Goodyear Autocare Outlets to Implement Zero Contact Policy

Goodyear Philippines’ retail and service center, Goodyear Autocare chain of stores is now implementing a Zero Contact Policy to ensure the safety and well-being of its associates and customers under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Following Goodyear Autocare’s recent win in the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards, Goodyear Philippines will be adopting a new retail environment that will continue to safely serve the motoring public. Goodyear Philippines has evolved its service model to promote safer retail interactions and sustainable tire sales without compromising safety and service quality.

The Zero Contact Policy will minimize direct contact between store associates and customers to help eliminate the spread of COVID-19. Here’s how it works:

Goodyear customers can contact any Goodyear Autocare stores either through Goodyear Philippines’ Facebook account or via their local Goodyear Autocare store’s mobile number to book an appointment. At the confirmed appointment, customers should visit their selected Goodyear Autocare store and drop-off their vehicle at the designated Zero Contact area.

Goodyear Autocare associates are required to wear personal protective equipment while servicing the customer’s vehicle. They are also required to clean and disinfect all contact points in the vehicle prior to customer turnover. After servicing and disinfection, the customer will pick-up the vehicle at the Zero Contact area.

This new Zero Contact policy will be enforced at all stores nationwide. Aside from these precautionary measures other health and safety guidelines such as physical distancing, no physical contact between associates and customers, disinfection of all vehicle touch points prior to delivery to customers, and promotion of personal hygiene with hand sanitizers for associates and customers will be observed.

Bridgestone to Temporarily Shut Japan Plants Due to Weaker Global Demand

The world’s largest tiremaker, Bridgestone said it will be temporarily suspending operation at its 11 manufacturing plants in Japan, including 8 tire factories.

The shutdown, done in phases will happen from late April to early May is in response to the slowing global demand for tires brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes its main passenger vehicle tire factory in Hikone and its main truck and bus tire manufacturing plant in Amagi.

As of April 16, Bridgestone had suspended operations at 19 of its 51 global factories to reflect the weaker demand for tires.

Pollution from Tire Wear is 1,000 Times Worse Than Exhaust Emissions

Want to cut your carbon footprint? Consider using high-quality tires, or at least make sure they’re properly inflated. This conclusion comes from Emissions Analytics, the world’s leading independent specialist for the scientific measurement of real-world emissions.

In their study, they found that non-exhaust emissions generated by tire wear can be 1,000 times worse than what comes out of a car’s exhaust.

Harmful particle matter from tires—and also brakes—is a very serious and growing environmental problem, one that is being exacerbated by the increasing popularity of large, heavy vehicles such as SUVs, and growing demand for electric vehicles, which are heavier than standard cars because of their batteries.

What’s more, vehicle tire wear pollution is completely unregulated, unlike exhaust emissions which have been rapidly reduced by car makers thanks to the pressure placed on them by various governments. New cars now emit very little in the way of particulate matter but there is growing concern around ‘non-exhaust emissions’.

Non-exhaust emissions (NEE) are particles released into the air from brake wear, tire wear, road surface wear, and resuspension of road dust during on-road vehicle usage. No legislation is in place to limit or reduce NEE, but they cause a great deal of concern for air quality.

NEEs are currently believed to constitute the majority of primary particulate matter from road transport, 60 percent of PM2.5 and 73 percent of PM10.

To understand the scale of the problem, Emissions Analytics performed some initial tire wear testing. Using a popular family hatchback running on brand new, correctly inflated tires, they found that the car emitted 5.8 grams per kilometer of particles.

Compared with regulated exhaust emission limits of 4.5 milligrams per kilometer, the completely unregulated tire wear emission is higher by a factor of over 1,000. Emissions Analytics notes that this could be even higher if the vehicle had tires which were underinflated, or the road surfaces used for the test were rougher, or the tires used were from a budget range – all very recognizable scenarios in ‘real world’ motoring.

Road Safety Groups Caution Against Used, Worn Tires Amidst Possible Shortage of Low-Cost Tires

While most people link the Coronavirus to the closure of vehicle manufacturing plants as its most direct effect to the automotive industry, it may also have an effect on something that concerns current vehicle owners as well: the supply of low-cost tires.

With low-cost tires becoming a popular choice among motorists, the fact that a vast majority of these tires come from China or Southeast Asia, where the majority of COVID-19 cases are found, this may result in a reduced stock of low-cost tires in the near future.

Stocks are currently stable at the moment, but road safety groups are now cautioning owners who might have been in the market for these low-cost tires against the dangers of partly worn or used tires. Not only is there a possibility that these tires have been poorly patched up due to puncture damage, but used tire sellers might not actually be able to expertly determine whether or not these used tires are actually safe to be re-fitted into a car.

Road safety groups remind that tires must have a remaining tread depth of 1.6 mm to be considered as safe. Taking this into consideration, a new tire, even with a higher initial price tag, may represent a better lifetime value given worn tires will require more regular replacement.

In case that low-cost tires become scarce, buyers are recommended to skip worn or used tires, and simply go for mid-priced ones. Moreover, motorists are reminded to check air pressure, condition, and tread depth on a regular basis.

Yokohama Re-Issues Tires Made for Classic Cars

Understanding that there’s a large classic car market out there, Japanese tire giant Yokohama now has a specialized range that caters to sizes long gone. This new range, though keeping with the classic style and design incorporates modern technology and performance.

The first tire in the new range, the G.T Special Y350, heralds back to 1967 when the original brand was launched, and was the first within Yokohama’s range to feature radial tire technology. Ideally suited for use on historic Japanese and European cars from the 1960s and 1970s, the tire is now available in both 14- and 15-inch sizes.

Owners of the Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo (930) is very lucky because Yokohama has come up with the Advan A008P—a perfect fitment to the sportscar’s 205/55ZR16 front and 245/45ZR16 rear tires.

For those with modern classics—cars from the 80s and 90s, Yokohama has the Advan HF Type-D 008 which is available in sizes ranging from 10 to 15 inches.

Finally, there’s the Yokohama A539 which is available in sizes ranging from 12 to 15 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of classic cars.

There’s still no word whether Yokohama Philippines will be bringing in this special line of hobby tires, but here’s hoping that they realize that classic cars also need the same level of TLC as modern ones. And given that some of these sizes are hard to find, we’re pretty sure owners are willing to pay a pretty penny for some modern tire tech.

Get a Brand New Tire for As Low As P 800 at Wheel Gallery This Week

Wheel Gallery is holding a limited time sale for its stock of Saffiro Tires from today until Wednesday, December 18. Located at 318 Col. Bonny Serrano Avenue, San Juan get selected sizes ranging from 15-22 inches with as much as 70 percent discount.

Prices for their Passenger Car tire line ranges from just P 800 per piece to P 2,500 per piece, while for their SUV tire line, it’s just at P 3,000 per piece or P 5,000 for two. Even ply-biased tires are on sale for just P 6,000 for a set of two.

Check out the full list of available sizes and prices below, but it’s worth noting that these tires still carry a 6-month warranty against defects despite their affordable price. Prices do not include mounting and balancing fees. Major credit cards are accepted.

• 185/65 R 15 – P 800
• 195/65 R 15 – P 800
• 195/50 R 16 – P 1,000
• 205/45 R 16 – P 1,000
• 205/60 R 16 – P 1,000
• 205/40 R 17 – P 1,500
• 205/50 R 17 – P 1,500
• 215/50 R 17 – P 1,500
• 215/60 R 17 – P 1,500
• 225/45 R 17 – P 1,500
• 235/55 R 17 – P 1,500
• 235/35 R 19 – P 2,500
• 235/55 R 19 – P 2,500
• 245/45 R 19 – P 2,500
• 265/30 R 19 – P 2,500
• 275/30 R 19 – P 2,500
• 31x10.5 R 15 – P 3,000 (Buy 2 for P 5,000)
• 235/85 R 16 – P 3,000 (Buy 2 for P 5,000)
• 245/75 R 16 – P 3,000 (Buy 2 for P 5,000)
• 265/75 R 16 – P 3,000 (Buy 2 for P 5,000)
• 235/65 R 17 – P 3,000 (Buy 2 for P 5,000)
• 265/70 R 17 – P 3,000 (Buy 2 for P 5,000)
• 285/70 R 17 – P 3,000 (Buy 2 for P 5,000)
• 275/65 R 18 – Buy 2 for P 6,000
• 275/45 R 20 – Buy 2 for P 6,000
• 275/55 R 20 – Buy 2 for P 6,000
• 275/60 R 20 – Buy 2 for P 6,000
• 265/40 R 22 – Buy 2 for P 6,000
• 305/40 R 22 – Buy 2 for P 6,000

Michelin is Official Tire Technology Partner to Gran Turismo

Michelin through its Chief Representative to the Philippines Michael Nunag announced that PlayStation has selected Michelin as “official tire technology partner” for its Gran Turismo driving simulator franchise.

Under the multi-year agreement, Michelin becomes “official tire supplier” of the FIA Certified Gran Turismo Championships, with Michelin-branded tires featured in the game.

The relationship begins by increasing Michelin’s visibility through free downloadable content on Gran Turismo Sport now available. The Michelin-themed download will feature for the first time:

• A new Michelin section on the Gran Turismo Sport “Brand Central” virtual museum, which introduces players to Michelin’s deep history in global motorsports, performance and innovation.
• Tire technology by Michelin available in the “Tuning” section of Gran Turismo Sport, applicable to the game’s established hard, medium, and soft formats.
• On-track branding elements and scenography from many of the world’s most celebrated motorsports competitions and venues.

Through racing series such as FIA World Endurance Championship, FIA World Rally Championship, FIA Formula E, and International Motor Sports Association series in the U.S., Michelin uses motorsports as a laboratory to collect vast amounts of real-world data that power its industry-leading models and simulators for tire development. Tire technologies proven on the track eventually transfer to road-going performance vehicles like many of those on screen in Gran Turismo.

Michelin will share this knowledge openly with Sony in the first co-development exchange of its kind, aiming to provide Gran Turismo players with a new dimension of strategy and competition linked to tire selection and performance, drawing ever closer to the pit-level decisions that race teams evaluate on every track.

Goodyear Philippines Launches Quiet, High-Mileage All-Terrain Tire: The Wrangler AT SilentTrac

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in the Philippines, Goodyear is announcing a brand-new addition to its Wrangler family that carries the company legacy of innovation and performance to keep Filipino drivers safe on the road: the Wrangler AT SilentTrac.

The Wrangler AT SilentTrac delivers the same ruggedness associated with the Wrangler line while delivering impressive on- and off-road handling performance without the noise. Goodyear says the development is found in the tire’s upgraded DuraWall Technology which withstands punishing terrain by resisting cuts and tears while also incorporated improved rigid shoulder blocks, and an optimized tread pattern for outstanding strength and reduced road noise.

Going into detail, the Wrangler AT SilentTrac has three key design and engineering benefits:

All-Terrain Performance: The advanced DuraWall Technology and optimized sidewall and tread provide superior off-road durability.

• Robust Traction Blocks: The new design features solid centerline blocks with abundant traction edges to deliver reliable all-terrain traction and robust for off-road toughness. 
• DuraWall Technology: Wrangler AT SilentTrac’s innovated DuraWall Technology highlights a tough sidewall with thicker gauge and robust compound that provides greater resistance to cuts and punctures with high abrasion and tear resistance for a supportive off-road driving experience. 
• Robust Tread Compound: The advanced tread compound with silica blend is developed to resist cutting and chipping during off-road without compromising wet traction on road. 

Quiet Performance: Wrangler AT SilentTrac’s refined tread design and revamped center line and shoulder block design deliver a comfortable and quieter experience.

• Angled Centerline Blocks Design: The aggressive traction blocks are angled for a progressive impact to lower pattern noise.
• Solid Shoulders: The remodeled shoulders feature a combination of pronounced traction notches and solid ribs that result in a smoother impact on the road. 
• Thicker Rubber Layer Under Tread to Absorb Vibration: The thicker rubber layer under tread softens contact with the road and reduces noise for a more pleasant ride. 

Mileage Performance: Goodyear engineers optimized the tread area for an even pressure distribution across the footprint, resulting in excellent mileage and great balance for on and off-road performance.

• Larger Wearable Rubber Volume: The new tread pattern includes an 8% increase in rubber volume for extended tread life.
• Robust Tread Compound: The advanced tread compound with silica blend presents a better resistance to road abrasion, resulting in superior tread wear. 
• Optimized Cavity Shape: Wrangler AT SilentTrac’s updated cavity shape provides an enhanced contact patch allowing the load to be evenly distributed for extended mileage.

The Wrangler AT SilentTrac is available in popular fitments ranging from 15 to 18 inches. Like other members of the Wrangler family, it also comes with Goodyear’s Worry Free Assurance program that offers free 24/7 roadside assistance and a 5-year warranty upon purchase:

• 225/75 R 15 102 T
• 235/70 R 15 103 T
• 235/75 R 15 109 T
• 255/70 R 15 C 112/110 S
• 205 R 16 LT 112/110 T
• 245/70 R 16 111 T
• 265/70 R 16 112 H
• 265/65 R 17 112 H
• 265/60 R 18 110 H

Patriot Tires is Now in the Philippines

Patriot Tires is finally in the Philippines. The American-marketed tire brand specializes in SUV-centric applications that brings together functionality, reliability, and affordability.

Designed and engineered to bridge the gap between entry-level and premium tire brands, Patriot Tires exceeds all global standards without breaking the bank. It passes the US-based D.O.T. and Europe TUV Rheinand standards.

The Singapore-based Omni United, the parent company of Patriot Tires, first launched the brand in the United States in 2003. Leveraging their global supply chain, Patriot Tires remains affordable. Yet, by staying design-driven, they respond quickly to market tastes and demands. For example, they can bring a tire from the drawing board to production in as little as six months. Today, thanks largely to the stellar performance of Patriot Tires, they have sold over 5 million tires globally.

Seeing the very same trend favoring SUV and truck personalization, Patriot Tires is finally in the local market serving owners who’re looking for tires that blend purpose and function. Through its ethos of “utilitarian design,” Patriot Tires are offered in a wide range of fitments that cover everything from crossovers to extreme trucks.

Serving as the backbone of the entire line-up is the unique “Rugged Terrain” or R/T line. Available in a wide range of sizes from 17 to 24 inches (speed ratings from Q to T), the Patriot R/T is designed to deliver exceptional off-road performance similar to M/T or Mud Terrain tires, coupled with the on-road comfort, quietness, and smoothness of A/T or All Terrain tires. Indeed, these tires are truly the “best of both worlds” for the SUV buyer.

On the extreme ends, there’s the Patriot A/S RB-1+, the brand’s sport touring tire with an ultra-high UTQG (tread life) rating of 500. Designed for crossovers, they’re available in aspect ratios ranging from 35 to 65; on the other is the Patriot M/T or Mud Terrain tire, a tire that’s designed for harsh off-road use. Offering good handling and traction on slippery and muddy surfaces, it resists cutting and chipping on gravel or rocky surfaces as well. Of course, Patriot Tires are also offered in A/T or All-Terrain fitments and coming next year, Extreme Terrain fitments.

“Patriot Tires is a great compliment to our product portfolio,” says Sam Liuson, President of Wheel Gallery, one of the dealers of Patriot Tires. “It suits our Black Rhino brand of wheels in that it combines style and durability that withstands the intense rigors and torture of off-roading with no difficulty.”

Patriot Tires is available at Black Rhino Philippines / Wheel Gallery located at 318 Santolan Road, San Juan. For more information, contact them through their official Facebook page or through telephone number +63 2 724 7176.

Michelin's New Budget-Friendly Tire Promises Shorter Braking Distances Even When Worn

Targeting young and budget-friendly consumers looking for tires with safety and performance that last, Michelin Philippines unveiled the Energy XM2+, a tire made for small and mid-sized passenger cars.

The Michelin Energy XM2+ outperforms the previous generation tire, particularly in wet braking. Moreover, it keeps its braking performance throughout its useful life.

Michael Nunag, Michelin Chief Representative to the Philippines revealed: “The Michelin Energy XM2+ improves, in various aspects, on its predecessor, the Michelin Energy XM2, which has been a leading mass-market tire for eight consecutive years. Its performance is made to last, keeping consumers safe and confident on the road, time after time.”

The Michelin Energy XM2+ is made with a new full-silica rubber compound (hence the “+” sign) that shortens wet braking distances by 1.5 meters when new, and by 2.6 meters when worn compared to the averages of other premium tire manufacturers in an 80 km/h to 0 km/h test.

The test was conducted by TUV Rheinland Thailand Ltd (an independent 3rd party), on Michelin’s request using the 205/55 R 16 fitment. The Michelin Energy XM2+ was compared to four other tire brands. For its worn braking test, 2 mm remaining tread depth was used as standard.

Aside from better braking performance, the Michelin Energy XM2+ is found to be longer lasting, besting five other premium tire manufacturers by up to 25 percent. It also maintains the Green “X” marking of its predecessor, indicating its nature as a low-rolling resistance tire.

The Michelin Energy XM2+ is available as an OE fitment for tires sized 14-16. Michelin says it is perfect for the following vehicles:

• Honda Brio
• Honda City
• Honda Jazz
• Honda BR-V
• Honda Mobilio
• Honda Civic
• Toyota Wigo
• Toyota Vios
• Toyota Yaris
• Toyota Corolla Altis
• Toyota Avanza
• Toyota Innova
• Mitsubishi Mirage 
• Mitsubishi Mirage G4
• Mitsubishi Lancer EX
• Mitsubishi Xpander
• Hyundai i10
• Hyundai Accent
• Hyundai Elantra
• Suzuki Celerio
• Suzuki Swift
• Suzuki Ertiga
• Nissan Almera
• Nissan Altima
• Nissan Juke
• Mazda2