Practical Classics magazine have just discovered the joy of ordering tyres from etyres.

Their writer Matt Jones found out for himself how much cheaper we were than the high street tyres depots – and how much more convenient our mobile tyre fitting service is.

Here’s what Matt had to say on the magazine’s popular blog page: “Most stuff I’ve bought off the internet is a load of old rubbish. But this time I was pleasantly surprised.

“So far this year, I’ve bought three things from the internet. One of them was DVD. I paid for it three weeks ago and yesterday it arrived with a broken case and it wouldn’t work on my computer.

“The second item was a pair of boxer shorts with hearts on that I found on eBay. Admittedly, I‘d recently returned from a refreshing evening at The Flask, Highgate, but when they arrived they were for a toy, not a human.

“The final thing was a set of Dunlop Fast Response tyres for my Eunos Roadster. I asked the internet for cheap tyres and it pointed me to etyres.co.uk (0800 0289000). I scanned around the website and checked the prices – about £20 cheaper apiece than the local Kwik-Fit/ATS. But the company also claimed it would deliver and fit them for no extra charge.

“Despite my recent online misfortune, I gave them some money and guess what? The service wasn’t rubbish. The tyres didn’t come with holes in. And they weren’t designed for a toy. In fact, the whole buying experience was bloody good. Ben, the fitter chap, drove over within 24 hours of the order, he replaced everything in about half an hour while I watched TV in my living room. Then he and went on his way. No oily school chairs, no nasty little man telling me my brakes need replacing, and I saved about £80.

“I know this all sounds terribly sycophantic, but I was genuinely impressed by their service. And after questioning Ben for a bit, I found out that it offers a mobile fitting-only service, too. So if you’ve reached the end of a project and need to slap on those new crossplys sitting in the corner of your workshop, you don’t have to chuck four oily, dusty wheels into the daily and parade around your hometown’s industrial estates. They’ll come to you.

“Anyway, enough ranting. I’m off to eBay to look for some more pants.”

Denna Bowman, Head Office

By Denna Bowman

China’s commerce ministry will urge US President Barack Obama not to impose duties on Chinese tyres because it could send a worrying signal about trade protectionism.

The US International Trade Commission recommended last week that duties of up to 55 percent should be placed on Chinese tyres coming into the country because they are disrupting the American markets.

However, China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on its website that the recommendation “is not reasonable and lacks objective evidence, which would not only seriously hinder the normal China-U.S. tyre trade but also hurt the interests of U.S. tyre consumers.”

An official with the fair trade bureau in the Chinese ministry said in the statement that Beijing was very concerned by the case and would firmly stand against any punitive measures imposed on Chinese tyre products.

The official added that China would urge Washington not to take any safeguard measures and not to “send wrong signals of trade protectionism”.

Four members of the six-member U.S. trade commission recommended that Obama impose additional duties of 55 percent in the first year, 45 percent in the second year, and 35 percent in the third year on imports of passenger vehicle and light truck tyres from China.

The trade commission will formally submit its recommendations to Obama in a report next month. He will then have until September to decide what, if any, action to take.

With the cost of motoring on the rise everyone is looking for ways to cut the expense of hitting the roads.

To start with pumping up your tyres to the correct level can bring your fuel bill down by up to 2 per cent, according to the Guardian newspaper.

Around 50 per cent of tyres on the road are under-inflated research shows, yet it only takes a few minutes to check the pressure level once a week.

And an added bonus of having properly inflated tyres is that they reduced carbon emissions, which means you’re on your way to helping the environment.

Another top tip for cutting down on fuel bills include cooling your passion for air conditioning, which uses up to 25 per cent more fuel, according to the National Energy Foundation.

Other fuel-saving economies are maintaining your engine and having clean air filters; drive smoothly and consistently using higher gears; get rid of unnecessary baggage (roof racks, golf clubs, etc) and stick to the speed limit (driving at 85mpg uses approximately 25 per cent more fuel than at 70mph.

Oliver Hall, Operations Team

By Alex Kapadia

One in three motorists are gearing up to drive in Europe this year, but many don’t have a clue what to do if it all goes wrong, according to an RAC survey.

Therefore it’s vital that drivers complete basic car maintenance checks, especially to their tyres, to reduce the risk of accidents.

Tyres are a key factor when it comes to safe and legal motoring and also reducing fuel consumption, because fuel is more expensive in four of the five most popular European driving destinations than in the UK.

According to the RAC survey, 35% of motorists have no idea what to do if they are involved in an accident and only a third know the correct number for the emergency services in Europe.

The research also revealed that nearly on in ten drivers have been involved in an accident whilst driving in Europe and 12% have broken down.

A common misconception is that fuel is cheaper in Europe. Almost half of motorists – 48% - mistakenly believe that petrol is cheaper on the continent but in four of the five most popular European driving destinations - France, Germany, Italy and Belgium.

In fact, unleaded petrol is up to 23 cents more expensive per litre. This could potentially affect motorists’ fuel budgets by up to €58 (approx £50) based an average family car doing a 2,000 mile round trip.

Diesel is however cheaper per litre in all five destinations, particularly Spain where it costs approximately 25% less than in the UK, saving motorists up to €60 (approx £51) on the average trip.

David Hawes, RAC patrol manager, says: “There are benefits to driving abroad, ranging from lower diesel prices to more freedom to visit places outside of tourist centres, but as our research shows, foreign roads can be a dangerous place, so it’s always best to be prepared. It’s also crucial to swot up on European driving laws before you go to avoid any pitfalls.”

Staff at Goodyear Dunlop tyres have got started on their mission to raise £30,000 for the company’s chosen charity.

The UK employees from the Midlands tyres manufacturer have chosen the Teenage Cancer Trust to benefit from their fund raising activities.

The first sponsored event saw a team of 12 associates from across the company abseiling down the 120ft side of Fort Dunlop in Birmingham.

The daring dozen got to grips with the challenge to show their support for the tyres firm’s new corporate charity.

The fund raising team included company directors Darren Hayes-Powell, Nigel Sowerby and group managing director Mark Brickhill.

Mr Brickhill said: “Having raised in excess of £5,000 in sponsorship from the event, I would like to thank all of those involved for conquering their fears and kick starting this fierce fundraising campaign.

“Teenage Cancer Trust is a fantastic charity, and we are thrilled to be supporting the development of a unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital that will be the first in the county for 13 to 16-year-olds.

“We have been so touched by the work that the charity does and I’m certain that all of our associates will get firmly behind the fundraising to help to make a difference to the lives of the young people who face this terrible illness.”

Denna Bowman, Head Office

By Denna Bowman

Pressure is mounting on the Obama administration not to act on a trade ruling to impose tariffs on tyres imported from China.

The Consuming Industries Trade Action Coalition warns that the tyres ruling could have a potentially devastating impact on US automakers who are already facing the worst economic situation in the industry’s history.

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) recommended that extra duties be imposed on cheap tyres imported from China, starting with 55 per cent for the first year, 45 per cent for the second and 35 per cent for the third year.

The ruling is in response to a petition raised by the United Steelworkers union, which claims that the surge in imports is having a damaging effect on the domestic tyre manufacturing industry.

Lewis Leibowitz, a lawyer acting on behalf of the CITAC, said that in deciding whether to follow the ITC’s recommendation, President Obama needs to consider the potentially devastating impact of punitive tariffs on recession-hit automakers.

Eugene Patrone, executive director of CITAC, added that not only will imposing penalties drive more auto-related manufacturing jobs out of the USA and threaten to undo much of the administration’s hard work to revive the auto industry, it will also invite a wave of similar petitions to be filed in the future.

President Obama has until 17th September to determine what action to take on the issue.

A Peugeot 308 SR HD1 110 has just entered the Guinness Book of Records for travelling 3,700 on just 29.1 gallons – that’s 132 litres – of diesel!

Most models are equipped with Michelin Energy Saver tyres, which contribute to high fuel economy anyway.

But it would have taken more than just a set of eco-friendly tyres to achieve the 126.8 MPG which was authenticated by Guinness World Records.

The Peugeot, from the Loders dealership in Yeovil, was being driven by a couple known as the “fuel fugitives” who embarked on a similar quest last year.

Then the couple were driving a 308 HDi around Australia and managed to achieve an average of 90.75 MPG over 9,620 miles.

But here in the UK they broke the record, needing just over two tanks of diesel costing approximately £136.24 to travel 3,700 miles – which works out at an incredible 3.6p per mile.

Keiron Isaacs, dealer principal at Loders, said: “We would like to congratulate the fuel fugitives on this fantastic achievement, it just goes to show the fantastic economy Peugeot customers get with our low CO2 vehicles and the potential savings that can be achieved.”

Katherine Clarkson, National Accounts

By Denna Bowman

A trade ruling calling for extra duties to be placed on tyres imported to the US from China will hurt small businesses and consumers, according to a coalition against the restrictions.

The American Coalition for Free Trade in Tyres, which represents six tyre importers and marketers was dismayed by the decision taken by the US International Trace Commission (ITC) earlier this week to call for duties on Chinese tyres.

The ITC voted 4-2 in favour of charging additional tariffs on passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyres in response to a petition from the United Steelworkers union which claims that the imports from China are damaging the domestic industry.

However, Marguerite Trossevin, a lawyer representing the coalition, said: “…imposing these draconian restrictions on tyre imports is far more likely to cause a disruption in the market than to provide any remedy to the US industry.

“This is the type of misguided protectionism that President Obama has fought against in other contexts and we hope he will do so again this time.”

Denis King, vice president of Dunlap and Kyle Co, added: “The duties proposed by the commission are so high that it will drive up prices to the point that U.S. consumers won’t have access to affordable tyre.

“Eventually, we will have to find other sources for inexpensive tires, but it won’t be here in the United States because they don’t make them.”

While Larry Lavigne, vice president of operations and general counsel for Foreign Tyre Sales in Union, NJ, said: “This is a very disappointing outcome, it’s a net loss for the United States.

“This would hurt so many small businesses across the country without producing any benefit. Small businesses are simply getting squeezed out by a politically powerful labour union that is jockeying for position in ongoing contract negotiations with the US producers.”

President Obama has until 17th September to determine what action to take on the issue.

It seems that everything from fabric softner to olive oil is “infused” with something or other these days – and now even black rubber tyres are being given the same treatment!

Yokohama, the Japanese tyres manufacturer, is calling the dB Super E-spec “the world’s first orange oil-infused passenger tyre” and reveals that it is composed of 80% non-petroleum-based materials.

The newly launched tyre contains a mix of “sustainable orange oil and natural rubber to drastically cut the use of petroleum without compromising performance”, according to Dan King, vice president of sales for Yokohama.

He added: “It also helps consumers save money at the gas pump by improving fuel efficiency via a 20% reduction in rolling resistance and an Advanced Inner Liner that minimizes tyre weight and reduces air loss to help the tyre stay properly inflated.”

Mark Chung, director of corporate strategy and planning for Yokohama, added: “The idea of combining oil from orange peels with natural rubber was originally conceived by our racing engineers.

“The same orange oil technology… can be seen today with our Advan ENV-R1 TM racing tyre on Porsche GT3 Cup cars.”

The dB Super E-spec also contains a new compound, Yokohama’s proprietary Super Nano-Power Rubber, which is designed to deliver lower rolling resistance.

The tyre will initially be available in four sizes: 185/65R15 88H, 195/65R15 91H, 195/55R16 86V, and 215/60R16 95V, all of which fit the Toyota Prius, Honda Accord Hybrid and other vehicles.

Oliver Hall, Operations Team

By Denna Bowman

With increased traffic expected on the roads this summer as more families opt to holiday in the UK, motorists are being urged to check their tyres.

Tyresafe is encouraging vehicle owners to monitor the pressure, tread depth and general condition of their tyres before they set off on long journeys.

Driving on correctly inflated tyres with with sufficient tread depth is fundamental to both driver and passenger safety, according to the tyres safety organisation.

Motorists can significantly reduce the risk of causing an accident or having to change a tyre mid-route by factoring in time to check their tyres and act on any problems well in advance of their departure date.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said: “By making tyre safety a priority when planning a driving holiday, motorists can help to ensure that they experience a safer, trouble-free journey.

“TyreSafe is advising families to make sure their tyres are inflated to the correct level, as indicated in the manufacturer’s handbook, and to remember that when the car is fully laden with passengers and luggage, it may be necessary to increase the pressure to the recommended level for the vehicle when fully loaded.

“It is also important to check that a tyre’s tread depth is at least 1.6mm, the UK’s legal minimum, as driving on tyres with illegal tread has a substantial effect on stopping distances in the wet.”

Driving on under-inflated tyres causes motorists a number of difficulties, including premature tyre wear, erratic handling and reduced fuel economy. More significantly, the extra heat build-up inside the tyre when under-inflated can lead to a blow-out, potentially causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Tread depth is essential to safe braking in the wet. As tyre tread wears down, it gradually loses the ability to evacuate water from the road surface, increasing the risk of aquaplaning. Drivers can incur fines of £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.

“Checking the general condition of tyres is also vital to safe driving,” continues Jackson. “Taking a few minutes to remove any stones or foreign objects from the tread and check that there are no cuts or bulges in the tyre sidewall could prevent roadside misery at a later stage.”