#michelin tyre man

[squideo]

Advert Alchemy: The Representative

In this series, Squideo is breaking down the eight key ingredients to turn your advertising content into gold! In the last edition of Advert Alchemy, we explored some famous jingles which proved the effectiveness of an earworm. This week, we’re looking at the importance of the representative. 

Adverts often star characters, actors or the company’s owner and this representative can make all the difference in public perception of a brand. 

Character Cameos

Love them or hate them, the right reoccurring character can make an advert and become synonymous with a brand. Read on for Squideo’s top five picks for iconic fictional characters who starred in adverts. How many do you recognise?

01. Bird’s Eye

Captain Birdseye, also called Captain Iglo in mainland Europe, has been a feature onscreen since 1967. Barring a brief death of the Bird’s Eye character in 1971, which was marked with an obituary in The Times, Captain Birdseye has been their mascot for over fifty years. Initially played by actor John Hewer, the Captain has also become illustrated with a prominent place on the packaging of Bird’s Eye goods. In 2018 a new actor, Riccardo Acerbi, took over the role proving Captain Birdseye is here to stay. 

02. Duracell

The longstanding mascot for this company, the Duracell Bunny, was introduced in 1974. Besides a brief period when it was replaced by The Puttermans, a fictional family who received mixed reviews from audiences, Duracell Bunny has remained this brand’s mascot ever since. So successful was the introduction of the Duracell Bunny that Duracell’s competitor – Energizer –introduced the Energizer Bunny as a rival causing a legal dispute between both companies. 

03. Go Compare

This character might fall under the “hate them” category, but it’s impossible to deny the effectiveness of Go Compare’s Gio Compario. The adverts have been running since 2009, with Welsh singer and actor Wynne Evans playing the character. The pervasiveness of this character became so divisive that an advert series was run by Go Compare in 2012 which featured various celebrities trying to assassinate Gio. Introducing this character certainly made the brand memorable, making Gio as effective as he is annoying. 

04. Michelin

Bibendum, known as the Michelin Tyre Man in the English-speaking world, might be older than you think. First created for this French company in 1894, this character has become an icon the world over and remains one of the oldest trademarks still in use. The character has changed over the years to reflect the times, but every version remains identifiable as the Michelin Tyre Man. Its popularity has been referenced in books, film, television and songs. The character even starred in a 2009 animated short film, Logorama. 

05. Rice Krispies

While not as old as Bibendum, Rice Krispies’ Snap, Crackle and Pop are no spring chickens. First appearing in 1933, these characters evolved from cartoonish gnomes to friendly elves over the years. Their names were derived from a radio advert – a real indication of their age – which describes the sound made from adding milk to this cereal. The names later became a jingle which, like the characters, is still used in the Rice Krispies adverts. 

Who Are You Wearing?

These characters have carved out a legacy in advert history, but not all advertisers use fictional characters. Others prefer the classic celebrity endorsement – plastering the face of the world’s most famous people all over their product. This approach has its advantages and disadvantages, which come with the popularity of said celebrity. 

Read on for Squideo’s top five picks for notable celebrity endorsements. 

01. Dior

Natalie Portman was made a brand ambassador for Dior in 2010. As an ambassador, that means Portman not only appears in television adverts, but also wears Dior products at public events and attends Dior shows. Portman’s advertisements for the Dior fragrance Miss Dior have been particularly popular, combining well-known music, engaging storytelling and creative cinematography. 

02. EE

From 2012, the UK’s EE mobile network has been fronted by American actor Kevin Bacon. Capitalising on the popular game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon and the actor’s prolific career, as well as a recent financial disaster which left the actor strapped for cash, Bacon has been the face of this brand almost as long as its existence – EE was founded in 2010. It’s certainly come a long way over the past decade, now ranked as the best rated 5G network in Britain, and these adverts certainly contributed to the growth of this brand over such a short period of time. 

03. Nespresso

George Clooney hardly needed more exposure when he started appearing in Nespresso’s adverts in 2006, but his addition gave a huge boon to the brand. After becoming closely associated with Nespresso, Clooney started taking a deeper interest in their practices – including independently travelling to its coffee farms to test its claims of sustainability. The adverts utilise public perception of Clooney, portraying him as suave and a bit smug, always maintaining his tongue-in-cheek humour. 

04. Nike

In 1984, Michael Jordan signed up with Nike for sponsorship – but unlike other sportsmen of the time he wasn’t going to be constrained to modelling their products, he wanted to create his own. Every year a new Air Jordans design is released, with vintage sneakers selling for thousands of dollars on the second-hand market. By limiting stock the demand is always higher for new and vintage Air Jordans than production numbers, which keeps this product at the forefront even after Jordan’s retirement. 

05. Renault

It’s a testament, not only to the star power of Thierry Henry, but to the marketing team at Renault that this advert was able to change the English language. In 2004, the Oxford English Dictionary weighed in on the definition of Henry’s iconic line in the advert – “va-va-voom” – defining it as “the quality of being exciting, vigorous or sexually attractive." The definition was included in the dictionary they published that same year. If the Oxford English Dictionary needed to contribute, it proves that Renault’s advert certainly got people talking: about Henry, va-va-voom, and the Renault Clio. 

Face to the Name

The last type of representative to address is the boss. The big boss. 

Adverts featuring the founder or owner of a business have steadily become more common as the popularity of the celebrity brands grows. Anyone who is anyone seems to have their own business nowadays, and they capitalise on their existing fame to sell their products. 

Read on for Squideo’s top five picks for notable owner appearances in adverts. 

01. Aviation American Gin

Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds has done his fair share of advertising work, but when he bought a stake in Aviation American Gin in 2018 the bar was raised. While Reynolds doesn’t always star in these adverts (their 2019 parody of a critically panned Peloton advert, for example, went viral), he has successfully become the face of the brand despite having no hand in its initial creation. Reynold’s marketable style of comedy lends itself well to creating these entertaining adverts, and sales of the spirit have risen steadily since he came aboard. 

02. KFC

Although it’s been a long time since Harlan Sanders owned Kentucky Fried Chicken – better known as KFC – his face is still synonymous with the brand. Colonel Sanders (an honorary title, not military) created the famous KFC recipe in the 1940s and stayed at the helm of the company until he sold it in 1964. His involvement didn’t end there however, and until his death in 1980 he remained a spokesman for the company – eventually becoming its iconic mascot in modern advertising. 

03. Newman’s Own

Actor Paul Newman created the brand Newman’s Own in 1982. This non-profit food company started with a salad dressing, eventually evolving into a range of food and drink products sold in stores internationally. Newman helmed the brand and its accompanying charity Newman’s Own Foundation until his death in 2008. Despite his passing, Newman’s image is still used on all the packaging and marketing which contributes to the actor’s lasting legacy as a passionate philanthropist. 

04. Virgin

Since its creation in the 1970s, Sir Richard Branson has frequently cameoed in advertisements for Virgin and its subsidiaries – making the British billionaire a recognisable figure in households around the country. While rarely starring in the adverts, he’s adopted a Stan Lee-style of briefly appearing in videos promoting his companies. In the video below, Branson makes a fleeting appearance firing the starting shot that propels Usain Bolt to victory. By making these cameos, Branson assures the memorability of his link to the brands without sacrificing too much of his time. 

05. Warburtons

This family business has been around since 1876, and a Warburton is still at the helm. Warburtons has launched a series of successful adverts in the last 10 years, featuring prominent celebrities from The Muppets to Robert de Niro. Alongside them stars Jonathan Warburton, the current chairman of the company. Often filming with professional actors, the adverts routinely poke fun at his lack of acting expertise – staying seated behind a desk while the action plays out around him. 

Content Worth Gold

Get in touch with the Squideo team today to find out how we can improve your advertising strategy with video production, motion graphics, social media management and much more! 

[whowouldwininafite]

[houseofcatwic]

"Extremely rare. Early composition. Beautiful detail. Some minor restoration to a few areas. Michelin Tires Michelin Man Display. Size 31 - 1/2" Tall" from Pinterest

[reallyreallyreallytrying]

you don't really see the michelin man anymore. tyres are more popular than ever, of course. and the michelin name is respected everywhere. yet where the man

[batsplat]

Former MotoGP winner Marco Melandri has had a pop at reigning world champion Valentino Rossi via his Italian online blog marcomelandri.it. Melandri believes Rossi was fed bespoke tyres by Michelin before the French company were ousted from the MotoGP series after Bridgestone tyres won the sole supplier contract. Moreover, Melandri believes this is the reason Rossi's domination of the series is slowly diminishing: 'This is down to the fact that they don't make tyres anymore just for him,' wrote Melandri. 'This statement is meant to say that maybe Michelin, in 2004, had more than a small hand in the results. More like an arm.' There's more: Melandri goes on to say he believes Lorenzo's 'armchair' celebrations at this year's MotoGP from Le Mans had a more sinister message: 'Taking a closer look at it, you start to see more: the chair was yellow... like Valentino's yellow... which would say: "I, Lorenzo, am taking your place on your yellow chair".' When questioned about the stunt at yesterday's MotoGP press conference, Lorenzo looked puzzled, replying: "But the chair was green."

x

more of the blog entry under the cut

"Lorenzo's celebration was serious stuff, with a subtle yet biting message that only some will pick up on. Did you get it? Let's take a look at it together," Melandri wrote on his official website marcomelandri.it, with his words subsequently translated into English by Italian website GPone.com.

"When I rode by on the cool down lap, I saw Lorenzo sitting in front of the video screen and my first thought was: 'He is enjoying the sight of his own victory.' But noooooo!!!

"Taking a closer look at it, you start to see more: the chair was yellow... like Valentino's yellow... which would say: "I, Lorenzo, am taking your place on your yellow chair."

"Am I sitting down with the popcorn to enjoy my spectacular victory??? No, I am sitting here watching you cross the finish line, because I already passed it..."

Melandri also blasted Rossi for his response to the celebration and comment about the one-tyre rule.

"Valentino's statement: "I did it ten years ago"... Weak... followed by: "Now, with spec tyres, the rider can't make such a difference." This is down to the fact that they don't make tyres anymore just for him," wrote Melandri.

"This statement is meant to say that maybe Michelin, in 2004, had more than a small hand in the results. More like an arm.

"I don't want to say that anyone is right or wrong, but only put forth my theory that aliens don't exist," added the San Carlo Honda Gresini rider, referring to the label applied to MotoGP's present big four of Rossi, Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa.

And Melandri wasn't finished yet. He also gave his opinion on Rossi's 2011 plans and thinks it is simply too dangerous for Rossi to leave Yamaha if Lorenzo stays.

"I really want to see Valentino on the Ducati next year, but I think it is more likely he would go to Formula 1!" he wrote. "Not because the red bikes aren't competitive; I actually think they are much more competitive than you think. It is just hard for him to leave Lorenzo alone on the Yamaha, now that the bike has an incredible balance. It is too, too, too large a risk."

The Italian Grand Prix, the home event for both 2005 title runner-up Melandri and reigning seven time MotoGP champion, starts on Friday.

"In Italy they have a unique way of presenting bike racing to the general public: when Valentino wins and stages a celebration, it is an incredible show. But when others do it, they downplay the whole thing... hmmm!!!" said Melandri.

[robinfrinjs]

Michelin Man waving goodbye to a Goodyear tyre

[f1]

WEC allows one-off return for tyre warmers at Le Mans 24 Hours after crashes | WEC

The ban on the use of tyre warmers in the World Endurance Championship will be relaxed for the series’ blue riband race at Le Mans next month. The FIA and l’Automobile Club de l’Ouest has permitted the change as a one-off measure which will apply across all classes. It follows a series of crashes in the opening rounds of the championship. Ferrari’s Antonio Fuoco crashed heavily during the last round of the championship at Spa-Francorchamps. Render van der Zande also suffered a race-ending shunt in his Cadillac. The FIA and ACO said they had “conducted an in-depth evaluation of tyre usage data together with the FIA World Endurance Championship’s exclusive tyre suppliers Michelin and Goodyear” in reaching the decision. “The exemption is limited to the 24 Hours of Le Mans only, ensuring that drivers of all experience levels will be able to compete in the safest possible environment regardless of track conditions and temperatures, while tyre manufacturers, teams and drivers will gain valuable time to develop better understanding of how to bring cold tyres up to temperature ahead of the remainder of the 2023 FIA WEC season,” the governing bodies stated. The FIA is moving to outlaw tyre warmers in order to reduce energy consumption. It aims to do the same in Formula 1, where official tyre supplier Pirelli is developing new compounds designed to be used without tyre blankets. F1 teams will vote in July on whether to go ahead with the ban on tyre warmers in 2024. WEC’s tyre heaters “will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel” at Le Mans, the FIA added. “Moving away from tyre warming was originally introduced as part of a long-term WEC tyre road map, developed in consultation with tyre manufacturers, and has been in the works over the last two years.” The ban on tyre warmers will come back into force at the fifth round of the World Endurance Championship, the Six Hours of Monza, in July. Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free 2023 F1 season Browse all 2023 F1 season articles via RaceFans - Independent Motorsport Coverage https://www.racefans.net/

[scotianostra]

John Boyd Dunlop, who patented the first practical practical pneumatic tyre, was born in Ayrshire on February 5th 1846.

Notice I didn’t say invented there, because he might have perfected the tyre but he didn’t come up with the idea, it was another clever Scot called  Robert William Thomson who made the first pneumatic tyre on 10 December 1845, some 43 years before John Dunlop’s re-invention, it was way too soon for the world to appreciate it though, so on this day in 1846 a Scotsman re-invented the wheel...sort of :) 

John Boyd Dunlop was a veterinary surgeon from Scotland who had settled in Belfast in Northern Ireland. He didn't really have much to do with then newfangled driving devices like the bicycle, but is said to have worked a lot with rubber in his practice. To make his son's tricycle faster and more comfortable, he tinkered with the sheathing of the wheels. He developed a rubber tube that was wrapped in canvas and glued to a wooden rim. A baby's dummy is said to have served as a valve.

With this air-filled tyre, Dunlop junior whizzed happily along the streets of Belfast in the spring of 1888, easily outstripping his comrades. Dunlop realised that the pneumatic tyre held great promise and successfully applied for a patent for his invention at the end of the same year. This marked the beginning of the rise of the Dunlop brand, which is still famous today (including 129659, DE word mark since 1910; DE756765 or EM005125489). 

But: Dunlop should never have been granted this patent. The UK Patent Office had overlooked the fact that someone else had already received the patent for a pneumatic tyre some 40 years earlier. Robert William Thomson (1822-1873) was also Scottish and an extremely talented inventor. At the age of 23, he was granted pneumatic tyre patents in France and the USA ( US5104A). His tyre consisted of a hollow belt of Indian rubber inflated with air and covered with a leather casing. The wheels laid, as it were, "a cushion of air on the ground, rail or track" on which they ran. Thomson demonstrated his "Aerial Wheels" on horse-drawn carriages in London's Regent's Park in March 1847.

But unfortunately the time was not yet ripe for his invention. Like many other ingenious inventor´s ideas, Thomson´s tyre fell into oblivion. But he was luckier with other projects. He developed, among other things, the fountain pen, new types of steam engines and electric ignition devices for blasting, which greatly advanced railway construction. He died a rich and respected man.

John Boyd Dunlop is said to have known nothing of his compatriot's invention when he registered his idea with the patent office. He further improved his pneumatic tyres and had a series of 50 bicycles fitted with them. With one of these bicycles, William Hume, the previously unsuccessful captain of the Belfast Cruisers' Cycle Club, suddenly achieved spectacular success in bicycle races.

Among others, Hume beat the national champion Arthur Du Cros on 18th May 1889. The latter's father, the entrepreneur William Harvey Du Cros, recognised the marketing potential of the invention. He sought contact with Dunlop and together they founded the "Pneumatic Tyre & Booth's Cycle Agency" in Westland Row in Dublin on 18th November 1889, which was soon renamed "Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Co. Ltd". The triumphant advance of the pneumatic tyre began.

At the first Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, all cyclists competed with pneumatic tyres.

However, as the invention became more widely known, Thomson's patent came to light again. Dunlop initially lost his patent. The brothers Edouard and André Michelin from Clermont-Ferrand took advantage of this and produced pneumatic tyres on a large scale. They were also the first to equip the emerging automobile with tyres, thus considerably accelerating its success story.

Dunlop continued to further develop the tyre and was able to obtain new patents for his improvements, which ensured his economic success

Above all, the valve, which is still named after him today, proved that he was an able inventor. Incidentally, he also applied for patents for developments in completely different fields, such as a skin lotion as seen in the pics.

Only four years after the foundation of his company, Dunlop's first foreign branch was established in Hanau. It still exists today. Dunlop was soon to manufacture numerous other rubber products such as golf and tennis balls, floor coverings and brake shoes. The company became one of the first "global players", a worldwide manufacturing company.

John Boyd Dunlop withdrew completely from the company in 1895 and returned to his veterinary practice. Along the way, he and his son worked on new inventions, such as a patented eau de toilette.

[coldthingenthusiast]

Random Facts

Michelin stars are highly coveted by elite and upscale restaurants all over the world- but they're actually given out by the Michelin tyre company, the same one whose mascot is the marshmallow-like Michelin Man.

In a group of 23 people, there's more than a 50% chance that two of them share a birthday. With a group of 57 people, there's a 99.01% probability, and for 70 people the probability is 99.92%.

Acacia trees communicate with each other. They emit gasses to alert other trees to produce the toxic tannin, which protects them from hungry animals.

The longest reigning monarch ever was Louis XIV of France. He ruled for 72 years and 110 days.

In 2011, after being lost at sea for 33 days, a man washed ashore in the Marshall Islands. He then discovered that his uncle, believed to have drowned at sea about 50 years earlier, had also wound up on the same island and started a family there.

[babysdrivers]

Yes they killed him!!! They use hankook tyres now so no more Michelin man on the podium 😔

that's so sick.. i can't believe they'd do him like that he had a family!!!!

[squideo]

The Coolest Animated Characters of All Time: Icons That Stole Our Hearts

Animation offers a vast variety of options for character design, each created to attract a particular demographic. Not every character becomes an icon, however, which is why Squideo is breaking down the animation character designs of ten of the coolest animated characters of all time.

01. Mickey Mouse

The icon of the Walt Disney Company, Mickey Mouse is arguably the most recognisable character in the world. Created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1928, Mickey Mouse is one of the oldest entries on this list (but not the record holder) and helped make Disney the company it is today. As is often the case for successful creations, there is some dispute how Mickey was created; but we’re glad to have him.

Mickey Mouse set the style for all future Disney animation designs. The rounded character, use of bold colours and a distinctive colour palette for each character; it all started with Mickey. Disney has its own unique animation style, crafted over its 100 year lifespan. The animation style has changed over the years with the incorporation of new technology, especially 3D computer animation, but remains distinguishable from other animation companies.

02. Winnie-the-Pooh

First featured on screen in 1966, the character of Winnie-the-Pooh was created in 1925 by British author A. A. Milne and illustrated by E. H. Shepard. The rights are held by Disney, yet other adaptations have been made. Perhaps the antithesis to the Disney version is the Soviet Union’s version of the famous bear, released in 1969 and followed by two additional films, which removes Christopher Robin but adds a narrator.

With the exception of the 1925 and 1969 versions of Winnie-the-Pooh, the character design remained consistent in the Disney productions which helped this Winnie-the-Pooh become the most identifiable version of the character. In that classic Disney style, Winnie-the-Pooh is soft and cuddly, and easily spotted with his amber and red colour palette.

03. The Simpsons

Sticking with yellow-hued characters, it’s time to look at one of Earth’s most popular families. First appearing in 1987 as a short in The Tracey Ullman Show, The Simpsons went on to get their own franchise in 1989 that is running to this day. It’s the longest-running American sitcom and animated series with 34 seasons and 750 episodes (as of August 2023).

Beyond the prominence of the colour yellow, The Simpsons are recognisable for their geometric appearance. Bart, Lisa and Maggie’s spiky hair, Homer’s chevron hairline and Marge’s rectangular dress. The design is easy to reproduce and remains recognisable even if the style changes. The Simpsons have hosted many guest artists for the couch gag, from Guillermo del Torro to Sylvain Chomet, yet no one would mistake what they were watching for any other animated show.

04. Bibendum

Bibendum, known as the Michelin Tyre Man in the English-speaking world, is the oldest entry on the list. First created for this French company in 1894, this character has become an icon the world over and remains one of the oldest trademarks still in use. Its popularity has been referenced in books, film, television and songs. The character even starred in a 2009 animated short film, Logorama.

The character has changed over the years to reflect the times, but every version remains identifiable as the Michelin Tyre Man. Despite tyres turning black in the 1910s, the character has retained the whiteness of the earliest tyres in production. After 120 years, it would be hard to change the essential makeup of this character without destroying the Michelin brand.

05. Mulan

The eighth addition to the Disney Princess line-up, and the first who was not a real princess, Mulan hit the screens in 1998. This animated character reinvented the formula of a Disney Princess film, by making Mulan into a hero who saves herself, her family and her country. The romance is relegated to a subplot, and the film doesn’t end with a wedding.

Despite Mulan only having two feature films to her name (1998, 2004), the character has appeared in multiple Disney shows and videos games, most famously appearing in 2016 Wreck It Ralph with the other Disney Princesses. Her tenure as a Disney Princess hasn’t gone without controversy, however. A redesign in 2013 prompted a public backlash as the character’s skin was lightened, causing a swift reversal by Disney.

06. Scooby-Doo

These mystery solvers have been on television since 1969, branching out into films (animated and live-action), video games and comics. The core gang have stayed in place with the titular Scooby-Doo joined by his friends Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred. Some additions have been made to the original Hanna Barbera line-up, such as the divisive Scrappy-Doo.

Like the other oldies on the list, the Scooby-Doo characters have seen significant redesign over the years. From making them children in A Pup Named Scooby-Doo (1988) to giving the human characters tiny eyes in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010), but the biggest change came with Velma (2023) which sought to diversify the originally all-white cast.

07. Totoro

Despite being the subject of only one feature-length film, the character Totoro from My Neighbour Totoro (1988) has become a cultural icon in Japan. Brought back in ani-manga books, a novel and – most recently – a stage adaptation, Totoro has fame outside of Japan too. In fact, its popularity led to a cameo of Totoro in Toy Story 3 (2010).

Created by Studio Ghibli, Totoro has been adapted as the production company’s mascot much like Mickey Mouse has been at Disney. Using hand drawn animation, bright colours and individually coloured frames, the rich visual style is a sharp contrast to the Western examples featured in this list.

08. Tom and Jerry

Created by the renowned William Hanna and Joseph Barbera duo 17 years before they formed their own company, Tom (originally called Jasper) and Jerry were originally the product of MGM when these characters first debuted in 1940. The journey has continued in the hands of numerous producers and three studios, making fans with their slapstick comedy for over 80 years.

Tom’s angular ears and fur are set against Jerry’s rounded character, making them opposites in both personality and appearance. While the animation style has shifted slightly over various incarnations, the original 1940 characters are still identifiable in 2021’s Tom and Jerry in New York. The only real difference is the lightening of both characters’ fur and the addition of Tom’s sinisterly evil eyebrows.

09. Betty Boop

Made by Fleischer Studios in 1930, Betty Boop’s appearances in television and film hasn’t increased much since the decade of her creation. In spite of her limited filmography, Betty Boop has become one of the most iconic animated characters of all time – replicated in merchandise, comic book films and two films in the 1980s.

Betty Boop is a personification of the 1920s and flapper style. At first, the character was meant to be an anthropomorphic French poodle but Betty Boop was soon modelled after singer Helen Kane instead from who the classic catchphrase came: “Boop Oop a Doop.” Heavily censored by the Hays Code in 1934, Beety Boop’s appearance drastically changed – but it was that early incarnation that has lasted into modern times.

10. The Smurfs

Created by the Belgian comic artist Peyo in 1958 under the name Les Schtroumpfs, The Smurfs is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. Popularised with English-speaking audiences when The Smurfs’ TV series launched in 1981, these iconic blue characters with their distinctive white hats (called ‘Phrygian caps’) quickly entered the mainstream.

These characters are so popular in Belgium that in 2005, UNICEF used The Smurfs to create an advert for their fundraising campaign for Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – both former Belgian colonies. They’ve since been reimagined in the 2010s using 3D computer animation, bringing The Smurfs to another generation of viewers.

Work With Us

Ready to create a cool animated character of your own? Watch the video below to get a better understanding of how Squideo can help promote your business, then get in touch with us to find out more!

[whowouldwininafite]

[cxrnelius]

anonymous 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝: 😘💚🎁

😘 talk about your crush or partner

" i'll follow back up when i meet them. "

💚 who are you jealous of and why? 

" the michelin tyre man . i just feel like he has it all figured out, y'know ? "

🎁 what never fails to make you happy?

" @niickvs tumbling down a hill , and the color olive green ... i'm a very simple man . "

[antonjesus]

Michelin. The Story of Bibendum or The Michelin Tyre Man. 1935

[batsplat]

Mugello 2008: After failing to win the title in both 2006 and 2007, Valentino Rossi went into the 2008 season with a point to prove - and a rival he desperately needed to figure out how to best. As he put it halfway through 2007, "Last year we had to fight against bad luck, this year we have to fight against a real rival". The 'real rival' in question was Casey Stoner, who ended up securing the 2007 title in dominant fashion. The combination of the powerful GP7, courtesy of Ducati nailing the new 800cc regulations first time of asking, the high-performing Bridgestone tyres and Stoner's own fearsome talent had proven too much for the field. Perhaps even more frustratingly, Stoner was proving resilient against the kind of psychological pressure Rossi excelled at exerting on his rivals - refusing to crack when being stalked around the track and, most memorably, winning a frenzied duel at Catalunya in a weekend where the Yamaha was more than a match for the Ducati.

Rossi had spent much of 2007 deeply unhappy with both the underpowered Yamaha and his struggling Michelin tyres, feeling he was unable to fight Stoner on equal footing. For 2008, he made the controversial switch from Michelins to Bridgestones - a concession of sorts that his wits and raw talent were no longer enough to beat rivals with better packages. His early season did not immediately vindicate this choice as his team took time to adapt to setting up for the new tyres, a period made all the more painful by his rookie teammate Jorge Lorenzo storming to the first three poles of the season and taking a race win before Rossi did. After three races, Lorenzo was tied in the championship lead with Dani Pedrosa, whose Honda was decidedly more competitive than the year before.

Luckily for Rossi, the rival he was most worried about was going through an even rockier start to the season, with Ducati experiencing plenty of gremlins and misfortunes early on that served to increasingly infuriate Stoner. By the fourth race, Rossi had mastered the tyres and took his first victory of the season in a fight against Pedrosa in Shanghai, before backing it up with a dominant win in Le Mans. He was the firm favourite headed into Mugello, having won his home race on the previous six occasions - and he did not disappoint his fans. Taking his first pole position in almost a year in a weather-affected qualifying session, he got a typically mediocre start and left himself with some work to do. In the first few laps, however, he fought against first Pedrosa then Stoner to eventually make his way back to the front, eventually building up a comfortable gap while Pedrosa and Stoner fought it out for second. Rossi consolidated his championship lead with his victory, but Stoner's eventual second place marked a worrying return to form. Stoner's title defence would require him to overhaul a substantial points difference of 46 - and yet it was far from impossible, if he could simply reclaim some of the magic of the year before. It would remain to be seen if Rossi had an answer for him this time.

[tyrelabtradeuk]

 Birmingham Car Owners: Are You Making These 8 Common Tyre Mistakes

Tyres are the only feature through which the vehicle and the road are connected and hence they are of great importance in arresting unwanted skidding or accidents. Of course, for you to have tyres that work well on your car, for the greatest effect on performance, fuel economy and security this is a primary procedure. Nevertheless, the vast majority of motorists are not aware of how to use the tyres correctly and some of them do not even realize that their driving style could very much reduce the expected lifetime of their tyres as well as negatively affects their vehicle performance.

This blog post can be identified as direct Birmingham car owners. The next portion of our discussion shall cover the primary tyre errors, how defence against tyre wear in the city is impacted or ensured, and ways of reducing tyre wear and escaping those errors.

8 Common Tyre Mistakes Birmingham Car Owners Make

Ignoring Tyre Pressure: The perfect tire pressure is the very basis of driving comfort, fuel efficiency and road wear. A tyre, that would be under inflate generates the greater rolling resistance and drop the fuel economy. Moreover, it leads the uneven tread wear on the shoulder edges. However, a tyre generates fewer points of contact with a road surface and may fail to grip the road properly, with the possibility of the tyre bursting off. One of the most important things we all must do is check tyre pressure as a rule. To get the best results, it should be performed at least once a month and before long trips.

Not Aligning Tyres:  Wheel misalignment refers to the condition when the tyres are positioned incorrectly concerning the perfect vertical position of the road. In this case, we may have premature and uneven irregularities in tread wear and handling control. It would also lead to an increase in steering efforts needed. In general, wheel alignments are advised every 6,000- 10,000 miles or after hitting potholes. Make no doubt about it, they are vital to maintaining accurate tyre alignment.

Not Balancing Tyres: Tyre imbalance is, as the name suggests, the inability of a tyre to distribute the weight evenly because the specific forces are not correspondingly distributed along the tyre’s surface. Therefore the centrifugal force drives the wheel of the automobile unevenly. Hence, steering wheel vibration increases, ride quality worsens, and uneven tyre wear which further leads to shorter life tyres and affects the rider’s comfort. Tyre balancing will be done together with the wheel alignment to ensure a smooth cruise and reduction of weird vibrations among vehicles.

Not Replacing Tyres When Worn Out: Some tyres have 'Michelin Man' indicators at the end of the tread grooves. When the current is approaching the indicator, which usually is 3/32 inches, the tread depth has reached the level at which the tyres are deemed unsafe and require a replacement by law. Tires with reduced treads no longer provide proper traction during rainy conditions, thus the chances of sliding over water (aquaplaning), or drifting (loss of control) are significantly increased.

Not Rotating Tyres Regularly: In this process, progressively change the positions of the tyres on your vehicle in timely intervals. This eliminates the low tarmac pressure spots and enables more uniform wear across the tread, improving the longevity of the tyre. Always follow the tyre rotation schedule, which is usually 5,000-7,000 miles, as per the tyre owner's manual instructions.

Driving with a Spare Tyre: The spare tyre is intended for miscellaneous but possible use under the circumstances of when you get a puncture or even a flat tyre. The tyre might have distinct size or speed rating specifications to your standard tyres. Besides the excessive weight due to the extra tyre, longer distances with the spare tyre in its original position may adversely affect the handling and stability, especially when going faster.

Curb Rash: Checking your tyres with a tyre pressure gauge and making sure they are at the manufacturing recommended pressure could break the side wall, begin the air leakage, the loss of integrity of the tyre structure and the possibility the tyre blowout. A good driver skillset y increases passing at low speed with constant monitoring of nearby curbs as remembers to avoid curb damage.

Ignoring Tyre Damage:  Another reason for typos is the frequent impact of road cracks or other stumbling blocks. Forgetting about such damages is only making a matter worse, which can lead to a rapid loss of grip – “tyre failure”. While the routine check-up of your tyres is fundamental, you must inspect them often for any signs of damage and consult an expert in tyre care if necessary.

Consequences of Neglecting Tyre Maintenance in Birmingham

Tyre care becomes essential when the potholes and worn-out surfaces of streets make matters riskier. Here's a breakdown of the specific risks:

Increased Risk of Accidents: The treads of tyres worn or damaged result in a small contact area, especially when wet or on rough surfaces. It means that the probability of the vehicle running off the road, aquaplaning or even skidding, particularly in a region known for its strong precipitation is extremely high.

Premature Tyre Wear: There may be some bits on city roads with weathered asphalt, and potholes, or loose material such as dry gravel. Engaging tyre pressure, alignment, and rotation need to be neglected as a major cause of tyre wear which emanates as a result of these road imperfections.

Higher Fuel Consumption: Also, underinflated or unfairly balanced tyres lead to increased rolling resistance, which consequently makes the engine elicit hard work and, thus, lose fuel economy. This may become a practical trouble for drivers, which is a matter of some concern in the face of the ever-growing fuel costs.

Extending Tyre Lifespan and Avoiding Common Mistakes 

Driving with tyre tread depth, selection, and pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations are all vital safety considerations.

Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure: Enough pressing on tyres, including the spare, should be performed at least once a month using a trustworthy portable tyre pressure gauge. Refer to whether the owner's manual or the placard on the driver's door jamb may heed the recommended pressure level.

Schedule Regular Wheel Alignments and Balancings: The alignment is the preventive measure for the car to reach safely up to 6,000 to 10,000 miles or after your car has hit the pothole, and ensure to get tyres balanced along with your car alignments.

Rotate Tyres Regularly: Observing the tyre rotation schedule demonstrated in the auto guidelines is vital, correlated to your manually provided schedule in your specific auto-issues guide, normally each 5,0.

Visually Inspect Tyres Regularly: The weekly visual inspection should be done to check on any signs of damage on your tyre, including cuts, bulges, and embedded objects. Look for differences where particular parts wear faster than others which could be a sign of misalignment or balancing issues.

Replace Tyres When Worn Out: There is no justification to wear the tread to where the wear bars are in place. Ponder about the time of replacing the tyres, especially if you usually drive on wet roads or roads with lumps.

Practice Careful Driving: Advice against hard braking, unexpected lane changes and the loss of rubber tread is to avoid these to minimize tyre wear and damage. Consider the roadway hazards when a poor road condition exists, like potholes and debris.

Store Tyres Properly: The standing rule in this consideration is to not take off the tyres until the season arrives but, before storage, the tyres should be correctly positioned in a cool, dry, and dark place. Do not keep tyres in direct sunlight or near heat generators as these conditions will shorten the tire's durability.

Seek Professional Help: When you are having second thoughts about rating pressure, suspect damage or have vibrations while driving, professional advice, Bulk Tyre Suppliers Birmingham and repairs from a proper tyre specialist who you have to visit.

Seasonal Tyre Care for Birmingham Residents

Along with the other city that faces the coastline, the city's climatic record shows more rainy days than in other seasons. However, seasonal variations still require adjustments to your tyre care routine:

Winter Tyre Considerations: Though winter tyres are not typically mandatory in the UK, they have proven to be a good choice, particularly in cold weather situations which may also include conditions of snow and ice. Winter tyres have a rubber with lower rigidity, which can keep its flexibility at temperatures below zero, offering more grip to the pavement when roads are wet or covered with snow. Possibly change to winter tyres when forecasting the chance for the city being frosty or having wintry weather.

Summer Tyre Maintenance: In warmer summer months, it should be ensured that under-inflation is due to the expansion of air within the tyres to prevent negative effects on vehicle performance. Make sure to check typically in the hot summer temperatures, and search for even wear patterns that could be worsened.

Local Tyre Maintenance Regulations in Birmingham

In Birmingham, the UK Department of Transport (DfT) is responsible for the national rules for tyre maintenance that are currently in effect and there are no local regulations for tyre maintenance particular to the region. These regulations mandate:

Minimum Tyre Tread Depth: In the UK the legal minimum acceptable tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm on the middle three-quarters of the tyre along the beading at the sides.

Tyre Condition: Tyres must be free from any cuts, bulges, or structural damage that could compromise their safety.

Tyre Pressure: Tyres must be inflated to the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Birmingham car owners can find additional guidance and resources on tyre safety and regulations on the DfT website (https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving).