Tag Archives: tires

Here’s The Best All-Season Tire You Can Buy Right Now

Tires are the one elements connecting your automobile to the street. And not all tires are created equal. To hammer that time house, tire knowledgeable Jonathan Benson is again with a brand new video evaluating the highest tire manufacturers for all-weather efficiency. He evaluates seven all-season tires on snow, ice, moist pavement, and dry circumstances, with some startling revelations.

The competitors is stacked. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 has been round for just a few years and it is identified for astounding snow efficiency with good moist and dry dealing with. The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, Continental AllSeasonContact 2, and Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 are newer and have related directional tread patterns to the Michelin. Yokohama’s BluEarth 4S AW21 can also be directional, however Dunlop bucks the pattern with its asymmetrical Sport All Season.

The remaining entry is an off-brand finances tire referred to as the Fronway Fronwing AS. Benson typically contains low-cost tires to see if consumers can save a couple of bucks with out sacrificing efficiency or security. Usually, the reply is not any. And on this take a look at, the reply stays so.

In reality, one of many beginning revelations we talked about comes with the Fronway’s efficiency in moist circumstances. Benson sees moist efficiency as essentially the most important class for an all-season tire, and the finances model was the worst by a large margin. Whereas the six main tires had common moist lap instances inside 2.5 seconds of one another, the Fronway was over 13 seconds slower than the top-ranking Continental.

The moist braking efficiency was much more stunning. The Bridgestone took high honors right here, stopping from 50 mph in 109 toes. The Fronway wanted 159.7 toes to cease from the identical velocity. Benson did some calculations and decided the VW Golf take a look at automobile was nonetheless going 28 mph on Fronways whereas the Bridgestones had been stopped. Keep that in thoughts the subsequent time one thing occurs in entrance of you on a moist street. The money saved from shopping for finances tires is probably going far lower than the insurance coverage deductible on harm from a 28-mph collision.

The different revelation right here is the conclusion. All the foremost manufacturers did nicely, although some clearly carried out higher than others. The Yokohama largely caught to the decrease finish of the size, and the asymmetrical Dunlop struggled on snow and ice. The low-cost Fronway truly had good snow efficiency, with Benson believing it is extra of a snow tire with minor adjustments for all-season responsibility. Benson discovered the Pirelli to be significantly gratifying to drive in most circumstances.

All Season Tire Test

The winner, surprisingly, was not the Michelin CrossClimate 2. That honor went to the Continental AllSeasonContact 2. The latest Continental outperformed the CrossClimate 2 in most moist and dry checks, and whereas the Michelin was excellent with snow dealing with, straight traction was a problem. In reality, the CrossClimate 2 was bested total by Pirelli and Bridgestone as nicely, dropping it to fourth place on this analysis.

Benson’s publish at Tyre Reviews gives a radical walkthrough of all of the take a look at parameters and outcomes, together with particulars on finer factors corresponding to noise and tire put on. As for Michelin, we’re standing by for information of the CrossClimate 3, which is alleged to be in growth.

The Biggest Changes Made To Car Tires Over The Last 100 Years

Let’s begin round 1888. Back then, automotive tires had been product of stable rubber. These tires had been okay for outdated roads however not nice for the newer paved ones. Then John Boyd Dunlop invented the pneumatic tire, which is stuffed with air — these air-filled tires made rides a lot smoother and shortly grew to become in style.

During World War II, there was a scarcity of rubber. So, corporations used completely different supplies like plant fibers and artificial rubber. After the warfare, they went again to utilizing common rubber, however using artificial rubber began rising. In 1931, a turning level got here with DuPont’s profitable industrialization of artificial rubber. This made it simpler to supply extra and higher tires. Around the identical time, the balloon tire additionally got here out. It was a low-pressure tire with higher contact with the street, making it smoother.

In the Seventies, run-flat tires had been launched. These tires may nonetheless be pushed for a brief distance even after getting a puncture, they usually had been launched with a rising curiosity in supplies that might provide reliability in several circumstances. Today, you might have tire corporations making tires which might be higher for the planet as effectively. An excellent instance is corporations like Hankook creating airless tires, or NPTs (Non-Pneumatic Tires), utilizing uni-materials which might be extra energy-efficient in manufacturing and recyclable.

Schwalbe’s Green Marathon Bike Tires Are Made Out Of Recycled Materials

Schwalbe has lengthy been an enormous identify within the bicycle tire business, specializing in all kinds of tires for each die-hard mountain bikers and concrete commuters. Apart from tackling the efficiency facet of motorcycle tires, Schwalbe has lengthy had a eager eye on the environmental facet of issues. In an article I wrote for InsideEVs again in February 2023, it was reported that Schwalbe was working on environmentally friendly tires made out of recycled materials

Fast-forward one yr later, and Schwalbe has formally unveiled a brand new vary of tires aptly referred to as the Green Marathon. These new bike tires are significantly fascinating as they’re good not just for common pedal bikes, however e-bikes too. Accoridng to Schwalbe, the principle focus of the Green Marathon tires is to scale back microplastics and emissions from tire manufacturing, whereas on the identical time guaranteeing the rubber utilized in them is ethically sourced. The firm goes so far as claiming that the rubber is 100-percent Fair Rubber with a Fair Trade seal. Germany’s Fair Rubber affiliation ensures the welfare of rubber farmers, and is certainly inline with Schwalbe’s imaginative and prescient for sustainability. 

Schwalbe's Green Marathon Bike Tires Are Made Out Of Recycled Materials

Schwalbe claims that the manufacturing of the brand new Green Marathon tires makes use of 70-percent renewable and recycled uncooked supplies, which leads to a powerful 98-percent discount in dangerous substances. Furthermore, Schwalbe ascertains that its CO2 footprint has been lowered by 34 p.c because of this initiative. 

Indeed, these claims are spectacular on paper, however what does this imply for the tip consumer? Well, in line with Schwalbe, the brand new Green Marathon tires preserve excessive mileage and optimized using efficiency. Furthermore, Schwalbe’s GreenGuard technology ensures enough puncture safety. The manner it does that is with the usage of 100-percent recycled carbon black (rCB) sourced from Schwalbe’s recycling initiatives. As a consequence, this eliminates fossil-based carbon black, whereas guaranteeing the identical stage of high quality and longevity.

Schwalbe's Green Marathon Bike Tires Are Made Out Of Recycled Materials

The manner this works is thru a long-winded course of overseen by Schwalbe from begin to end. Used tires are collected then shredded into granules that are then processed as uncooked supplies for the manufacturing of recent tires. Schwalbe’s recycling initiatives have garnered the corporate recognition throughout Europe, because it bagged the Eurobike Innovators Prize in 2022 particularly due to its recycling course of. 

With all that being mentioned, the brand new Green Marathon tires is barely the beginning for Schwalbe. As it explains in its web site, “responsbility isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.” As such, the corporate is eyeing steady enhancements on the subject of environmental efficiency. Schwalbe has plans rolling out extra eco-friendly tires throughout all classes no later than 2025, all of which specializing in lowering emissions all through the tire’s total life cycle – all the way in which from manufacturing, utilization, and disposal. 

New Michelin Power And Anakee Tires Now In US Dealers

At EICMA 2023, Michelin introduced its new lineup of tires for observe, road, and journey riders. The Power 6, Power GP2, and Anakee Road search to ship an enhanced driving expertise for all riders, and are actually accessible to fans in North America. Let’s check out the main points of every of those new tires, in addition to the sizes that accompany them.

Michelin Power 6

Michelin Road 6 - Honda CBR650R

Michelin Road 6 – Honda CBR650R

Hitting the street is one thing that the majority riders are accustomed to, and it is simple to take our tires as a right. Unlike off-road and track-focused tires, road tires have to be versatile and resilient because the street can typically throw surprises at us, most of which our tires want to soak up. Unlike observe tires that are designed for both moist or dry circumstances, road tires have to excel at each, and that is what Michelin’s Power 6 affords riders. The Power 6 has been designed for max grip and optimum management, and guarantees sporty dealing with and agility due to its growth from Michelin’s motorsports experience. 

Check out the sizes for the brand new Michelin Power 6 within the desk under. 

Rim Size Tire Size
17 110/70ZR17 (54W)
17 120/70ZR17 (58W)
Rim Size Tire Size
17 140/70ZR17 (66W)
17 150/60ZR17 (66W)
17 180/55ZR17 (73W)
17 190/50ZR17 (73W)
17 190/55ZR17 (75W)
17 200/55ZR17 (78W)
17 240/45ZR17 (82W)

Michelin Power GP2

Michelin Power GP2 - BMW S 10000 RR

Michelin Power GP2 – BMW S 10000 RR

For these searching for the most effective efficiency on dry tarmac or on the race observe, the Power GP2 is Michelin’s latest providing for you. Michelin places a specific deal with dry grip to push the bike’s efficiency potential on observe. On high of that, the tire makes use of MotoGP-inspired expertise for max traction and predictable dealing with on the restrict. As is the case with most hypersport tires of this nature, the Power GP2 is finest fitted to high-performance sport and bare bikes, and the sizes are clearly a mirrored image of this. Check them out under:

Rim Size Tire Size
17 120/70ZR17 (58W)
   
17 160/60ZR17 (69W)
17 180/55ZR17 (73W)
17 190/50ZR17 (73W)
17 190/50ZR17 (73W)
17 200/55ZR17 (78W)

Michelin Anakee Road 

Michelin Anakee Road - BMW R 1250 GS

Michelin Anakee Road – BMW R 1250 GS

Combining mild off-road functionality and superior touring longevity, Michelin’s new Anakee Road is a stable selection for ADV-touring riders seeking to push the boundaries of their expertise. The tire has been engineered to optimize moist grip for assured driving in all climate, all whereas making certain confidence-inspiring traction on dry surfaces for spirited rides. On high of that, the tire’s development has been bolstered to offer further on-road stability for big journey bikes, with out compromising grip and cornering efficiency. Its aggressive but road-focused tread sample has been designed to go well with the styling of most trendy journey bikes, as properly. 

Check out the sizes under:

Rim Size Tire Size
21 90/90-21 54V
19 110/80R19 59V
19 120/70R19 60V
19 120/70ZR19 60W
Rim Size Tire Size
18 150/70R18 70V
17 150/70R17 69V
17 170/60R17 72V
17 170/60ZR17 72W

Michelin’s 2024 lineup of sport, road, and journey tires can be found from Michelin sellers throughout North America. For the most effective and most correct pricing data, we advocate getting in contact along with your nearest seller, or visiting Michelin’s official web site. 

Michelin Refreshes Its Power And Anakee Tires For 2024

Michelin is without doubt one of the most revered manufacturers relating to tires for all autos. The model has a storied historical past encompassing 130 years relating to innovating and creating two-wheeler tires. Since then, the model has seen notable success not simply on the road, however on the circuit too, with greater than 500 wins throughout the FIM’s World Series.

That mentioned, Michelin is displaying no indicators of slowing down, and has unveiled three new tires for the 2024 model-year. More particularly, Michelin’s refreshed vary of rubber casters to a big selection of riders within the type of the Power and Anakee ranges. These tires have develop into staples within the business, and are sometimes discovered as customary gear from a number of the business’s finest bikes. Let’s check out the three refreshed tires for 2024.

Michelin Power 6

Michelin Refreshes Its Power And Anakee Tires For 2024

The Michelin Power collection of tires at all times aimed to strike a stability between exhilarating efficiency and day by day practicality. The Power 6 is not any completely different, and takes efficiency and reliability to the subsequent degree. According to Michelin, the brand new Power 6 is geared toward a “wide range of sports motorcycle users looking for sportiness and pure riding pleasure.” While the Power 6 is certainly about efficiency, it’s additionally about longevity and all-weather grip. As such, it makes use of tougher carrying compounds for elevated mileage. Manufacturers are already making use of the Power 6 as customary gear on some fashions, corresponding to KTM with the 2024 390 Duke.

Michelin Power GP 2

Michelin Refreshes Its Power And Anakee Tires For 2024

For those that frequent the observe however nonetheless must trip on the road, Michelin’s bought you coated with the brand new Power GP 2. This tire was designed for the circuit, however homologated for the street, so in essence, it’s a street-legal race tire. Michelin says that it’s designed for supersport bikes such because the BMW S 1000 RR and Ducati Panigale to take advantage of their groundbreaking efficiency. Nevertheless, the truth that it’s homologated for road use implies that it additionally prioritizes on-road security by offering larger ranges of each moist and dry grip. According to Michelin, the brand new Power GP 2 makes use of the identical improvement instruments because the tires utilized in MotoGP.

Michelin Anakee Road

Michelin Refreshes Its Power And Anakee Tires For 2024

Michelin’s Anakee collection of tires has at all times been about journey and exploring past the confines of pavement. The new Anakee Road is particularly designed for journey touring machines that trip long-distance on roads and highways. The new tire can be equally at residence on metropolis streets for day by day commuting. Just just like the bikes they’re designed for, Michelin says that the Anakee Road tires are all about versatility and all-around practicality.

Unlike the opposite rugged Anakee tires, the Anakee Road has a tread sample that’s designed primarily for street use. As such, it guarantees excessive ranges of grip on each moist and dry situations, an prolonged service life for lengthy freeway stints, and notable high-speed stability. Last however not least, the brand new Anakee Road tires are lighter in development, making for a nimbler, extra agile street on twisty roads.

Availability

Michelin Refreshes Its Power And Anakee Tires For 2024

When it involves availability, count on the Michelin Power 6 and Power GP 2 to come back in all of the sizes related to bare and sport bikes. Meanwhile, the Anakee Road shall be supplied in customary ADV and touring sizes. Michelin says that the brand new tires shall be obtainable throughout North America beginning January 1, 2024.

Wide Versus Narrow Winter Tires: It Doesn’t Really Matter Which You Choose

There’s an age-old theory that suggests using narrower tires in the winter for more grip due to increased pressure on a smaller contact patch. The alternative argument is in favor of wider tires, as they offer more surface area for increased grip. However, according to Jonathan Benson at Tyre Reviews, whether you opt for wider or narrower tires for your winter setup doesn’t make much of a difference.

Benson wanted to put the wider versus narrower winter tires theory to the test, so he obtained four sets of Hankook tires to test on a BMW 3 Series on a snow-covered closed course, with each set of tires being wider than the previous. The tires ranged from 205 section-width up to 275s, with the 205s fitted on 16-inch wheels, the 225s on 18s, and the 255s and 275s on 19-inch rims.

Although there were subjective differences in feel and feedback between the sizes, the data revealed that the narrowest tire performed the best in acceleration testing but the worst in braking. For lap times, the middle 225 section-width tire performed the best. However, the results were so close that any difference would likely not be noticeable.

The primary conclusion from Tyre Reviews is that the objective performance of a good winter tire versus a bad winter tire of the same size shows more variation. Therefore, when shopping for winter tires, it’s better to focus on brands with good reviews rather than stress about the tire size.

We Finally Have the US Release Date for Hyundai’s 2025 Ioniq 5 N Electric Supercar-Killer

The Ioniq 5 N is equipped with Pirelli P-Zero tires and large four-piston front brakes. Hyundai has not revealed the car’s range yet, but it has an 84 kWh battery and can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.

As for the price, it’s a high-performance all-wheel drive hatchback with more horsepower than some supercars, so it’s not expected to be a budget-friendly model. While the exact pricing hasn’t been disclosed, looking at the prices of Hyundai/Kia’s performance-oriented models, like the 576 horsepower Kia EV6 GT starting at $61,600, can provide a ballpark estimate. Therefore, it’s anticipated to be priced slightly higher. Although it has not been test-driven yet, it’s evident that Hyundai has something exceptional. The 2025 Ioniq 5 N is the brand’s highest horsepower model by far, and its impressive numbers and specifications speak for themselves.

Hit A Pothole? Here’s 4 Signs You Need To See A Mechanic ASAP

Your car’s exhaust system is vulnerable to damage when hitting a pothole. If the pothole is deep enough or your car bounces high enough, the tip of your exhaust pipe could hit the ground. Given that the exhaust system is designed to prevent toxic fumes from entering the car, this could lead to serious issues.

Keep an eye and ear out for signs of exhaust damage, such as a distinct sputtering sound from the rear of your car and fluid leaking onto the road. If you notice these symptoms, it could indicate that the exhaust pipe and its associated components have been directly affected. Damaged exhaust can lead to engine failure, so it’s important to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Ken Block Records One Last Gymkhana Video and It’s Coming Soon

Ken Block, the master of tire destruction, is back with another thrilling Gymkhana video. The trailer for Electrikhana Two has been released, showcasing Block and the Audi S1 Hoonitron drifting, spinning, and causing chaos in Mexico City. However, this video holds a significant message as it marks Block’s final performance before his untimely passing in January 2023.

Details about the upcoming Gymkhana adventure are scarce at the moment. According to the Hoonigan YouTube channel, it was filmed towards the end of 2022 and serves as Block’s farewell with the company he founded. The Audi S1 Hoonitron, designed exclusively for Gymkhana, is featured for the second time. It is equipped with a dual-motor setup that delivers an impressive 671 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque.