Although the South African tyre supply market seems to be dominated by Tiger, Wheel and Tyre there is a newcomer on the block that is already established elsewhere on the planet and is now putting down rubberised roots locally.
TyrePlus currently has two outlets, Dawn Street Montagu Gardens under the auspices of Steve and Debbie Hart and Main Road, Wynberg (Cape), run by son and manager Chris Hart. Michelin Tyres is a major stakeholder in the company who not only sell tyres, but do wheel balancing, alignment, shock absorber testing and replacement, brake systems, air-con repairs and full car servicing. Every car gets a 65 point test and the owner is given a report on the results.
A recent event saw the Jeep Club being introduced to the all-new BF Goodrich KO2 range. This is the first full re-design of the popular KO series by BF Goodrich, a USA based company owned by the Michelin group.
Although the official South African launch is only taking place later in 2015 (at Gerotek Race Track in November 2015) a few sizes (16 and 17-inch) are already available, hence the introduction to serious off-roader clubs. Jaco Lategan, regional sales manager for Michelin went through some of the design advancements of the KO2. Due to increased size, mass and power outputs of modern vehicles, tyre technology has to keep up with added strength.
Owners still do not want to compromise on tyre life or dry and wet weather performance, however so meeting all the requirements keeps the engineers and chemist on their toes. Since the tyres are not uni-directional, the traditional raised white lettering can be hidden, if desired, by turning the tyre around (lettering is only on one side).
Improvements claimed include:
20% tougher sidewalls.
Split and bruise resistant sidewalls.
Longer tread life.
Polymer blend that reduces chip and tear on really bad road and rock surfaces.
Increased tyre footprint for better stress distribution.
All terrain traction exceeds RMA severe snow traction requirements. This allows for snow symbol to be inserted on the sidewall as well as M&S.
Side biter lugs and locking 3-D sipes to improve traction in mud and snow.
Stone ejector sections help to remove stone chips from the tread gaps.
