Colin Turkington has secured the top position for a second consecutive year in Goodyear’s Wingfoot Award, once again proving the BMW driver’s consistency and performance in qualifying across the British Touring Car Championship season. Finishing 8th in the final qualifying session of the year was enough to secure the 4-time BTCC champion his second Wingfoot Award trophy in as many years.

Maintaining a solid performance throughout the year, Turkington qualified within the top 10 in 9 qualifying sessions, collecting crucial points to extend his lead in the award standings. Taking only one pole position in the 2021 season, the victory shows proof that consistency and reliability across race weekends is key to success.

Into its second year, the Goodyear Wingfoot Award rewards points based on qualifying position in line with race points, with 20 points for the polesitter, 17 for second, 15 for third down to 1 point for 15th qualifying position.

Andy Marfleet, Marketing Director - Goodyear UK commented “It was a close competition in the Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings this year, with only 11 points between the top two drivers going into the final qualifying session. Colin has proven that consistency is key when it comes to qualifying, putting himself in prime position for the Wingfoot Award this year”

As Official Tyre Supplier to the BTCC, all cars are shod with Goodyear SuperSport race tyres supported by a dedicated team of tyre technicians across every race weekend to maximise the performance of every vehicle.

But I suspect you’ve never thought about how your tyres might save you some cash. There are steps you can take to ensure that they last as long as possible, so that you aren’t regularly shouldering the expense of replacing of them. But tyres also have a huge impact on your fuel consumption. As the only contact between your car and the road, if you fit the right tyres, and make sure to take good care of them, they’ll be sure to save you pennies at the pumps.

We’ve listed below a few different methods that you might want to consider. Whether your goal is to avoid having to replace tyres in your MOT, be kind to the environment, or simply making them last a little longer, there are ways to do it.

Check your tyre pressures

No matter what kind of tyres you have, you need to keep them properly inflated to get the best possible fuel consumption. Underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption anywhere between 0.6% and 3%*. The more underinflated your tyres are, the more fuel you'll use. But it’s also important to be aware that under-inflation can cause damage, meaning you may need to fork out sooner than you’d like on replacing them.

Many vehicles are now fitted with electronic tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to help keep an eye on this. That said, pressures should still be checked manually with a pressure gauge. To find the right pressure for your vehicle's tyres, take a look either in your handbook or at the sticker on the inside of the driver-side door. But remember, don't go by the maximum pressure reading on the side of your tyre. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Inspect your tyre treads

Just like your pressures, you should check your tyre treads regularly. Look at the bars in-between the treads themselves, as well as the centre or outside edges, for obvious signs of wear and any embedded objects. Keeping them clear and making sure that there isn’t any irregular wear can go a long towards ensuring your tyres perform for as long as possible.

On the subject of wear, rotating your tyres could be another way to ensure they last longer. Tyres fitted at the front of a vehicle usually wear differently than those on the rear, but by changing their position – from front to rear and vice versa – their lifespan can be extended. Rotation periods vary, but if you frequently drive at high speeds or undertake long or fully laden journeys, more regular rotations are recommended.

Shop around

If you're looking for new tyres, and are browsing specifically with fuel consumption in mind, there are a few things you need to look out for. The first is rolling resistance; this is essentially the effort needed to keep a tyre rolling. A high rolling resistance tyre means your engine will need to work harder to keep your wheels moving. If you’re looking to save fuel, it's important to look – or perhaps even ask at your local garage – for tyres with low rolling resistance, which is identified by a rating on the EU Tyre Label, similar to those found on white goods. These tyres are manufactured with advanced rubber compound formulations and innovative tread patterns to achieve the desired effect.

The next thing to look out for is the weight of a tyre, as a lighter tyre is ultimately going to reduce the overall weight of your car. While this difference might seem insignificant, your car's engine isn't going to be working quite as hard without that extra weight. Over tens of thousands of miles, this can make a huge difference to your fuel economy, CO2 emissions and inevitably the environment too.

Rolling resistance and weight are two prime concerns for tyre manufacturers. At Goodyear, for instance, we’re working to reduce rolling resistance by 40% and tyre weight by 9% by 2025 — from a 2005 baseline — across our entire consumer portfolio.

Look for tyres that’ll take you further

You have a bit of research under your belt, so you’ll start to see that there are plenty of tyres out there employing the latest technology and manufacturing techniques to take you further.

For instance, tyres built for efficiency and comfort (often called touring tyres) are a great choice for long journeys. Not only could you see a reduction in fuel consumption, but they’ll also filter the effect of small bumps in the road's surface, making for a smoother ride. Performance tyres, on the other hand, feature tread patterns and rubber compounds made for grip. This means improved responsiveness and handling on the road (or the track!), but the trade-off is often increased fuel consumption.

There are some tyres that offer the best of both worlds, though. Take our very own EfficientGrip Performance 2. Designed with fuel efficiency in mind, these tyres also offer great handling and braking performance in dry or wet conditions, just in case you come up against tricky conditions, or even want to simply enjoy an exciting ride.

Switch tyres for the seasons

 Fitting appropriate tyres for the time of year can also help them to stay in good condition for longer. Winter tyres for, example, will provide much better grip and traction than summer tyres when the temperature drops below 7°c. However, they will also wear out faster if they are used on hot surfaces, so swap to summer tyres again when temperatures rise.

At face-value, specialist tyres like these can be quite an investment, but if you’re vigilant and make sure to swap them over as the seasons change, you’ll see the benefit. Alternatively, all-season tyres, which provide great performance and any weather, could be well-worth considering.

Improve your driving habits

Good driving habits can go a long way towards reducing the need to frequently purchase new tyres. A smooth and gentle driving style, taking care to avoid road surface imperfections, will increase the life of your tyres and ensure they give their best performance. Hard acceleration and braking, or aggressive driving over speed bumps and potholes, will ultimately damage your tyres.

If you’re keen to reduce your fuel consumption and in turn reduce your fuel costs, you need to drive economically. This means going easy on your inputs; brake smoothly and accelerate gently, where possible. But you should also pay attention to your tyres.

For more information on how to look after our tyres, visit: https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/learn/maintaining-your-tire.html

BIRMINGHAM, UK, September 9^th, 2020 – Auto Express, the UK’s biggest selling weekly motoring magazine, has published its annual summer tyre test today, crowning Goodyear as the winner.

The test focused on the world’s top selling size – 205/55R16 and assessed ten different tyre brands against one another in key disciplines including wet and dry handling, wet and dry braking, aquaplaning, noise, rolling resistance and price.

The new Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance performed well throughout the test to take first place. Kim Adams, who conducted the test for Auto Express, said: “A debut win for the [EfficientGrip] Performance 2 which manages to retain enough wet performance to effectively balance dry grip and impressive fuel economy.”

The tyre is equipped with Wet Braking Technology and Dry Stability Plus Technology, so it was no surprise to see the tyre coming first in the Dry Handling test run by Auto Express.

Commenting on these performance areas, Adams reviewed: “[in the wet]…it felt good behind the wheel with a strong front, but a rear that was kept in check. Move across to the dry track and the latest EfficientGrip comes in to its own…with a good turn in and ability to take more throttle than rivals before pushing wide. It also lasted longer before losing grip compared to most competitors.”

In the coveted test, the tyre also performed well in Rolling Resistance and Noise tests coming first in both.

Mike Rytokoski, Chief Marketing Officer for Goodyear Europe commented: “We are thrilled that our new EfficientGrip Performance 2 has taken the top spot in this important tyre test. Not only have we proved that the product performs well in the criteria tested by Auto Express, but we also know that one of the major benefits of this new product is its mileage potential.

“Featuring Mileage Plus Technology, it boasts 50% more mileage than its predecessor and 20% more mileage than the next best competitor, Michelin, according to independent testing organization TÜV SÜD*.

“This product keeps on performing for us with podium finishes in other tyre tests across Europe and now the top spot in the Auto Express adds to the collection.”

In her new role, Kate will be responsible for leading Goodyear’s commercial activity throughout the UK and Ireland, driving growth across truck tyre sales and uptake of Goodyear’s comprehensive fleet offering, Goodyear Total Mobility.

Kate assumes the role having already spent over ten years with Goodyear, most recently as Head of Sales Capability Europe. She has extensive knowledge of the industry and has previously managed some of the company’s largest consumer accounts in the UK, bringing strong sales coaching skills to support the ongoing development of the commercial team.

Kate Norton comments: “After a decade with Goodyear, I’m delighted to be taking on this new role. Not only for the chance it gives me to hone and develop our commercial offering, but also for the opportunity to join such a dedicated team. Our customers in the commercial industry have faced untold challenges these past few months, and we’re proud to have been by their sides. Our Goodyear Total Mobility offering has been pivotal to this, and it’s been a joy to see it already go from strength to strength. Now, as a part of this team, I’m looking forward to taking our important work to all new heights.”

Marc Preedy, Managing Director Truck Replacement Europe, comments: “We couldn’t be happier to have Kate stepping into this role. These are challenging times for the wider commercial industry, but the skills and experience with which Kate will lead the team are sure to be invaluable. We wish her luck and are excited to get to work.”

About The Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tyre companies. It employs about 62,000 people and manufactures its products in 46 facilities in 21 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centres in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

Beyond just tire service, AndGo delivers full vehicle readiness, helping consumer fleets boost their performance. Through monitoring of service needs and quick and easy scheduling, AndGo activates Goodyear’s vast service network for convenient scheduling to reduce downtime.

Goodyear Chairman, CEO and President Richard J. Kramer said, “AndGo is another Goodyear innovation that will help enable mobility today and in the future. There is no one better positioned than Goodyear with our service network, intelligent tyre solutions and predictive software to provide premium fleet readiness.”

Fleets engaging AndGo will benefit from continuous care through routine inspections and tyre monitoring leveraging Goodyear’s intelligent tyres. AndGo eliminates the guesswork in fleet management allowing fleets to focus on their end-customers, whether it is today’s drivers or passengers in emerging autonomous vehicles.

AndGo is currently available in select U.S. markets today and will expand to additional markets in mid-2020.

Through collaboration with fleets, AndGo will accelerate and create new standards for mobility, backed by the more than 120 years of Goodyear experience. For more information about AndGo, visit www.andgonow.com.

Goodyear Ventures will continue and expand Goodyear’s growing relationships in new mobility, with a focus on partnering and investing in startups with a shared vision of sustainable, safe and new mobility experiences that make life’s connections easier every day.

Goodyear’s Chairman, CEO and President Richard J. Kramer said, “Goodyear is a technology-driven mobility company that seeks out and partners with other mobility thought leaders ranging from small startups to proven business models. Goodyear Ventures will take this effort to the next level to engage and shape how people move in the future.” Goodyear Ventures will focus on eight themes shaping mobility:

• Electric and autonomous technologies
• Connected mobility solutions
• Next-generation public mobility
• Next-generation aviation mobility
• Future transportation infrastructure
• Future maintenance and operations
• Emerging technologies
• New tyre materials

In addition to capital, Goodyear Ventures’ portfolio companies will have the opportunity to learn and grow with Goodyear through its extensive technology and innovation resources, vast vehicle service network, and global manufacturing and product development footprint. For more information on Goodyear Ventures, go to www.goodyearventures.com.

In order to recognise to these individuals for their vital efforts, Goodyear is inviting the public to nominate its ‘Highway Heroes’ via the company’s commercial page on LinkedIn. Each month, starting in April, a deserving nominee will be chosen at random and awarded a set of Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 tyres for their personal vehicle.

David Howe, Commercial Sales General Manager, Goodyear UK&I, comments: “It’s no secret that this is an unprecedented period, for businesses and families alike. While the rest of us are safe at home though, we want to show our thanks to those who are still on the roads. From delivery drivers, many of whom we are proud to call customers, to those providing vital roadside support, such as our very own TruckForce technicians, now, more than ever, we are pleased to show our appreciation of these Highway Heroes.”

As well as the Highway Heroes scheme, Goodyear has also provided a Driver Tyre Check Guide. Available via the company’s commercial LinkedIn page, the guide will help fleet managers and drivers to carry out thorough pre-trip inspections of their tyres, ensuring their fleets are ready to hit the road.

David Howe concluded: “While the nation observes social distancing measures, many drivers and fleet managers will be relying on their own experience to keep their vehicles operational. It’s a great honour to be able to support many of these essential fleets, and we want to continue to do our part. To that end, we’re pleased to offer our Driver Tyre Check Guide, providing advice that will help to keep tyres in top condition and vehicles on the road. Together, we can keep our nation moving.”