Marc Bouchard, auteur sur Blackcircles.ca Blog

Why do we use rubber for tires – part 1

By Marc Bouchard|2020-09-30T15:11:15-04:00September 30th, 2020|Tips and guides|

Today, whether natural or synthetic, vulcanized or mechanically softened, rubber is present in virtually every sphere of our lives. From latex gloves to electrical wires and rain boots, this versatile rubber is known for its elasticity and plasticity. Originally, this substance was only derived from the sap of certain plants. Surprisingly to us, it has been in use for at least half a millennium in Central and South America. Of course, it is only very recently that it has been [...]

The fabulous story of the puncture proof tire!

By Marc Bouchard|2020-09-25T15:15:58-04:00September 22nd, 2020|Tips and guides|

Since the creation of tube tires by Dunlop at the end of the 19th century, the famous puncture-proof tire has remained a dream. Skeptics may say it's because the tire industry benefits from having tires with a limited life span, but the reality is quite different. Many tire manufacturers have developed prototypes of so-called puncture-proof tires, using the most advanced technology of their time. But why hasn't such an invention made its way onto the international market? Well, because a [...]

What do Yokohama, Falken, Toyo and Bridgestone tires have in common?

By Marc Bouchard|2020-09-18T15:21:12-04:00September 18th, 2020|Tips and guides|

Here’s a little riddle: what do Yokohama, Falken, Toyo and Bridgestone tires have in common? Have you found it? All these brands are of Japanese origin. Yes, even Bridgestone! You may be surprised to learn that much of the tire market in Canada is dominated by manufacturers from the land of the rising sun. Internationally, the same is true. But why has this country done so well in the tire market? At various times over the last century, Japan has [...]

On the road to the cottage with Bridgestone Ecopia

By Marc Bouchard|2020-09-17T17:10:34-04:00September 15th, 2020|On the road|

The best way to put a vehicle and its tires to the test is certainly to take the whole family to a slightly remote cottage. It is often a long drive on roads that can be uneven and poorly maintained. It is also important to make sure you leave with enough luggage, filled with clothing and food for the duration of the vacation. This is the ultimate test of your car's cargo volume! In our case, we also had to [...]

Look, it’s the new Michelin CrossClimate2!

By Marc Bouchard|2020-09-17T17:19:55-04:00September 8th, 2020|News|

If there is one area in which technological innovation is constant and often quite practical, it is the automotive world, and the tire industry is no exception. For a long time now, almost all manufacturers have been injecting monumental sums of money into research and development of new products, but this year, it was Michelin that pulled out all the stops with its new CrossClimate2 tire. While no tire on the all-season tire market today excels on all standards, this [...]

Look up, it’s GoodYear!

By Marc Bouchard|2020-08-25T15:20:55-04:00August 25th, 2020|News|

In the tire and rubber market since 1898, the famous Goodyear company has proven itself. Considered one of the four largest manufacturers of tires in the world, the company has certainly grown since its founding in Akron, Ohio. Virtually everyone has seen the famous yellow winged boot and it's not just because of the quality of their products! While Goodyear is a great name in automotive innovation and produces high quality tires, it is their various creative and fun marketing [...]

Polestar 1: once upon a time…

By Marc Bouchard|2020-08-21T12:15:36-04:00August 21st, 2020|On the road|

Polestar is a name that performance enthusiasts are familiar with because it's long been associated with Volvo. But the new version of Polestar is a brand new company, created in collaboration with Geely, whose mission is to launch fully or partially electrified motorized luxury cars. And the first step in this brand new page of automotive history is the Polestar 1. Don't look for the brand's dealers. Don't even try to pass this model on the road. Its total number [...]

Tires and environment: and if they were recycled?

By Marc Bouchard|2020-08-18T12:07:15-04:00August 18th, 2020|Tips and guides|

When we talk about the end of a tire's life, all too often we imagine an environmentally damaging process and dumps filled with tires. However, we could not be further from today's reality. If at one time the use of used tires as fuel was indeed favoured, marking our collective psyche with its black smoke, today things are different. It's time to talk about recycled tires! With a bit of recycling, they can be transformed into building material, industrial additives [...]

Road Trip in a Hyundai Santa Fe – part 2

By Marc Bouchard|2020-08-16T07:06:00-04:00August 13th, 2020|On the road|

After crossing Bas Saint-Laurent and the Baie-des-Chaleurs region with the Kumho Crugen Premium KL33 (if you haven't yet read the beginning of my adventure... (read it here), we're finally ready to discover the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula and, of course, come back home. From the grandiose landscapes of the Gaspé Peninsula and its mythical Percé Rock to the historic charm of Old Quebec, let's travel together the last few kilometres of my trip on the 132. The Peninsula Of [...]

Gaspesie, here we come with our Kuhmo tires – part 1

By Marc Bouchard|2020-08-07T10:01:56-04:00July 31st, 2020|On the road|

This summer being not very conducive to holidays abroad, the conditions are perfect to finally discover our part of the country. In my case, it was the sea air, local products and the picturesque (and historical!) landscapes of Eastern Quebec that delighted me for a week. In a Hyundai Santa Fe borrowed for the occasion and equipped with Kumho Crugen Premium KL33, the 2000 km trip is already quite comfortable. Add to that good company and loud music (hopefully to [...]

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