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What used to be a relatively abstract concern twenty years ago is quickly shaping up to be a very present reality. Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly commonplace around the world, and even the UK, which has historically had a mild, stable climate, is seeing more extreme storms in winter and unexpectedly hot spells in summer.
It’s widely accepted that mass production has had a negative impact on the environment. However, the modern world fundamentally relies on the benefits that modern vehicles provide. We can’t function without cars to commute in, vans to transport and deliver goods in, and lorries to keep industry going. So the automotive industry is responding to the pressures of climate change by adapting designs and processes to lessen the impact on environmental conditions.
Let’s look at some ways this is happening.
Considering sustainability & weight
Perhaps the biggest challenge designers are coming up against is the increasing scarcity and cost of fossil fuels. While petroleum remains relatively available worldwide, it’s clear that current reserves are likely to run out within the next 50 years or so. Reducing fuel use as much as possible not only saves cost, but creates significant emissions reductions. So, we’ve seen a marked shift away from traditional steel-based designs (which tend to be quite heavy) towards more aluminium and carbon fibre usage.
More aerodynamic shapes
In contrast to the blocky vehicles of the 1950s, even family cars these days have generally slimmed down into very sleek, aerodynamic designs. There’s definitely been a rise in the popularity of SUVs - which are usually much bulkier than other cars – but even these tend to feature a lot of curvature and underbody panels to reduce drag.
This not only creates a real reduction in fuel consumption but, with the rise of electric vehicles, lets you travel a lot further overall. Which leads us to…
A shift away from internal combustion engine
The most dramatic response to climate change has come in the form of the shift away from the combustion engine, toward electric and hybrid motors. Even though electric vehicles are still, for the most part, currently charged using electricity that’s been generated through fossil fuel consumption, it’s a huge step in the right direction - driving demand for cleaner electricity-generating infrastructure.
And while even 10 years ago EVs were often seen as a fairly cumbersome technology reserved for the wealthy, they’re now firmly established as viable everyday vehicles for most drivers.
New tyre compounds & designs
The rubber that tyres were originally made with is an organic material that biodegrades quite readily. But the environmental benefit of that was, unfortunately, a downside for the owner of the car. The rubber compounds developed to counteract the effects of the weather and stand up to the impact of the road have gotten tougher overall, but have begun to cause a lot of environmental problems when they reach the end of their life.
So tyre manufacturers have begun researching alternative compounds, such as one made from dandelions, that can provide the same performance while being easier to biodegrade at the end of their life. Other than innovative compounds, new tyre tread patterns are being developed frequently, designed to aid with rolling resistance and water displacement without wearing away too quickly. This is particularly useful in the case of specialist summer or winter tyres.
Need help with your car?
Regardless of what the weather throws at your car, the experts at your local Kwik Fit centre are always on hand to help keep it in the best condition possible. Find your local centre here.
Want to know why ADAS calibration is important for vehicle safety & performance? Read our blog to learn more about the impacts of not calibrating your ADAS.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
Contact our team for help and advice with a new or existing booking. We’ll help direct your enquiry to the appropriate department.
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Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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