Latest news with #EUTyreLabel
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Warning to drivers over fitting cheap tyres to car
Lower-priced tyres for the car might seem like an attractive option to save money, but experts warn it's a false economy and can have safety implications too A leading tyre manufacturer has warned motorists about fitting budget tyres to their vehicles. Experts at Bridgestone say that the tyres, often made in China, can end up costing drivers more money. Vehicle owners are understandably looking to save cash on the upkeep of their cars where they can amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, and buying low-cost tyres might be one way to keep costs down. However, Emilio Tiberio, Chief Technical Officer for Bridgestone West, said the Chinese tyres can come at the cost of safety. And he said many unsuspecting motorists are unaware of this crucial fact when having them fitted. He said: "With price, there is always a debate. The price and cost of Chinese tyres do not match. If we look at performance, we see when it comes to critical aspects like stopping, you're in trouble. "They're attractive from a cost perspective, but most consumers are simply unaware of their quality," reports the Express. Kwik-Fit said the difference between budget and premium tyres can be up to £320 per set for some larger wheels. However, many motoring experts have warned that the more expensive tyres feature a higher grade of rubber, which can help them to last significantly longer without running out of tread. In addition, this higher quality rubber can also give tyres additional grip on the road, preventing skidding on wet or icy surfaces and reducing the distance required to stop a vehicle. Gary Powell, Technical Manager for Bridgestone, noted that premium tyre brands will often invest more into innovating to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. He added: "Bridgestone's tyre technology has evolved considerably over the last couple of years alone. "When we talk about budget tyres representing a false economy, we have so much more to elaborate on than ever before. "For example, our Turanza 6 offers best-in-class wet performance, superior mileage and improved fuel and energy efficiency. "The benefits are clear and with the automotive industry undergoing such a huge change, motorists are more keen than ever to learn more." To showcase their performance in a variety of conditions, all new tyres designed to be used by cars and vans are required to have an EU Tyre Label. Similar to energy ratings on electrical appliances, these labels give tyre models a score from A to G based on how they grip on a wet road and affect a vehicles fuel economy. Motorists can also use these labels to see how loud a set of tyres is, with many premium models being much quieter than the budget brands. Drivers have been urged to check the tread on their tyres to see if they need replacing using a 20 pence piece. This simple trick can help motorists avoid a fine of up to £10,000. You should place a 20p coin in the groove of the tyre; if you can't see the outer ring of the coin, it means the tyres meet the 1.6 mm requirement and you are safe to drive. If you can see the outer ring, then the tyres will need replacing before making any journeys. The fines for driving on worn tyres that are below the legal tread depth is up to £2,500 per tyre.
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers 'must avoid' buying these cheap tyres says motoring expert
Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has warned drivers to avoid buying some budget tyres - often made in China - which can prove to be a false economy in the long-run Bridgestone has sounded the alarm for drivers considering cheap Chinese -made tyres, warning that such budget options could lead to higher costs and compromised safety over time. As motorists grapple with soaring vehicle running costs, many are tempted by the cheaper price tags on Chinese tyre brands. Yet Bridgestone's chief technical officer for the West, Emilio Tiberio, has voiced concerns, stressing that initial savings may actually jeopardise safety: "With price, there is always a debate. The price and cost of Chinese tyres do not match. If we look at performance, we see when it comes to critical aspects like stopping, you're in trouble. "They're attractive from a cost perspective, but most consumers are simply unaware of their quality." Mechanic chain Kwik-Fit reports that opting for premium over budget tyres can mean a difference of up to £320 per set for larger wheels, reports the Express. Motoring experts concur, pointing out that while pricier tyres might hit your wallet harder initially, they're made from superior rubber that not only extends tread life but also enhances road grip, slashing the risks of skidding in dodgy weather and shortening braking distances. Gary Powell, technical manager for Bridgestone, pointed out that top-tier tyre brands are more likely to pour resources into innovation aimed at cutting emissions and boosting efficiency. He said: "Bridgestone's tyre technology has evolved considerably over the last couple of years alone. When we talk about budget tyres representing a false economy, we have so much more to elaborate on than ever before. "For example, our Turanza 6 offers best-in-class wet performance, superior mileage and improved fuel and energy efficiency. The benefits are clear and with the automotive industry undergoing such a huge change, motorists are more keen than ever to learn more." To demonstrate their capabilities under various conditions, all new tyres intended for use on cars and vans must come with an EU Tyre Label. These labels, akin to the energy ratings found on household appliances, assign a grade from A to G to tyre models based on their wet grip performance and impact on vehicle fuel efficiency. Drivers can also refer to these labels to gauge the noise level of a tyre set, with many high-end options proving significantly quieter than their budget counterparts.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers urged avoid buying certain type of tyres despite their low cost
Bridgestone has warned that drivers should avoid buying a certain type of tyre - despite the fact that they are often cheaper - as they can end up costing motorists more in the long run Tyre giant Bridgestone has issued a stark warning to motorists tempted by cheap Chinese tyres - warned that they could be a false economy and compromise safety. As vehicle running costs soar, drivers are hunting for bargains, with many turning to budget tyres from China to cut corners on spending. But Bridgestone's top tech boss, Emilio Tiberio, has sounded the alarm over these bargain buys, stressing that while they might be easy on the wallet initially, they could spell danger on the roads. He said: "With price, there is always a debate. The price and cost of Chinese tyres do not match. If we look at performance, we see when it comes to critical aspects like stopping, you're in trouble. They're attractive from a cost perspective, but most consumers are simply unaware of their quality." Kwik-Fit mechanics have pointed out that opting for premium tyres over budget ones could mean shelling out an extra £320 for some larger wheel sets, reports the Express. Yet, auto experts insist that splurging on pricier tyres is worth every penny as they're made of superior rubber, offering longer life without tread wear and better grip, which is crucial for preventing skids and reducing stopping distances on slippery roads. Gary Powell, technical manager for Bridgestone, underlined that leaders in the tyre industry are ploughing more funds into sustainability and efficiency innovations. He also pointed out: "Bridgestone's tyre technology has evolved considerably over the last couple of years alone. When we talk about budget tyres representing a false economy, we have so much more to elaborate on than ever before. "For example, our Turanza 6 offers best-in-class wet performance, superior mileage and improved fuel and energy efficiency. The benefits are clear and with the automotive industry undergoing such a huge change, motorists are more keen than ever to learn more." To ensure the public is aware of how different tyres perform, regulations now mandate that all new tyres intended for passenger cars and vans must carry an EU Tyre Label. This system, reminiscent of energy ratings on electrical appliances, assigns a score from A to G for each tyre model based on their wet grip capacity and impact on a vehicle's fuel consumption. Additionally, these labels allow drivers to compare noise levels between tyre sets, with many of the top-market options proving to be significantly less noisy compared to their budget counterparts.
