation which relates to directional tyres only. These tyres are designed to rotate in one direction only which is indicated on the sidewall by an arrow.
15. Outer/inner sidewall refers to the mounting of asymmetric tyres only. These tyres have different tread patterns on their inner and outer sides, offering improved performance, and must be fitted correctly.
16. Extra load version where applicable
17. TWI indicates the location of the tread wear indicators, which are raised areas at the base of the tread to serve as a visual warning that the tyre is approaching or at the minimum legal tread depth

A recent TyreSafe survey showed that a high percentage of British motorists had no knowledge of the above.

TyreSafe supports the government’s ACT ON CO2 campaign (as we do)which promotes Smarter Driving Tips to help you cut CO2 vehicle emissions. To download the leaflet Car Tyres and Your Safety,and for more information on tyre safety, go to www.tyresafe.org

The moral of this piece is: “look after your tyres and your tyres will look after you”