Given the adverse weather that's hit the UK over the past few months, particularly in Scotland, there's probably never been a more appropriate time to talk about tyres.
Whether you switched to winter tyres, carried on with little tread or gave up altogether in the snow, many people don't think about their tyres until they really need to - if they have a puncture, or their MOT garage mentions it. Even then, many opt for a quick fix - find the cheapest set and that'll do.
The reality is, many people simply don't care, as long as it does the job.
Thankfully, Bridgestone - the world's number one tyre manufacturer, have been working hard, not only to promote awareness but also to provide a quality product, cue their new premium touring tyre - Turanza T005.
And, having put the tyre through its paces - literally, as well as seeing how tyres are tested, I can vouch that they've produced an extremely good tyre.
Developed and produced in Europe, Bridgestone interviewed thousands of buyers across the continent to identify their needs and expectations.
Jakob Rønsholt, Managing Director, Products and Solutions Strategy: “The new Turanza T005 premium touring tyre is a core product in the Bridgestone portfolio: we analysed consumer needs very carefully and then produced a tyre that meets these expectations.”
Designed as an everyday, long-lasting car tyre - without compromising durability or fuel economy, the new T005 was independently tested by one of Europe's most respected testing institutes and found to be best in class for wet grip and wet braking performance - stopping quicker than its rivals.
To put Bridgestone's claims to the test, I was invited along to their European Education Centre/Proving Ground in Aprilia, near Rome. It was the closest I was going to get to the Italian job.
Fortuitously, Bridgestone had fitted their latest product onto a Volkswagen Golf and Mercedes E-Class, and had set up a course which demonstrated their new tyre to its maximum. In mild weather, the course consisted of driving over standing water, braking to avoid strategically placed obstacles and heavy braking in the wet, at speed - all of which the tyre performed brilliantly.
Without any loss of grip or control of the car, the T005 gripped like glue.
And, if that wasn't enough, I was taken around the test-track by former F1 driver Stefano Modena. This time on dry surfaces, at nearly 140mph, the tyre held its own; with precision, never faltering no matter the duress it was placed under. As we titled up parallel with the crash barrier on the steep oval incline, I was grateful for the tyre performing as well as it did!
Granted, most motorists will never require their tyres to be pushed to these limits, unless perhaps in an emergency situation, but it demonstrates just how versatile the Turanza T005 is.
Furthermore, Bridgestone have incorporated technology into their tyre, which helps minimise internal road noise.
Coming down from a high of the circuit, I was taken to a skid-pan, given the keys to an Audi TT and told to go for it - so, I did. With water sprinklers soaking the skid-pan, no matter how hard I pushed the car - and I did, a lot, the tyre held course and did the job it was designed to do - impeccably. Most impressive. Though, I was disappointed not have been able to pull off some Fast and Furious moves!
The tyre's durability and tread design came into their own.
I then visited Bridgestone's technical centre, where engineers, chemical experts and designers work their magic.
It was interesting to see the procedure around testing a tyre. From gargantuan agricultural tyres being tested to the max on massive machines, to car tyres being put through their paces on complex contraptions. From specialists talking about the texture and compounds of rubber, to departments that specialise in microscopic measurements.
Who knew such complex detailing and technology went into a tyre?
Suffice to say; when you get a tyre that's tailor-made for its customers - then you're on the right road.
The Turanza feature as published in the national press.
To view the publiushed article, click this link:-