Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[J.D. Power says drivers increasingly frustrated by low-rolling resistance and run-flat tires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/j-d-power-says-drivers-increasingly-frustrated-by-low-rolling-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/j-d-power-says-drivers-increasingly-frustrated-by-low-rolling-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/j-d-power-says-drivers-increasingly-frustrated-by-low-rolling-r/#commentsFiled under: ,



Unless we're talking about tires used for specific conditions (snow, summer, off-road, etc.), we imagine most new car buyers don't think twice about the rubber on their ride. J.D. Power and Associates does, and it recently rated consumer satisfaction for the top tire brands in various vehicle segments, and it found that Michelin was consistently at or among the top-satisfying tire brands. As a part of this study, it also found some interesting data regarding two growing types of tires: run-flat and low-rolling resistance.

Both of these tire types are used in different ways in an attempt to improve the fuel economy of modern vehicles, but there are also some draw backs involved. Run-flat tires help automakers shave precious pounds from a car's curb weight by removing the spare tire, but on average, J.D. Power says owners replace these tires twice as often as regular tires. The problem with low-rolling resistance tires might have to do more with marketing than anything else, as the study suggests that most consumers just don't understand how these tires benefit them and what compromises must be made.

The study didn't mention price, but generally speaking, run-flat and low-rolling resistance tires also cost more to replace than standard tires - even worse, run-flats often need to be replaced in pairs, according to the study (note: we recommend changing all four tires whenever possible, run-flat or no). Scroll down to read more about the study including the various scores each tire manufacturer received.

Continue reading J.D. Power says drivers increasingly frustrated by low-rolling resistance and run-flat tires

J.D. Power says drivers increasingly frustrated by low-rolling resistance and run-flat tires originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer satisfactionjd powerjd power and associateslow rolling resistance tirerun-flat tirestire studytiresMon, 01 Apr 2013 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523281/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/j-d-power-says-drivers-increasingly-frustrated-by-low-rolling-r/20523281/article-detail.xml 20523281 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/michelin-run-flat-tire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/michelin-run-flat-tire.jpg <![CDATA[US tire company CEO lashes out at French workers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/us-tire-company-ceo-lashes-out-at-french-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/us-tire-company-ceo-lashes-out-at-french-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/us-tire-company-ceo-lashes-out-at-french-workers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Maurice

Maurice Taylor has a sour opinion of French factory workers. The CEO of Titan International, a US-based tire company, recently sent a letter to France's industry minister saying that he had no interest in purchasing the faltering Goodyear Amiens Nord tire plant in the country. According to Bloomberg, the French press got a hold of the letter and now Taylor's comments are out in the open air. The executive, known as "The Grizz" for his bear-like style, threw a few choice gems at country's industry in general, saying, "The French workforce gets paid high wages but works only three hours. They get one hour for breaks and lunch, talk for three and work for three."

Taylor (shown at left) went on to say his company plans to purchase a Chinese or Indian tire company, pay less than one euro per hour and ship every tire France needs, adding, "you can keep your so-called workers." The company manufactures agricultural and other off-road tires.

France, meanwhile, has said it will respond to Taylor's comments, but has yet to do so.

US tire company CEO lashes out at French workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francefrench employmentfrench laborfrench workersmaurice taylorthe grizztirestitan internationalThu, 21 Feb 2013 13:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20469906/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/21/us-tire-company-ceo-lashes-out-at-french-workers/20469906/article-detail.xml 20469906 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/maurice-grizz-taylor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/maurice-grizz-taylor.jpg <![CDATA[Discolor tire shows you when it's time for new rubber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/discolor-tire-shows-you-when-its-time-for-new-rubber/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/discolor-tire-shows-you-when-its-time-for-new-rubber/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/discolor-tire-shows-you-when-its-time-for-new-rubber/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Discolor tire concept

Two designers that have already won a Red Dot concept design award for the Bevel Cup, Gao Fenglin & Zhou Buyi, have come together again on an idea called the Discolor Tyre. Understanding it couldn't be simpler: A layer of colored rubber beneath the black casing will appear when the outer tread depth falls beneath a certain amount. Fenglin and Buyi estimate that 20,000 kilometers of driving, or about 12,400 miles, will cause the colored tread to show, but there's no reason why harder rubber compounds couldn't increase that number. A side benefit is that it would also quickly reveal tears in the casing and the sources of leaks.

This isn't the first concept to use alternate hues to detect tread depth, with other ideas having already been patented. The patented Colored Wear Indicator for Tires uses not just one, but several colors to indicate how far the tread has worn down. The patent for a Vehicle Tire Tread Depth Determining System, conversely, doesn't use a fixed color, it uses an ultraviolet-sensitive layer that changes color after enough tread has worn down so that it is exposed to sunlight. We're sure there are more out there; point being that designers are already thinking about how we'll check our tires when the last car parts store closes for good... and we run out of pennies.

Discolor tire shows you when it's time for new rubber originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptdiscolor tirediscolor tyrediscolor tyre conceptGao Fenglintire treadtirestread depthyanko designZhou BuyiFri, 04 Jan 2013 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20415697/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/discolor-tire-shows-you-when-its-time-for-new-rubber/20415697/article-detail.xml 20415697 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/discolortireconcept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/discolortireconcept.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #310 LIVE!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-310-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-310-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-310-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We record Autoblog Podcast #310 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #310

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #310 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastautoblog podcast liveautoblog podcast topicsbest of whats newbuickbuick gnxbuick grand nationalfiestafiesta ecoboostfiesta stfordford fiesta ecoboostford fiesta stgeneral motorsgm tiresgnxgrand nationalpodcastpodcast livepodcast topicspopular sciencetirestopicsMon, 26 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20388766/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/26/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-310-live/20388766/article-detail.xml 20388766 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[GM partnering with tire researchers for better fuel economy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/gm-partnering-with-tire-researchers-for-better-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/gm-partnering-with-tire-researchers-for-better-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/gm-partnering-with-tire-researchers-for-better-fuel-economy/#commentsFiled under: ,

National Tire Research Center

Starting next year, General Motors engineers will work with researchers at the National Tire Research Center in an effort to create safer and more efficient tires. The automaker has invested $5 million in the facility in Halifax, Virginia, which uses cutting-edge tire performance machinery to recreate real-world driving events.

The $11.2 million test equipment can spin a tire to the equivalent of 200 mph while monitoring data on handling, ride, torque and braking forces and replicating various road conditions. GM says tire efficiency can theoretically be increased up to seven percent by varying attributes like tread design, construction and manufacturing techniques.

GM hopes its work at the National Tire Research Center will help the company advance the arrival of next-generation tire technology, thereby increasing vehicle efficiency and reducing fuel consumption at the same time. You can take a closer look at the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading GM partnering with tire researchers for better fuel economy

GM partnering with tire researchers for better fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgmnational tire research centerntrctiretiresSat, 24 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385979/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/24/gm-partnering-with-tire-researchers-for-better-fuel-economy/20385979/article-detail.xml 20385979 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/national-tire-research-center-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/national-tire-research-center-628.jpg <![CDATA[New European tires to get labels rating fuel efficiency, wet traction and noise levels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/new-european-tires-to-get-labels-rating-fuel-efficiency-wet-tra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/new-european-tires-to-get-labels-rating-fuel-efficiency-wet-tra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/new-european-tires-to-get-labels-rating-fuel-efficiency-wet-tra/#commentsFiled under: , ,

European Union Tire labels

Bloomberg reports the European Union is set to require tire manufacturers to include new labels detailing everything from the rubber's wet-traction performance to fuel efficiency and noise levels. Each tire will receive a rating on an A-to-G scale for wet traction and fuel efficiency, wherein A is the highest score possible. Information on the tire's noise level, meanwhile, will be conveyed in decibels.

So, why the big push for more sidewall information? Tire manufacturers in the EU are being hit on two sides; economic woes hurting the bottom line, while inexpensive Chinese tires lure buyers away from more common brands. Last year saw Chinese, Korean and other non-European brand market share jump to 23 percent, a new record.

Manufacturers like Pirelli and Michelin are looking for ways to indicate how their products are superior, and the new labels may do just that. But the labels may have another unintended effect by stepping up competition in a big way. All tire manufacturers will be forced to justify their price tags as consumers begin to more easily compare and contrast their options.

Meanwhile, US regulators are set to issue a new rule in 2013, requiring all tires to carry ratings for fuel efficiency, wet traction and treadwear. Don't expect the EU and US systems to dovetail, however.

New European tires to get labels rating fuel efficiency, wet traction and noise levels originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>european uniontire ratingstire requirementstiresTue, 20 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383175/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/20/new-european-tires-to-get-labels-rating-fuel-efficiency-wet-tra/20383175/article-detail.xml 20383175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/eu-tires-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/eu-tires-628.jpg <![CDATA[Goodyear unveils self-inflating tires for big trucks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/22/goodyear-unveils-self-inflating-tires-for-big-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/22/goodyear-unveils-self-inflating-tires-for-big-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/22/goodyear-unveils-self-inflating-tires-for-big-trucks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Goodyear Air Maintenance Technology

Goodyear has developed a new self-inflating tire for commercial vehicles. The Air Maintenance Technology system uses an internal pressure regulator to determine when the tire is low. When pressure falls below a certain parameter, the regulator opens to allow air into a pumping tube. Here's the cool part: the tube runs around the circumference of the tire, and as tire rolls, it squeezes the tube, effectively forcing air into the tire through an inlet. Once the tire is properly inflated, the regulator closes off the pumping tube and the truck continues on its way without ever stopping or having to rely on an external compressor.

The benefits to an automatic inflation system are obvious. Vehicles with under-inflated tires use more fuel, have worse handling and chew through tread much quicker than their properly maintained counterparts.

Goodyear says implementing Air Maintenance Technology on commercial vehicles was particularly difficult due to the higher-than-normal pressures found on large truck tires. Most commercial vehicles run an average of 105 psi compared to the 32 psi of passenger cars. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Goodyear unveils self-inflating tires for big trucks

Goodyear unveils self-inflating tires for big trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Sep 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amtbig truckscommercial vehiclecommercial vehiclesgoodyeargoodyear air maintenance technologygoodyear amttiretirestrucksSat, 22 Sep 2012 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329821/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/22/goodyear-unveils-self-inflating-tires-for-big-trucks/20329821/article-detail.xml 20329821 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/goodyear-air-maintenance-technology-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/goodyear-air-maintenance-technology-628.jpg <![CDATA[Michelin demonstrates how low rolling resistance tires work]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/16/michelin-demonstrates-how-low-rolling-resistance-tires-work/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/16/michelin-demonstrates-how-low-rolling-resistance-tires-work/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/16/michelin-demonstrates-how-low-rolling-resistance-tires-work/#commentsFiled under:

Michelin tire demonstration

Tires get overlooked in the headlines about fuel economy and CAFE standards, which is a little odd. After all, a car's tires are the only contact it has with the road, so more efficient rubber means more efficient use of fuel, and even tiny gains spread over the huge number of road-going vehicles can translate into remarkable overall gains.

Michelin has made a spot that demonstrates the difference its Energy Saver A/S tire can make by staging a downhill drag race. There's a twist, though, and it makes the point beautifully. You can check it out in the video below.

Continue reading Michelin demonstrates how low rolling resistance tires work

Michelin demonstrates how low rolling resistance tires work originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Sep 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energy saverlow rolling resistancelow rolling resistance tiremichelintiresvideovideosSun, 16 Sep 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20324337/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/16/michelin-demonstrates-how-low-rolling-resistance-tires-work/20324337/article-detail.xml 20324337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/michelintirerace_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/michelintirerace.jpg <![CDATA[<em>R&T</em> improves Scion FR-S performance with a tire swap]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Scion FR-S

On paper, the Scion FR-S is a great little performance car with its light curb weight, peppy engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, but as Road & Track recently found out about the car, none of that matters on the track if you have the wrong tires. The magazine's staffers found the Scion and Subaru cars were out-handled by competitors like the Mazda Miata and Hyundai Genesis Coupe, so they tried a simple tire swap on the FR-S to see if replacing the stock rubber with something with a bit more grip could help the matter.

In stock form, both the BRZ and FR-S come with Michelin Primacy summer touring tires, which are apparently tuned more for low rolling resistance than grip. Now, we're sure there will be plenty of FR-S and BRZ owners who will never take their cars to a track, so these stock tires help to optimize fuel economy and longevity, but for those who do want to have some autocross fun with their new Toyobaru coupe, then what?

R&T took an FR-S to Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch with three wheel and tire combinations, and put the car up against a MazdaSpeed3 and a Subaru WRX. First up were the stock tires, which put it almost two seconds behind the Mazda and a second behind the Subaru with a lap time of 1:29.3. Next, the car's 17-inch wheels were wrapped in Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs extreme performance summer tires, shaving a full two seconds off the FR-S' track time and making it the fastest of the bunch with a time of 1:27.0. Finally, they tested the FR-S with the same type of tires on lightweight 18-inch wheels, but while the time around the track dipped a little (1:27.6), this wheel and tire combination was the best on the skidpad with a 0.96g.

An interesting note, the Dunlops are obviously much stickier and they cost less than the Michelins, but since they are built for performance, there is no treadlife warranty (according to Tire Rack, where R&T got their tires and prices). Meanwhile, the stock Michelin tires aren't as capable at the track, but they come with a treadlife warranty of up to six years or 45,000 miles.

Check out how the different tires affect the FR-S in the video below.

Continue reading R&T improves Scion FR-S performance with a tire swap

R&T improves Scion FR-S performance with a tire swap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzroad and trackscionsubarutiresThu, 16 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20302360/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/20302360/article-detail.xml 20302360 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/scion-frs-tires-roatandtrack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/scion-frs-tires-roatandtrack.jpg <![CDATA[Goodyear uses the old "surprise gymkhana road test with stunt driver" routine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/goodyear-uses-the-old-surprise-gymkhana-road-test-with-stunt-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/goodyear-uses-the-old-surprise-gymkhana-road-test-with-stunt-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/goodyear-uses-the-old-surprise-gymkhana-road-test-with-stunt-dr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Goodyear tire commercial with BMW 3 Series and secret stunt driver

It's a familiar tactic: if you want a customer to know what a car can do, you've got to get them in it and take them for a ride. To truly impress a customer, though, you've got to take them, *ahem,* for a ride. It works so well that NASCAR driver Carl Edwards recently did it with Ford engineers in a Taurus SHO - the very sedan those engineers worked on.

So when Goodyear wanted to show off the finer attributes of its Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season tire, it grabbed Ben Conrad, director of Ken Block's last two Gymkhana videos, to choreograph some shenanigans. A Goodyear tire store in California was used as bait - an actor posed as a salesman who got his fellow store helper, professional stunt driver Danny Downey, to take customers for a little demo in a BMW.

We don't know what the conversion rate was, but there were probably a few tires sold that day. Have a look below to watch the videos.

Continue reading Goodyear uses the old "surprise gymkhana road test with stunt driver" routine

Goodyear uses the old "surprise gymkhana road test with stunt driver" routine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcommercialdanny downeyeagle f1goodyeargoodyear commercialgoodyear eagle f1 asymmetric all-seasongymkhanastunt driverstunt drivingtiretiresvideoTue, 10 Jul 2012 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20274865/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/10/goodyear-uses-the-old-surprise-gymkhana-road-test-with-stunt-dr/20274865/article-detail.xml 20274865 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/goodyeareaglestunt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/goodyeareaglestunt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan's Easy Fill idiot-proofs tire inflation *UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan Easy Fill Tire Alert System

Nissan is moving to make its Easy Fill Tire Alert system standard equipment on its 2013 model year vehicles. Taking the federally mandated tire pressure monitoring system to the next logical step, the Nissan system honks the car's horn when you've inflated your tires to the correct pressure. No more reading the tire pressure placard on the door jamb and hunting around in the glovebox for a pressure gauge.

While Nissan actually introduced this feature beginning with the 2011 Quest minivan, its proliferation throughout the lineup makes sense. After all, it's a good idea, and most motorists can't be bothered to care about tire pressure, despite its importance for both fuel economy and on-road safety. If Nissan's system can actually encourage a few of those disinterested drivers to maintain proper tire inflation pressures, it's a win for all.

Scroll down to watch a Nissan-produced video demonstrating the feature on the company's 2013 Altima and read the press release.

UPDATE: Nissan has contacted Autoblog to clarify that only the Altima and Quest will have Easy Fill for the new model year. The new technology will roll out to additional models in the future, but it will not be available in all 2013 Nissans as originally indicated in an earlier press release.

Continue reading Nissan's Easy Fill idiot-proofs tire inflation *UPDATE

Nissan's Easy Fill idiot-proofs tire inflation *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimaeasy fillnissantiretire inflationtire pressuretire pressure monitoring systemtirestpmsThu, 24 May 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244171/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/20244171/article-detail.xml 20244171 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/easyfill-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/easyfill-opt.jpg <![CDATA[German researchers developing electronic tires that adapt to weather conditions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/german-researchers-developing-electronic-tires-that-adapt-to-wea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/german-researchers-developing-electronic-tires-that-adapt-to-wea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/german-researchers-developing-electronic-tires-that-adapt-to-wea/#commentsFiled under:

Winter tires

Even tires considered basic are the results of massive engineering and financial investments - a single tire can include up to 20 different kinds of rubber compounds and their constructions and build techniques are so mysterious that it's easier to get a tour of the White House than a tire factory. A new tire being worked on by a team of German engineers at the University of Leipzig, however, would be a Buck Rodgers-like leap in tire tech by incorporating changeable elements to alter the shape of the tire as you drive.

The recipe for such a hoop includes "flexible actuators, piezo-ceramic actuators, shape memory alloys and 'smart materials'" that gather and process information on the road surface and weather conditions. That info would then be used to reshape the tread to optimize performance on the fly, which can mean altering groove patters and expanding and raising tread blocks. As the professor in charge said, "The driver no longer has to think about adapting their tires. The tire itself 'thinks' too."

For millions of drivers, a world in which the single word "tire" automatically means "all-terrain, all-season, high-performance tire" would be a good one. The engineers have patented their work and are showing a prototype at the Hanover Fair in Germany, yet it should come as no surprise that such a world is a long, long way off.

German researchers developing electronic tires that adapt to weather conditions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptive tireelectronic tireresearchtechnologytiretiresuniversity of leipzigTue, 01 May 2012 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226676/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/01/german-researchers-developing-electronic-tires-that-adapt-to-wea/20226676/article-detail.xml 20226676 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/winter-tires_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/winter-tires.jpg <![CDATA[Forget rental cars, how about rental <i>tires</i>?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/forget-rental-cars-how-about-rental-tires/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/forget-rental-cars-how-about-rental-tires/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/forget-rental-cars-how-about-rental-tires/#commentsFiled under:

tire fitment

Everyone knows that, when buying pretty much any kind of merchandise, paying with cash is by nearly all accounts the best option. Sometimes, though, cash isn't in plentiful supply for the average American consumer, and some items need to be procured post haste. Enter the wide world of credit.

But what if you don't have a credit card? For many consumers, the rent-to-own industry is waiting in the wings to provide the item they need with a payment plan they can afford. One consumable we'd never have imagined for the rent-to-own business, though, is tires. Somewhat surprisingly, it's apparently a booming business.

Back in the heyday of the early 2000s, a number of businesses sprouted to provide consumers will new wheels for their cars and trucks - mostly gaudy oversize chrome ones, we imagine - but that business model dried up when the recession set in. The solution, according to Ken Butler, chief operating officer for rent-to-own superpower Aaron's, was to offer the customer something they'd need instead of something they merely want.

Bingo. Tires are a necessity for every car and truck on the road, and, in case you haven't gone tire shopping recently, they're expensive. Thing is, they are also wear items, and we're not certain how that works into such a rental scheme. If nothing else, it makes these parting words from Butler sound somewhat ironic: "The sustainable part, the legitimate business, is the tires."

Forget rental cars, how about rental tires? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaronsrent to ownrent-to-ownrent-to-own tiresrent-to-own wheelsrimcotire rentaltire shoppingtireswheel rentalMon, 19 Mar 2012 18:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196333/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/forget-rental-cars-how-about-rental-tires/20196333/article-detail.xml 20196333 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/tire-fitment_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/tire-fitment.jpg <![CDATA[Radar Tires debuts pink-wall radials to fight breast cancer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/radar-tires-debuts-pink-wall-radials-to-fight-breast-cancer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/radar-tires-debuts-pink-wall-radials-to-fight-breast-cancer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/radar-tires-debuts-pink-wall-radials-to-fight-breast-cancer/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ring of Hope tires

Radar Tires has initiated a new charity campaign to fight breast cancer. The Mobilizing Hope campaign is aimed at stirring awareness through various channels, including the Ring of Hope project, which features a limited-edition pink sidewall tire. Based on the Radar Tires RPX900 all-season performance tire, the rubber will initially be available in two sizes: 195/60R15 and 205/55R16. Radar Tires says that those sizes will fit a variety of popular vehicles, including the Mini Cooper, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Beetle, Chrysler PT Cruiser and BMW 3 Series among others. Look for the limited edition tires to hit the market in the first quarter of 2012.

Radar Tires has been donating $1 for every four tires it sells to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation since May of 2011, and the Ring of Hope project is simply a more visible way to underscore the company's commitment to fighting breast cancer. Radar Tires will donate a minimum of $250,000 annually to the charity. Hit the jump for the full press release and check out the company's Facebook page for more information.

Continue reading Radar Tires debuts pink-wall radials to fight breast cancer

Radar Tires debuts pink-wall radials to fight breast cancer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breast cancerbreast cancer research foundationcharitypink sidewall tirespink tiresradar tirestiretiresTue, 29 Nov 2011 18:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20116631/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/29/radar-tires-debuts-pink-wall-radials-to-fight-breast-cancer/20116631/article-detail.xml 20116631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/ring-of-hope-tires-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/ring-of-hope-tires-628.jpg <![CDATA[Scanners embedded in road to result in fines for those driving on worn tires?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/scanners-embedded-in-road-to-result-in-fines-for-those-driving-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/scanners-embedded-in-road-to-result-in-fines-for-those-driving-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/scanners-embedded-in-road-to-result-in-fines-for-those-driving-o/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tire tread depth gauge

Here's a new one. According to AutoExpress, police in the UK are looking into scanners embedded into roadways that can detect the depth of a vehicle's tire tread. If your rubber doesn't meet a set of pre-determined parameters, you could eventually expect to see a fine show up in the mail. Currently, law enforcement says that the technology will only be used in checkpoint scenarios to alert drivers of a potentially dangerous situation, but given that the system costs somewhere around €50,000, or $67,500 at current conversion rates, critics are concerned that the depth-measuring device will be used as a cudgel to drum up revenue.

That concern is bolstered by the fact that Trevor Hall, a major proponent of speed cameras in the UK, is also behind the measure.

We're all for improving road safety in any way possible, but if this new technology results in fines for motorists, we have concerns. After all, measures like the one proposed here would almost certainly target low-income drivers and unfairly position revenue generation on their shoulders. After all, if you can afford new tires, chances are better that you'll buy them.

Scanners embedded in road to result in fines for those driving on worn tires? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>road scannerscannerspeed cameratire safetytire treadtirestreadtread depthtrevor hallukFri, 30 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20070654/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/scanners-embedded-in-road-to-result-in-fines-for-those-driving-o/20070654/article-detail.xml 20070654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/tire-tread-depth-gauge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/tire-tread-depth-gauge.jpg <![CDATA[Wim Delvoye's carved tire art is steel-belted beauty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/wim-delvoyes-carved-tire-art-is-steel-belted-beauty/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/wim-delvoyes-carved-tire-art-is-steel-belted-beauty/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/wim-delvoyes-carved-tire-art-is-steel-belted-beauty/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wim Delvoye Tire Carving

It's a good thing we aren't fabulously wealthy, otherwise our domiciles would be clad in all sorts of clever automotive art. We're not just talking cheesy vinyl bench-seat sofas and engine-block coffee tables, either. We like to think our taste elevates above some of the more common automotive décor we've seen. Take Wim Delvoye's intricate tire carvings, for example. Each piece is filled with exquisite detail and is hand carved. Untold hours have been sunk into each piece (we have to imagine that this isn't the type of thing that gets churned out in an afternoon - or a week of afternoons, for that matter).

The only question, is how does one go about displaying a decorative carved tire in one's home? Would it work as a stylish table center piece? How about hanging from the ceiling? We say let experimentation be your guide.

Judging by the gallery names on Delvoye's site, these carved tires might actually be a few years old, but this is the first time we've seen them. If they're new to you as well, check out our full gallery, then visit Delvoye's website by clicking on the link below.

Wim Delvoye's carved tire art is steel-belted beauty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto artcar artdelvoyeradialtiretire arttire carvingtireswim delvoyeTue, 20 Sep 2011 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20047732/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/20/wim-delvoyes-carved-tire-art-is-steel-belted-beauty/20047732/article-detail.xml 20047732 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-tire-carving-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-tire-carving-630.jpg <![CDATA[Today's scarce automotive supply? Tires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/todays-scarce-automotive-supply-tires/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/todays-scarce-automotive-supply-tires/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/todays-scarce-automotive-supply-tires/#commentsFiled under: ,

car tiresCombine rising raw materials costs, reduced production capacity and manufacturing bottlenecks, and the result for the world of tires is this: not enough hoops to satisfy automaker demand. According to Automotive News, even before The Great Recession hit, a Bridgestone tire executive said that plant closures alone killed 71 million units of capacity in the U.S. New factories and factory expansions are on the way, but they won't run at full power until 2013.

Current production is also slowed down by having to construct low-volume tires and niche sizes, with more specialty cars and more sizes on the market. On top of that, the prices of materials like steel, carbon black and rubber that go into tires have risen an average of 52% in each of the last two years, sending tire prices "up very sharply."

Although it's predicted that "the shortage won't be resolved any time soon," from the looks of it car manufacturers are in control of the situation - as well they must be, since they can't sell cars without tires. OEMs haven't discussed what its done to the bottom line - or how much of the cost is passed on to buyers - but if you see spec sheets begin to list more tire makes as original equipment, maybe this is why.

Today's scarce automotive supply? Tires originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto tiresbridgestonecar tirescontinentalmichelintire makerstiresThu, 30 Jun 2011 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977808/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/todays-scarce-automotive-supply-tires/19977808/article-detail.xml 19977808 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/flat-tire-woman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/flat-tire-woman.jpg <![CDATA[Renault rolls out its own line of tires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/30/renault-rolls-out-its-own-line-of-tires/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/30/renault-rolls-out-its-own-line-of-tires/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/30/renault-rolls-out-its-own-line-of-tires/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault Motrio tires

Automakers outsource a variety of components to OEM suppliers. The parts could be as small as a screw or as large as the entire car itself, contracting the entire assembly process to outside bidders. But while some automakers make more or less of the parts in-house, one component is always outsourced: the tires.

Renault, however, takes exception to that rule, and in characteristic French defiance is rolling out its own line of tires. Rather than equipping new vehicles with its own rubber, however, the tires are being marketed to existing Renault owners as replacement rubber.

Called the Motrio line, the Renault tires are focused on cutting costs, while maintaining optimal performance and minimal road noise. Now we have but to assume that, even though they're not saying who is, Renault didn't start farming their own rubber and actually building the tires themselves. They're likely made by an existing rubber company to Renault's specifications and under their license. Still, the French automaker is claiming this as an industry first, and we can't help but wonder if they won't extend the project to include sister company Nissan as well.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault rolls out its own line of tires

Renault rolls out its own line of tires originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>renaultRenault Motriorenault tiresrubbertirestyresSun, 30 Jan 2011 14:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19820997/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/30/renault-rolls-out-its-own-line-of-tires/19820997/article-detail.xml 19820997 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/renault-tire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/renault-tire.jpg <![CDATA[Pirelli aims to protect your health, tires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/30/pirelli-aims-to-protect-your-health-tires/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/30/pirelli-aims-to-protect-your-health-tires/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/30/pirelli-aims-to-protect-your-health-tires/#commentsFiled under: ,

Pirelli Motorcycle Tire Ads
Pirelli Motorcycle Tire Ads - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are plenty of guilty pleasures when it comes to cars and motorcycles, but chief among them has to be the burnout. Sure, you might as well be lighting $100 bills on fire, and yes, you're not exactly doing the environment or your vehicle any favors, but there's just something magical about sending the rear (or front, though that's usually not nearly as fun) wheels spinning. It seems that Pirelli has taken it upon itself to educate the public about the highly-addictive nature and dangers of lighting up a tire. Remember, kids, do as your told, not as we do.

Pirelli's genius ad company, Y&R, is behind this bevy of spots, and with excellent photography and a little clever word play, they're sure to stick in your mind. So, the next time you go to put your tires through some serious punishment, remember Pirelli's words on the subjects. Think of the tires.


Gallery: Pirelli Motorcycle Tire Ads


[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Pirelli aims to protect your health, tires originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingburnoutmotorcyclemotorcycle burnoutpirellipirelli adtiresThu, 30 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19782025/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/30/pirelli-aims-to-protect-your-health-tires/19782025/article-detail.xml 19782025 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-pirelli-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-pirelli-630.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Michelin uses truly disturbing puppets to talk about importance of tire pressure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/24/video-michelin-uses-truly-disturbing-puppets-to-talk-about-impo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/24/video-michelin-uses-truly-disturbing-puppets-to-talk-about-impo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/24/video-michelin-uses-truly-disturbing-puppets-to-talk-about-impo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Creepy puppet Michelin tire pressure video
Michelin uses puppets to explain tire pressure - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We're all about supporting PSAs that spread the good word about proper automobile maintenance, but this is just creepy. Michelin UK has tapped the Puppet Broadcasting Company to create a video that addresses many of the important know-hows of tire pressure, including how often you should check your rubber and the negative effects of having tires that are too low.

These are important facts that every driver should know, but when it comes to this video, we just can't get past the puppets. They're just... creepy. See what we mean by watching the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Michelin]

Continue reading Video: Michelin uses truly disturbing puppets to talk about importance of tire pressure

Video: Michelin uses truly disturbing puppets to talk about importance of tire pressure originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car maintenancecar tiresCarMaintenanceCarTiresmichelinpsapsastire pressuretire safetytiresTireSafetyvideovideosFri, 24 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19647480/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/24/video-michelin-uses-truly-disturbing-puppets-to-talk-about-impo/19647480/article-detail.xml 19647480 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/michelinvideo630opt-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/michelinvideo630opt-1.jpg -1 2