The Caravan Times has picked up on the story that Goodyear is working on a new innovation that could means their readers would never have to worry about re-inflating their tyres again.

Caravan and motorhome owners know more than most what a pain tyres-related problems can be - which is why our mobile fitting service is so popular with them, because we can replace their worn or damaged tyres at their home so they don’t have to squeeze their vehicle into a tyre depot.

Now Goodyear’s announcement that it is only a matter of time before work is completed on a tyre that automatically reinflates to the right level when required is will make their lives even easier.

The Air Maintenance Technology system will see a small pump included in each tyre that automatically inflates it to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Keeping the correct tyre pressure on both the towcar and the tourer can help caravan owners to be more fuel-efficient - especially on long journeys.

Such technology should also improve safety, as tyre blowouts are one of the most common causes of caravan accidents.

Denna Bowman, Head Office

With the summer holidays just around the corner, caravan and motorhome owners around the country are getting their vehicles ready to hit the roads again - and this includes giving their tyres a thorough inspection.

Our mobile tyres fitting service is perfect for customers who don’t want the hassle of driving all the way to the local fitting station and squeeze into a tiny place to get their tyres replaced.

But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what Mr M Brant from Stratford upon Avon had to say after calling on the services of our Tamworth team:

“Dear Dave, I am writing to say thank you very much for the excellent service you gave me when you fitted my new caravan tyres last weekend. I was initially concerned about using an on line tyre company for the first time after many years of using local tyre fitting centres. I need not have worried. What I received was a good product, value for money and excellent customer service, all provided at a place and time suitable for me. I was very impressed that the Tyron bands caused you no problems at all, you were careful when jacking up the van and made sure the wheel nuts were torqued up correctly. I will not hesitate to use you again in the future and will certainly be recommending you to my friends. Once again, thanks for all your help.”

Harriet, National Sales Team

Winter is edging closer and many caravan and motorhome owners will be putting their vehicles into hibernation for the next few months - and the question arises about what will happen to the tyres.

That’s why ‘nimblerunner’ tweeted to us on twitter: “I’ve parked my motorhome up for the winter. Should I worry about the tyres not being moved for 4 months?”

Our advice to nimblerunner was that he shouldn’t worry, although he might experience a bit of bad balance or wobble for a few miles if any of the tyres develop a flat spot during the winter.

Rotating the tyres once a month can help to prevent flat spots developing, so too can jacking the vehicle up to raise the wheels off the ground.

Other tips to keep tyres in tip-top condition during the winter hibernation include using a wheel cover to protect them from the elements and ensuring that they remain properly inflated by using a tyre pressure gauge.

For more information on caravan tyres go to http://www.etyres.co.uk/landing-pages/caravan-tyres.html and for motorhome tyres check out http://www.etyres.co.uk/motorhome-tyres.html.

Denna Bowman, Head Office

Much is being written about the merits of runflat tyres at the moment, but a Daily Telegraph reader posed an interesting question to the newspapers motoring agony aunt, Honest John.

Under the headline “Leak pudding”, JE from Little Common, asked: “You mention runflat tyres avoid the danger of changing a wheel on a dangerous road or motorway hard shoulder. But I have not heard you mention the product “Puncturesafe” that instantly repairs all punctures as you drive. “Puncturesafe” automatically coats the inside of the tyre and remains fluid to instantly fill any puncture the moment it occurs. I was sceptical when I first heard about this, until I heard that they had the contract to supply it for the Royal Mail’s 32,000 vehicle fleet. What is your opinion?”

To which Honest John responded: “Bikers use a couple of products like this because a sudden deflation could have them off the road. Caravanners have used them for years. Feedback tells me that some are better than others. But obviously tyre manufacturers would not have spent millions developing runflat tyres if products like Puncturesafe were the ideal solution. What would have been the point?”

For those drivers who don’t have runflats, etyres has released a short film showing how simple it is to change a tyre if you get a puncture, so that they can get home safely, then arrange for a replacement to be fitted or have the puncture repaired by one of its trained technicians.

To see the ‘Changing tyres is Child’s Play’ film go to http://www.etyres.co.uk/changing-tyre-is-childs-play.html and watch 10-year-old William demonstrate how its done.

Denna Bowman, Head Office

Making sure your tyres are properly inflated before setting out on long car journeys this summer, is a message we have been hammering home for weeks.

It only takes a few minutes, it’s often free (some garages charge a minimal charge for using their air machines), it can help avoid accidents and it can save you money at the pumps.

Tyresure, which manufacturers Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), is also urging motorists to check their tyres this holiday season and it explains how properly inflated tyres can save time, money, fuel and possibly even lives.

According to the UK company: “With schools now closed, many families are looking to embark on long road trips to their UK or European holiday destinations. In many cases they could be wasting fuel, or worse still, tempting fate due to incorrectly inflated tyres. The single most common cause of all tyre-related accidents.

“Tyresure’s neat TPMS utilises military-spec technology on each road wheel to display an accurate tyre pressure and temperature reading for each tyre, direct to the driver in real time. This can be accessed permanently, or set as a ‘pre-flight check’ which then updates the driver if preset safety parameters are breached. This is displayed through a compact display screen that shows safe pressures in green, changing to red if the pressure or temperature moves to a dangerous level. The system works on any type of vehicle from a family saloon to the biggest SUV and once the sensors have been fitted to the wheels, it’s a true ‘Plug & Play’ fitment.

“Research undertaken by a leading tyre company reveals that just a 6 psi drop in tyre pressure leads to an approximate 10% increase in fuel consumption, whilst rapidly accelerating tyre wear by up to 30%! With the complete system costing just £179.00 including VAT, most drivers will see a financial return in the first year of average driving – especially with motorway fuel priced at over £1.30 a litre!

“Of course, the big benefits aren’t just financial. Optimum tyre pressures, mean increased safety and more predictable handling. Reduced consumption also brings reduced emissions. So, it’s something we can all realistically do to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Oliver Hall, Operations Team

Anyone planning a motoring holiday to France might be interested in what the Sunday Times motoring experts had to say about tyres in the popular InGear supplement last weekend.

Last weekend CT from Cardiff posed this question to the Car Clinic panel: “When I go to France to save space can I replace the spare wheel with a tyre sealant kit or a space saver wheel from another car?”

This is what the panel had to say in reply: “In France there is no legal reqquirment for a spare wheel, so this is a question of bravery. On average you’ll get a puncture every 38,000 miles, according to Holts, a car prodcucts seller. You are gambling, but if you get a puncture it will be small enough for a cannister of liquid tyre sealant to be effective or will happen close enough to civilisation that you are not left stranded. Holts Tyreweld is popular at about £7 a can and has been approved by the National Tyre Distributors Association. The ContiComfortKit includes sealant, a 12 volt air compressor/gauge and a built in light for about £60.

“Space saver wheels divide opinion as seen on our letters page today and in recent weeks. Not all cars can be fited with them and using the wrong one could be unsafe or invalidate your insurance.

“Whether or not you take a space saver you may as well carry a can of sealant. Both sealant and space saver will limit your speed and range to about 50mph and 50 to 100 miles, which may be ample in Britain, but not in France where towns are further apart and garages do not generally open on Sundays. Indeed many close during July and August for a holiday. Do you feel lucky?”

Denna Bowman, Head Office

Caravan magazine have got some fantastic prizes to give away, including a new set of tyres,
in its fantastic bumper summer issue.

Readers have got the chance to win £250 worth of new tyres, supplied and fitted by etyres, and there are loads of other great products up for grabs too, including a set of walkie-talkies, a caravan ramp, even a low-watt kettle and toaster.

etyres is a natural choice for caravan owners who need replacement tyres. our convenient mobile fitting service means they will never have to worry about manoeuvring their vehicle into a high street tyre depot again.

Our free mobile fitting service means we change the tyres at a location of the customers choice - at home or work - and of course in the case of caravanners, this is usually right on their doorstep.

And because our mobile service cuts out the need for expensive tyre depots, our overheads are low so we pass the savings on to our customers with cheaper prices - up to 40 per cent less then the leading tyre chains.

Denna Bowman, Head Office

Congratulations to Michelin tyres which has been recognised again for promoting a healthy workplace for staff and helping its employees and their families make better well-being choices.

The tyres manufacturers North America arm has received a Platinum Award for “its commitment and dedication to promoting a healthy workplace” from the National Business Group on Health, a non-profit group consisting of large employers.

According to company officials: “The award also recognises Michelin for encouraging its workers and families to support and maintain healthy lifestyles.”

The tyre manufacturer was specifically honored for its Choose Well-Live Well program, which provides employees and their families with a health care advocate “to help them navigate the health care system and improve efficiency through better coordination of care.”

Michelin was one of 66 employers to receive the 2010 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles award and one of only 16 to receive the Platinum Award.

Martin Storey, director of benefits for Michelin North America, said: “Michelin’s employees are the backbone of our company.

“The health and well-being of our employees has a direct impact on the success of our company. Michelin is proud to be involved in the Choose Well-Live Well programme, which has proven to enhance the quality of life for our employees and their families.”

Denna Bowman, Head Office

A delighted caravanner has sung the praises of our mobile fitting service after he experienced the benefits of having his caravan tyres changed at his home.

Mr A Singleton had this to say after having his new caravan tyres fitted by our etyres team in Wigan: “Thank you very much for the service you have provided, I have to say that it is so refreshing to actually be ale to praise a company instead of working out how to complain.

“Your fitter arrived on time after ringing me to confirm what time he would be with me, he arrived, changed both tyres on my caravan and asked me to witness that he had tightened the bolts, he was fast extremely efficient and friendly.

“From the first call to you the service I have received is second to none and I will certainly be telling everyone I know, especially caravanners, to get in touch with you.

“Your prices are very competitive and the service is excellent, please pass on my comments to your fitter although I did tell him on the day how pleased I was.

“I now know that any time I need tyres on both my vehicles or my caravan you will be my first choice to ring.

“Once again many thanks.”

Tammie, National Call Centre

The ferociously determined mechanics at Red Bull are charging head long into a grueling fitness regime to help them shave vital seconds off changing tyres.

With the ban on refueling, the length of time spent in the pit stops having all four tyres changed will be a massive factor in deciding the outcome of the 2010 Formula One World Championship, which starts a week today in Bahrain.

So Red Bull’s 18-man pit crew are making a 60 mile journey to the Bisham Abbey facilities in Buckinghamshire, also used by England’s football and rugby teams, to get in top shape for the coming season.

And the plan is paying off, with the Milton Keynes outfit stripping their time for changing all four tyres to a lightning 1.8 seconds, according to a report in the Sunday Mirror.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: “The guys have trained like hell over the winter. Bisham Abbey has proved great.

“We have even changed the crew around quite a lot to get the right guys in the right place because some are better than others at using the gun or changing tyres.

“They have all lost weight and got fitter in the process. The guys have been training in the gym at 12 and 4pm every day since November.

“We have done sub-two second stops. They are absolutely lightning.

“We’ve always been fast but now there’s been a lot more of a scientific approach to the whole issue.”

Alex Kapadia, Operations Team