This year’s British International Motor Show, held at ExCel London from 23rd July to 3rd August, will feature a demonstration of the benefits of low rolling-resistance tyres.

On their stand in the Greener Driving Pavilion, Michelin will be demonstrating the efficacy of their Energy Saver tyres. The demonstration involves two cars, one fitted with low rolling-resistance tyres, running down a ramp before coming to rest on an up-ramp. Michelin predict that the Energy Saver tyres will run further, enabling them to demonstrate the quantifiable advantages of their eco-friendly tyres.

Michelin state that the performance of its Energy Saver tyres translates into reduced fuel consumption of nearly 0.2 litres per 100km and reduced CO2 emissions, making the tyres good for the environment and good for the motorist’s bank balance.

As previously discussed, the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came into force last month. The tyre safety organization Tyresafe has issued a warning that this has serious implications for employers throughout the country.

According to the Act employers have a “Duty of Care” to ensure the safety of any employees driving for work. This will apply to all fleet cars, and to any cars used by employees traveling on company business. In the future, companies must be able to show an audit trail showing that all vehicles used on company business have undergone regular maintenance checks. This should include checks on tyre condition.

Tyresafe’s research has revealed that 12 per cent of cars and vans in the UK have at least one defective tyre, and that a further 12 per cent have a tyre with a tread below 2mm.

Tyresafe have issued the following guidelines to employers in order to reduce the risk of prosecution.

• Check and adjust, if necessary, the tyre pressure in each tyre including the spare, as recommended in the manufacturer’s handbook;
• Clean dirt from around valves and fit dust caps to all tyres;
• Remove stones and other foreign objects from the tread;
• Check that tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread across three quarters of the width of the tyre. TyreSafe recommends that motorists consider changing tyres when the tread falls below 3mm;
• Check for un-even tyre wear which might mean steering misalignment or out-of-balance wheels; and
• Check tyres for cuts and bulges that could render the tyre defective and potentially dangerous.

Commenting on the new legislation, TyreSafe stated: “Tyres are often forgotten about, and therefore the new legislation is a wake-up call for all those who do not take enough care for the condition of their tyres. Now that there is someone watching over drivers, we hope that the rate of defective tyres will be significantly reduced as people realise the huge importance that tyres play in vehicle safety.”

The UK’s leading trade journal has been scrutinizing the performance of tyre retailers throughout the country.

Tyres & Accessories has published an in-depth report on tyre prices and customer service based on 1800 mystery calls made up to the end of March 2008. The report highlights the average price of tyres, broken down according to speed rating. The mystery shoppers also reported on which brands were most heavily recommended by retailers, and on their reasons for recommending certain brands.

The report found that the average price of W/Y/Z rated tyres was £106.80, while V rated tyres were retailing at an average price of £68.40. The average H rated tyre sold for £65.20, and S/T rated tyres sold for £49.70.

Prices varied widely according to the outlet. National fast-fit chains were the most expensive averaging a retail price of £72 per tyre. Autocentre and regional independents maintained an average of £65 per tyre, while car dealers and local independents were the cheapest sources with an average of £56 charged for each tyre sold.

These differentials can be explained, in part, by the different products offered by various retailers. The independent retailers seem to be very price-driven, generally preferring to recommend budget tyres. The mystery callers were recommended generic budget tyres on 28 per cent of calls. Branding also seems to be important, with both Firestone and Michelin being promoted on 11 per cent of occasions.

It may be a reflection of the current economic climate, but it appears that retailers are promoting tyres according to value for money and tyre durability at the expense of performance. The report also underlines the fact that, as in so many cases, the cheapest way to buy is online.

As from June 2008 Tyres & Accessories will be making these reports a regular feature in their publication.