All Posts by Kevin Wood

Commercial Vehicle Tyre Brands With Puncture Proofing Built In Australia

Commercial Tyre Brands With Puncture Proofing For Professional and Commercial Fleet Drivers

For professional drivers, having a tyre that can withstand the rigours of the open road is a must. So it's great to know that there are commercial tyre brands that are available with puncture proofing already built in. 

One brand that is well-known for its puncture proofed commercial tyres is Continental.

Providing A Simple Solution To A Small Problem With Huge Consequences

While there are many brands that come with different technologies and materials that help prevent air pressure loss to the point when the tyre is flat, one of the top brands that does this well is Continental. 

The brand has come out with its ContiSeal™ tyres, a tyre that comes with puncture proofing built in that is 80% effective in sealing tyre punctures immediately. 

On the open road, something as tiny as a nail, a piece of glass or a sharp stone can cause damage to your tire tread in an instant. And Continental's ContiSeal™ tyres will provide drivers that relief and peace of mind knowing that they're safer, and that they don't have to worry changing a flat tyre or being stranded on the side of the road. 

Continental's ContiSeal™ a self-sealing technology that instantly and permanently seals most punctures as they happen. Its optimised polymer compound instantly bonds and seals the puncture instantly, creating an airtight seal that keeps the compressed air in. 

When you get punctured tyre, you'll find that you are safe enough to bring your vehicle into the nearest tyre shop for service. How does it work? Watch this short video below. 

[Video Link: https://youtu.be/n6FxJxdMCk0]

The ContiSeal™ tyre has a viscous adhesive sealant layer on the inner wall which will protect against punctures up to 5 mm in diameter. It works instantly and even if the object that caused the puncture becomes dislodged, this sealant layer will keep your tyre's compressed air in, ensuring little loss in air pressure. 

Keeping You Safe Until You Can Visit A Professional Tyre Shop

However, just like all sealant technologies the ContiSeal™ tyre is not puncture resistant (a whole other type of tyre tech—like Michelin's Uptis tyres). 

You'll need to visit a professional tyre store and have your tires checked immediately to have it repaired or replaced immediately. If you're anywhere across Australia, chat with the team at Darra Tyres so our tyre technician can check the condition of your tyres and make the necessary repairs or replacement before you set out again. 

Rubbers That Will Keep You Safe And Going 

Commercial tyres with puncture proofing already built in are essential for commercial fleets. They need rubbers that won't go flat, and endanger their drivers and their passengers or loads. 

Brands like Continental Tyres are paving the way to make sure that not only are you safe on the road, but that you won't have to worry about changing your tyres immediately or waiting for roadside assistance. You'll have the time and opportunity to keep going and get to your tyre shop safely.  

If you're anywhere across Australia and are interested to learn more about tyres that have puncture proofing, visit Darra Tyres. If you have any tyre questions, contact Darra Tyres today. 

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Advantages and Disadvantages of Puncture Proofing Commercial Tyres

When it comes to puncture proofing your commercial tyres, there are a few things you need to take into account. You have many factors to consider when making an informed decision to purchase puncture proof commercial tyres for your fleet. Or, to get aftermarket puncture proofing for your commercial tyres. 

The Advantages Of Puncture Proofing Commercial Tyres

There are a many very good benefits to puncture proofing your commercial tyres, like:

  1. Reduced Downtime - one of the biggest advantages of puncture proofing your tyres is that it reduces downtime. This is because when you have a puncture, you don't have to waste time changing the tyre, you can simply continue on your journey. This can be a huge advantage for businesses that rely on their vehicles to get from A to B.
  1. Extends The Life Of Your Tyres - Punctures are one of the leading causes of tyre damage and premature wear. By preventing punctures or ensuring that any punctures are sealed off until professional tyre assistance is available, you can get more mileage out of your tyres before they need to be replaced.

Additionally, properly inflated tyres tend to last longer than those that are constantly under- or over-inflated.

  1. Improved Fuel Efficiency - another advantage of puncture proofing your commercial tyres is that it can improve fuel efficiency. This is because when a tyre is correctly inflated, it has less rolling resistance, which means it takes less energy (and fuel) to move your commercial vehicle forwards. Which means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard. This leads to fuel saving which in turn results in significant savings over time, particularly for businesses that cover large distances.
  1. Enhanced Safety - another benefit of puncture proofing your tyres is enhanced safety. This is because when a tyre is correctly inflated, it has better grip on the road. A better tyre grip helps prevent accidents on the road. 

When a tyre is punctured, it can lose air quickly. And if you are driving on an under-inflated or flat tyre, you are in danger of losing control over your commercial vehicle and getting into a serious accident., Puncture proofing helps to prevent flats from happening and you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.

The Disadvantages Of Puncture Proofing Commercial Tyres

Unfortunately, getting puncture proofing or purchasing new tyres (with puncture proofing already built in) does have a few advantages, like: 

  1. Initial Cost - one of the main drawbacks of puncture proofing your tyres is the initial cost. If you have a large fleet of vehicles, this can add up quickly. And it can be quite expensive to purchase new tyres with puncture proofing for the whole fleet. 

If you take the other route and have all of your tyres puncture proofed by tyre specialists, it can be costly as well. Depending on the size and type of commercial tyres you need, puncture proofing can add a hefty amount on top of that. 

However, this cost should be considered as an investment, as it will save you money in the long run by reducing downtime and improving fuel efficiency. Factor in the cost of replacing tyres prematurely or getting into an accident, and puncture proofing may actually save you money. 

  1. Limited Choice Of Products - another disadvantage of puncture proofing your tyres is that there are limited products on the market at the present. This means that you may need to research and check for suppliers and professionals to help you find tyres that suit your specific needs and requirements. 

However, this is likely to change in the future as more companies enter the market and offer more puncture proofing products. That’s why it’s good to know that you can go to independent specialists like Darra Tyres. 

Independent tyre shops like Darra Tyres are not exclusively affiliated with any one brand and that means they can choose the best tyre brand and puncture proofing system for your commercial vehicles and needs. They won’t favour one brand over the other. They will favour what’s best for your commercial vehicle, and your budget and your safety.

  1. Aftermarket Puncture Proofing May Void Your Tyre Warranty - If your commercial tyres come with puncture proofing built into them, no worries. But do note that many tyre manufacturers void the warranties of tyres that have been puncture proofed. They consider puncture proofing to be an aftermarket modification. So, be sure to ask your tyre store about the brand of commercial tyres you want and check its coverage before having any aftermarket puncture proofing work done. That way, you won’t inadvertently void your warranty.
  1. Puncture proofing effectiveness may vary - The effectiveness of puncture proofing products you use will vary from one product to another. This means that you'll need to do additional research in order to find a product that's right for you and your business needs. 

Here’s where partnering with an independent tyre store will be to your advantage. Because they already know the different products and brands, they’ll have the experience and expertise to take care of your needs and requirements—easy. 

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to puncture proof your commercial tyres. If you're located anywhere across Australia and would like to talk to the team, visit Darra Tyres. If you have any tyre questions now, contact Darra Tyres today. 

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Innovations for puncture proof commercial tyres

Future Innovations For Puncture Proof Commercial Tyres

As a commercial fleet owner, you're always looking for ways to save money and increase efficiency. One way to do this is to invest in puncture-proof tyres for your vehicles. 

While the initial investment may be higher than for traditional tyres, puncture-proof tyres can save you money in the long run by eliminating flat tyres and the associated downtime and maintenance costs. 

Future-Proof Your Commercial Fleet With Puncture Proof Tyres

There have been many innovations in tyres in recent years, but one of the most promising is puncture proofing. 

Puncture proof tyres are a godsend for commercial fleets, as they lessen the chances for your tyre to go flat. This reduces the risks of road accidents and the time-consuming need to make roadside tyre changes. 

The Latest Innovations In Puncture Proofing Commercial Tyres

There are several manufacturers who offer puncture proofing for commercial tyres, including Michelin, Continental and Goodyear. 

The latest innovation in puncture proofing is the use of Kevlar belts in the tyre construction. Kevlar is a high-strength synthetic fibre that is used in bulletproof vests and other ballistic applications. 

Kevlar is incredibly strong and resistant to abrasion, making it an ideal material for use in tyres. The Kevlar belt reinforces the sidewall of the tyre, making it much less likely to be punctured by sharp objects on the road. This greatly reduces the risk of flats and blowouts, which can be extremely dangerous for fleet vehicles. 

In addition to the Kevlar belt, Michelin's new tyre also features an advanced tread compound that is designed to resist cuts and abrasions. This further enhances the tyre's puncture resistance and makes it one of the most innovative tyres on the market today.

What Does The Future Hold For Puncture Proofing?

As tyre technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more advancements in puncture proofing. This is an area where Michelin is particularly invested, as they have already announced plans to introduce even more puncture resistant tyres. 

And Michelin’s partnership with General Motors is bearing fruit. The tyre giant is set to release commercially available puncture resistant tires in 2024. Called The MICHELIN® Uptis, or Michelin Unique Puncture-Proof Tire System, this puncture resistant and airless tyre is expected to reduce the risk of flat tyres on the road (and the danger of road accidents and deaths). 

The prototype tyre was introduced and road-tested last year, at the 2021 Munich Motor Show. Reports state that the Michelin Uptis tyre will be ready for roll-out for passenger cars, for now. There is great interest in the fleet industry over its availability and long-term viability in this sector. 

With continued research and development, it is likely that we will see even more breakthroughs in tyre technology that will make driving safer and more reliable than ever before.

Future-Proof Your Commercial Fleet With Puncture Proof Tyres

Puncture-proof tyres are an investment that can pay off in the long run by eliminating flats and the associated downtime and maintenance costs. 

In addition, puncture-proof tyres can help increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. If you're looking for a way to future-proof your commercial fleet, consider investing in puncture-proof tyres. 

If you're located anywhere across Australia and need puncture proofing for your commercial tyres, visit Darra Tyres. If you have any tyre questions, contact Darra Tyres today. 

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Sealants used in puncture proofing on commercial tyres

What Type of Sealant is Used to Puncture Proof Commercial Tyres?

In Queensland and northern New South Wales, many of our customers prefer using aftermarket sealants to puncture proof commercial tyres for their commercial fleet vehicles. 

Across Australia, commercial fleet vehicles travel over a variety of terrain types, from city streets to rural highways. This can put a lot of wear and tear on their tyres, and punctures are a common occurrence. To prevent costly downtime, many commercial fleets rely on puncture proofing sealants. 

But what are these sealants and how do they work? 

Types of Sealants For Puncture Proofing Commercial Tyres In Queensland And Northern South Wales Australia

There are two main types of puncture proofing sealants used in commercial tyres: latex-based sealants and polymer-based sealants. 

Latex-based sealants are the most common type; they are cheap and easy to apply. The are synthesised to fill small holes and cracks in the tyre, and provide an effective barrier against punctures. they are also very effective in preventing air from escaping through and making the tyre go flat. 

Polymer-based sealants are less common because they are more expensive. But polymer-based sealants are more durable and longer-lasting that latex-based sealants. Additionally, they offer better protection against punctures and are more resistant to extreme temperatures.

Benefits of Using Sealants

Sealants have many benefits for commercial fleet vehicles, including reducing the risk of flats, extending the life of tyres, and improving fuel economy. 

They can also help keep tyres inflated during extreme temperatures. In addition, using sealants can help avoid costly repairs and downtime for vehicles. 

Applying Puncture Proofing Sealants To Your Commercial Tyres

Puncture proofing sealants are applied to the inside of the tyre, where they form a barrier against foreign objects such as nails, glass, or metal shards. 

When a sharp object penetrates the tyre, the sealant is forced into the hole by the pressure of the air inside the tyre. This quickly forms a plug that seals the hole and prevents air from escaping.

Puncture proofing sealants can be reapplied as needed; however, they will eventually need to be replaced. This is because they will slowly degrade over time, especially if exposed to extreme temperatures. 

For this reason, it's important to have the condition of your tyres checked regularly by professionals like Darra Tyres and top up the sealant as necessary.

Keeping Your Fleet Safe And Your Tyres In Top Shape

Puncture proofing sealants are an essential part of keeping commercial fleet vehicles on the road in Australia. If you are responsible for maintaining a fleet of commercial vehicles in Queensland or northern New South Wales, make sure to puncture proof your tyres. It will help keep your tyres in top condition, reduce the risk of flats, extend the life of tyres, and improve fuel economy. 

If you're located in anywhere across Australia and need puncture proofing for your commercial tyres, visit Darra Tyres. If you have any tyre questions, contact Darra Tyres today. 

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

What is puncture proofing and how does it work for commercial tyres?

All You Need To Know About Puncture Proofing For Commercial Tyres

If you own or operate a commercial fleet in Queensland or in Norther New South Wales, Australia, then you know how important it is to keep your vehicles on the road. 

Downtime means lost productivity and profits, so you need to do everything you can to avoid unplanned stops. 

When it comes to commercial tyres, one of the most important things to consider is puncture proofing. After all, even the smallest puncture can cause a major problem—not to mention a hefty repair bill. So, what exactly is puncture proofing and how does it work? 

Reduce Tyre Damage, Prolong Life Of Your Tyres With Puncture Proofing 

Puncture proofing is a preventative measure that helps reduce the risk of punctures occurring in the first place. It works by filling small holes or cracks in the tyre with a sealant that hardens when it comes into contact with air. 

This sealant forms a barrier between the tyre and the object, preventing it from puncturing the tyre. It is installed by lining or filling the inner wall of the tyre with a specialised gel or foam. This sealant material helps to support the tyre walls, absorbing impact and spreading weight evenly so that there is less chance of a puncture occurring.

Some commercial tyres come with puncture proofing already built in, but others will need to have it added as an aftermarket service. If you’re looking for puncture proofing as an an aftermarket service, you can ask Darra Tyres and their team can help you get it done correctly.  

It’s important to make sure that your tyres are properly protected against punctures before hitting the road. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the highway with a flat tyre!

Puncture Proofing Your Tyres To Improve Safety, Handling And Reliability

Puncture proofing your commercial tyres is a simple and effective way to improve safety, reliability and vehicle control while also reducing the costs associated with tyre failure. 

Puncture proofing is an effective way to reduce tyre damage and extend the life of your tyres. It can save you money by reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. And it can help keep your vehicles on the road, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Plus, adding puncture proofing to your tyres can help extend their lifespan too. So, if you're looking for an easy way to protect your investment, be sure to get your tyres puncture proofed today. 

If you're located across Australia and need new tyres with puncture proofing, or aftermarket puncture proofing we can arrange. If you have any tyre questions, or about how we can help keep your tyres in good condition, contact Darra Tyres today. 

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road

Self-Repairing Tyres: Will It Be The Future?

Self-Repairing Tyres: Will It Be The Future? | Isn’t it frustrating to pull off a highway just to fix a flat tyre? Thanks to a major breakthrough in science and technology, we have developed a material that makes it possible for tyres to heal and repair on their own quickly. 

This idea of creating self-healing tyre materials is not new though. Back in 2013, Spanish scientists discovered a material that gained  97% of the original tyre stability back within two hours by just letting it rest after cutting it with a sharp blade. 

But what really is it that makes self-repairing tyres the tyres of the future? Well, we have listed some reasons below for you. 

You don’t need vulcanisation for self-repairing tyres.

An important step in the process of manufacturing this tyre of the future is to make sure that it does not need vulcanisation. In 1839, Charles Goodyear added sulfur to the rubber during vulcanisation. That is when the tyre rubber became more durable and turned into the plastic to elastic state but these links can’t be restored when they break so in no way can these tyres be used for the long run. 

To avoid that, scientists have chemically modified rubber to have the same level of elasticity and durability similar to what can be accomplished by vulcanisation. Within a week, a damaged tyre that is made out of this compound can be used again. The healing period is faster when the heat is added to it as it accelerates the healing process. These self-repairing tyres are able to withstand a stress of 754 pounds per square inch. 

There are standards for self-repairing tyres.

In the past, tyre manufacturers did models of tyres that repair themselves when they’re damaged. Supposedly, these models improve road safety as a punctured tyre can lead to a blowout which decreases car handling dramatically, especially during high-speed rides. However, new discoveries have a different approach to self-repairing tyres. Manufacturers of this type of tyre now use a vicious coat under the tread so when the outer layer gets broken, the mass within it can fill in the holes completely. This may already become a permanent solution for car owners so they won’t have to change their tyres even when they are damaged.

What does the future of self-repairing tyres look like? 

Customers can get self-repairing tyres in the near future. While it’s hard to predict which method and technology can be the most reliable, these innovation secures a slot in the future. Self-repairing tyres will allow riders to drive safer and can prevent a lot of road accidents. From now, it’ll only be a matter of time until this technological advancement becomes a standard in all parts of the world. 

If you need new tyres in Brisbane, visit Darra Tyres. If you have any tyre questions, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

Top 5 Tips To Keeping Your Tyres In Shape For Your Safety

All car owners should always put routine car maintenance as a priority. Even if most parts of a vehicle is important for it to fully function, one of these parts is vital in terms of safety and functionality: the tyres. Keeping your tyres in shape is critical to the handling, safety and overall quality of your driving. This is why tyres are significant investments and should not be taken for granted. 

You see, driving is one of the most dangerous things we do in our lives and we don’t even realize that. We rely on the four tyres on our vehicles to keep us travelling through our route with safety. And this is exactly why it is extremely essential to keep our tyres well-maintained. 

So how do we do that? Below are the top 5 tips for keeping your tyres in shape for your safety: 

Check Proper Air Pressure.

It is important to keep your tyres aired up to the proper pounds per square inch (PSI). Your tyres are created to work best at a specific PSI. Overinflating them can lead to premature wear and may cause a tyre blowout. Underinflation on the other hand may allow your tyres to come unseated from the wheels during manoeuvres and possibly wears out quicker giving your decreased control over your driving. It is essential for you to keep a tire gauge in your vehicle at all times to help you check the air pressure in your tyres on a regular basis and adjust the air as needed.

Rotate Your Tyres.

The world-famous tyre manufacturer says that rotating your car tyres must be done every 6,000 to 8,000 miles because each tyre wear differently. For front-wheel-drive cars, the front tyres wear twice the rate of the rear tyres. Some tyre experts say that in left-hand-drive areas, the left tyre wears faster than the right tyre so you must keep an eye on that. Having your cars rotated on a regular basis helps in achieving more uniform wear, giving you more consistent performance and a longer tyre service life.

Confirm Your Treads.

For ages now, it is known that tyres should have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth for it to function best and laws agree on this. However, there are new studies which suggest that greater tread depth is a better option for drivers.

Balance Your Tyres.

Getting your tyres balanced from time to time is also very important in maintaining your vehicle. A tyre technician will do this for you using a machine that checks the weight distribution of your ride all allows the placement of lead weights on the tyre rim to achieve a balanced dispersal. Balancing your tyres reduces vibration and gives you a better ride quality.

Align Your Tyres. 

Apart from your air pressure, tread depth and tyre balance – it is also very important to keep your tyres aligned. The front tyres require regular alignment to ensure that there is not too much difference in the way these tyres are pointing. Not having your tyres aligned will cause excessive premature wear. 

Keeping your tyres in shape for your safety is basic but vital. Engaging in a regular tyre inspection and maintenance, plus moderating how you drive can keep you safe on the road and add to the lifespan of your tyres.

If you need new tyres in Brisbane, visit Darra Tyres. If you have any tyre questions, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

Flat Tyres

Where are you most likely to suffer a flat tyre in Brisbane?

Tips to help you deal with a flat tyre or blowout in Queensland

In October 2018, the RACQ released figures showing where you are most likely to get a flat tyre in Queensland. The Gold Coast came out as top, but many of Brisbane’s suburbs fared poorly too. If you live or drive in the following suburbs, you best take extra care to avoid a flat when driving:

  • Eight Mile Plains
  • Brisbane CBD
  • Chermside
  • Coorparoo
  • Greenslopes

What causes a flat tyre?

There are two main causes of flat tyres: underinflation and tyre blowout.

Underinflation

You should never drive on underinflated tyres. There are studies that show that a vehicle with one or more underinflated tyres is three times more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident. Make it a habit to check your tyres weekly, and keep them inflated to the recommended tyre pressure.

Tyre blowout

A blowout can be as scary as hell. It will take you by surprise, make your vehicle hard to handle, and put your life and others in danger. The major contributors to a tyre blowout are:

  • Driving on underinflated tyres
  • Tyres that are in poor condition
  • Poor road conditions such as potholes and debris on the road
  • Driving at excessive speed on poor roads

What are the dangers of driving on flat tyres?

Driving on flat tyres will decrease your safety on the road. It will make steering more difficult. Braking distances will increase. You are more likely to skid on slippery roads. And, of course, you are more likely to suffer a blowout on a poorly maintained road – and there are plenty of these in Brisbane and Queensland.

If your tyre is flat and you carry on driving, you’ll find that your vehicle pulls to one side. Driving in a straight line is harder to do. You’ll also damage the internal structure of the tyre. You could also damage your vehicle.

Driving on a flat tyre makes it more likely that you will crash, because of the effect it has on handling and braking. Checking and maintaining your tyre pressure is one of the easiest things to do to avoid killing someone on the road.

Let’s hope that you avoid killing a fellow road user because of your flat tyre. It doesn’t mean you won’t suffer. Driving on a flat tyre is likely to damage your vehicle’s components. You may need to pay out to replace or repair brake lines, suspension, wheels and calipers. And this is just the start. Driving on a poorly maintained flat tyre could cost thousands of dollars.

What should you do if you have a flat on the road?

If you suffer a flat tyre or blowout on the road, you should stop as soon as you can:

  • Slow down to 20 or 30 Km/h
  • Look for a safe place to stop
  • Stop

Depending on the damage to the tyre, it may be reparable. A small nail of screw could cause deflation with little damage. A blowout or gash is likely to damage the tyre beyond repair.

On a quiet road, you might change the tyre for the spare yourself. To do so, follow our instructions in our article “How to change a car tyre after a blowout”. However, we echo the recommendation of the RACQ: if you get a flat, pull over in a safe place and call a professional. The busier the road, the more dangerous it is to change a tyre. In fact, if the road is too busy, we’ll move the car to where it is safe to work on.

In summary

Driving on a flat tyre is dangerous and the damage it can cause to your vehicle can be expensive. Improper inflation, wear and tear, a tyre defect or small damage to the tyre will increase the likelihood of you suffering a flat. Driving on underinflated tyres on poor road surfaces – and driving at excessive speed – increases the chances of a blowout.

If you do suffer a flat tyre or a blowout while driving, pull over safely and call the professionals. It’s not worth risking your life to change the tyre yourself at the roadside.

Finally, prevention is always better than cure. The best way to avoid a flat tyre is to monitor your tyres. Check them weekly. Keep them inflated to the correct, recommended pressure.

If you spot any tyre damage (nicks, cuts, grazes, bulges, nails or screws in the tread, etc.), seek the help of a professional. Here in West Brisbane, bring your vehicle to our tyre shop. We also have a truck and commercial mobile service.

For all your tyre needs, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

Eathmoving Tyres

Your complete earthmover tyres guide

Choosing, fitting, maintaining, repairing and storage of earthmover tyres

Whatever your earthmoving vehicle, and whatever its use, perhaps the most important of its parts is its tyres. They’re all that separates the vehicle from the ground, and are vital in vehicle, driver and site safety. Earthmover tyres are an investment in man, machine and business. To maximise value from your investment, you must buy the correct tyres, fit them properly, and maintain and store them effectively.

Which earthmover tyres should you buy?

Choosing the right earthmover tyre is vital. Not only will the right tyre help your operation run smoothly, it is also essential to obtaining the highest level of tyre performance.

Earthmover tyre markings – use

The markings on earthmover tyres comply to an international standard. One of the markings tells you which use the tyre is designed for. This is a single letter, each pertaining to a single-use classification:

Earthmover tyre markings – tread

As with other types of tyre, earthmover tyres have different shapes and depths of tread. When deciding which is best for your earthmoving vehicle, you should consider the type of surface it will encounter. This is the biggest factor in the damage that could be caused to the tyre, and the amount of grip it needs to have.

Like the use classification, treads are depicted by standard markings. Instead of letters, treads are shown by numbers as follows:

Know your earthmover tyre capacity

When selecting your earthmover tyres, you will also need to know your TKPH (tonne-kilometres per hour) or TMPH (tonne-miles per hour). This is the working capacity of the tyre. This depends on the load capacity and the number of kilometres of travel in an hour.

Tyres of the same size and tread pattern could have different TKPH ratings, depending upon the types of rubber used in the tyre manufacturing process.

Fitting earthmover tyres

Fitting earthmover tyres is a dangerous operation. It must be carried out using recommended working methods and in line with tyre safety rules. These are designed to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

If tyres are fitted poorly, it could cause damage to the tyre and make the vehicle unsafe to operate. Incorrect fitting of earthmover tyres is, quite literally, a matter of life and death.

You must not allow non-qualified, non-experienced people to fit earthmover tyres. The stakes are simply too high.

Maintaining earthmover tyres

Once fitted and in an operational setting, earthmover tyres must be inspected regularly. This will ensure that any damage or wear is spotted early.

Checks should be made on the treads at several points on the tyre. This is best done using a depth gauge. You should also inspect the tyre for cuts, grazes, gouges and bulges on the sidewall and tread, and for damage to the bead zone.

Correct tyre inflation is crucial. Correctly inflated earthmover tyres ensure optimal performance and safety of operators, other personnel, and equipment. Underinflated and overinflated tyres could severely impact traction and braking, and cause irreparable damage to the tyre, as well as irregular wear that reduces effective tyre life.

Repairing earthmover tyres

Repairs should always be carried out by a fully trained tyre professional. They will fully inspect the tyre first and assess if the damage can be repaired. This assessment is critical, and it must be made with the tyre removed from the wheel. Only then can the technician make a sound judgement – a wrong call could lead to a dangerous repair being made.

How to store and move earthmover tyres

If you store or handle earthmover tyres incorrectly, you risk damaging them beyond repair. You may also risk accident and injury to operators.

Tyres should be stored:

When handling tyres, you should not:

It is essential that operators comply with all health and safety rules at the operating site, and wear and use personal protective equipment.

Summing up

Investing in the right earthmover tyre is essential for your operation. It helps to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment, and it improves operational effectiveness. Once you have selected the correct tyre, it is essential that it is fitted correctly and maintained properly.

Because of the very serious safety factors associated with the fitting and repair of earthmover tyres, you should only ever entrust these tasks to qualified and experienced tyre technicians.

For all your tyre needs in Brisbane, contact Darra Tyres to benefit from the very best, fully qualified and experienced tyre technicians.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

Spare Tyres

What spare tyre should you invest in?

Spare tyre tips for all drivers

A spare tyre is a spare tyre, right? Wrong. A spare tyre is a lifesaver. You carry a spare to get you out of trouble, should you suffer a puncture or tyre blowout on the road. With spare tyres, you might decide a space saver tyre is the best choice. But it’s not your only option.

There are several different types of spare tyres. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. This article will help you decide which is best for you.

·      Full-size matching spare tyre

This is exactly what it says: a tyre that is the same as the tyres on your vehicle. Should you need to switch one of your tyres for the spare, it won’t look out of place. You won’t need to get to a tyre shop straight away to replace the spare. However, a full-size spare takes up more space than other spare tyre options.

If you have a full-size spare, you should include it in your tyre rotation regime. This will mean that when you make a full tyre change you should change five tyres and not four.

·      Full-size non-matching tyre

This is a full-size tyre that might not be on a matching wheel. You may be tempted to maintain a spare tyre that is a different size to your other tyres (within legal guidelines), though we don’t recommend this.

Like the full matching tyre, you won’t have to drive straight to a tyre shop. However, this type of spare also takes up more space in your vehicle and does nothing for aesthetics.

·      Full-size temporary spare tyre

This tyre has a shallow tread depth, and therefore a limited life as a replacement. You shouldn’t use it for anything other than emergency use, but if you do need to use it you won’t need to drive straight to a tyre shop.

A full-size temporary spare tyre should perform little differently to your other tyres, so your handling and grip is unaffected. Because they are lightweight, they are easier to handle. However, they will still take up the same amount of space as other full-size spares.

·      Compact spare tyre

This is also a lightweight tyre with a shallow tread. However, its smaller. Thus, it may be a good option for those with limited space to keep a spare in the vehicle. You’ll need to inflate it to a higher pressure, and you will also need to go to a tyre shop immediately. You should note that driving on this type of tyre could diminish driving features such as ABS braking and traction.

·      Collapsible spare tyre

This is the spare tyre that takes up the least space, so it may be a good choice if you drive a small car or have lots of luggage to carry. However, to use this type of tyre you will need to inflate it – usually with a canister. It is also only good for a limited mileage.

Tips to help you choose a spare tyre

How do you decide which tyre is best for you? Space, location and where you drive are the most important considerations. For example:

  • If you drive mostly around the city, you won’t be far from a tyre shop. So, you may decide on a lightweight, temporary spare.
  • If you plan to take a road trip across Australia or into the Outback, you’ll need a robust spare to ensure you can continue for what may be a hundred miles or more, or across rough terrain.

When buying a spare, you should ask advice from the tyre specialists at your tyre shop.

Tips for driving on a spare

You should check your spare tyre regularly, just as you do your other tyres. Make sure that it:

  • Is correctly inflated
  • Is not damaged in any way
  • Has a legal tread depth

When driving on a spare, you should drive more slowly. Some spares are not made to drive at speeds of more than 80 kilometres per hour. Remember that many spares are only for temporary use. You should get to a tyre shop as soon as possible.

If you are using a full-size spare, while you can drive further on it, you should remember that you now don’t have a fit spare tyre – so you shouldn’t delay repairing or replacing your damaged tyre.

If you need a spare tyre or have used one because of a puncture or blowout in Brisbane, contact Darra Tyres and bring your vehicle into out tyre shop for fitting by fully qualified and experienced tyre technicians.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

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