All Posts by Kevin Wood

8-reasons-your-tyres-are-noisy-on-Queensland-roads

8 reasons your tyres are noisy on Queensland’s roads

If the sound that your tyres make on the roads in Queensland makes you grate your teeth or gives you a mini migraine, it probably isn’t the quality of the roads that are the problem. There are several reasons your tyres could make a terrible noise. Contact with the road is only one of them.

In this article, you’ll learn the reasons why your tyres are so noisy. As you’ll realise, eliminating that irritating noise is mostly in your control.

  1. You’ve bought a tyre with large grooves. This means there is more air pushing through the tread, and this leads to a noisier tyre.
  2. You have recently rotated your tyres (helping to reduce uneven wear and increasing the life of the tyres). The noise will subside shortly.
  3. Your tyres are underinflated, making them screech and squeal as you turn corners or take bends. Inflate your tyres to the correct air pressure.
  4. You are driving your car at high speed, forcing the air through the tread at a faster rate. This increases the noise the flow of air makes. Either slow down or change your tyres for a set made for faster driving speeds.
  5. Accelerating fast from a standstill can cause screeching. It also wears the rubber faster. Keep the noise down by pulling away at a steady pace, and your tyres will last longer. Those boy racer driving tactics are expensive.
  6. Screeching is also caused by late and hard braking. Driving too fast or too close to the car in front is dangerous. Keep your distance, stay focused, and brake easier by reacting to the brake lights of the vehicle in front of you.
  7. Driving with a heavy load, pushing your tyres flatter to the road. Never drive with an excessive load, and always maintain the correct tyre pressure for the load you are hauling.
  8. If your wheel hums and the humming gets louder the faster you drive, it could be that your wheel bearings are not working properly. Worn wheel bearings could affect steering and safety. Get them checked immediately.

Wear and tear on tyres will affect the way your car handles over time. The change in noise that your tyres make may be the first indication that your tyres need attention, or it could be a symptom of poor driving technique.

When listening for a change in tyre noise, remember that driving on tyres that are made for heavy loads will be noisier. For a quieter drive, asymmetric treads are best. Tyres with directional treads are usually louder.

If you notice a change in the noise your tyres make on the roads around Brisbane, call Darra Tyres. Our experienced technicians will help you pinpoint the reason your tyres are making excessive noise, and help you choose the best tyre for your vehicle, the roads you drive on, and your driving style. They will also give you some handy tips on how to make your tyres last longer.

To get (probably) the best tyre service in Brisbane from friendly and expert technicians, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping you safe on the roads,

Kevin Wood

tips-for-effective-forklift-operation-in-Brisbane-in-autumn-and-winter

Tips for effective forklift operation in Brisbane in autumn and winter

Create good habits to increase safety and efficiency

We may only be partly through summer in Brisbane, but a recent conversation with a friend in Europe got me thinking about forklift safety in autumn and winter here in Queensland. We’re lucky that we don’t have to deal with the harsh winter conditions they experience in countries like France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Forklift operators in the extremely cold winters of Finland and Norway have it even tougher. They need to use accessories like snow chains on their tyres for months at a time. No need for snow chains here in Brisbane, but with autumn approaching, it is time to make certain that your forklift operations will ensure you maintain safety and productivity as the weather changes.

In this article, you’ll learn a few forklift tips that will help operators stay safe and save money on your forklift tyres through autumn and winter.

Seasonal problems facing forklift operators in Queensland

As the weather changes, drivers experience wet and slippery conditions. The colder weather affects both forklift and driver. Fog season affects visibility.

To mitigate such problems, take care of your forklifts and your operators.

Keep on top of forklift tyre maintenance

There are several forklift tyre maintenance checks that are essential. You may already be doing these – that’s best practice – but if you aren’t, you must change your routine for the winter. Here are a few tips to keep your forklift tyres in top condition and most effective in the autumn and winter:

·      Check air pressures every day

Temperature plays with air pressure. The colder it gets, the lower the pressure moves. When a forklift tyre is underinflated, the driver loses traction. The slippery ground becomes even more slippery. Accidents increase, causing damage to goods and people.

On the other hand, if the weather warms up, the air pressure in a tyre increases. This is when blow-outs occur.

Check tyre air pressures daily. Make sure they are inflated correctly. You’ll suffer fewer accidents and increase the life of your tyres.

·      Check tread depth

Correct tread depth gives the right amount of traction, making handling better and driving safer. The driver has a more comfortable ride, and braking is more efficient.

·      Check general forklift tyre condition

Check your tyres for cuts, scrapes, and bulging, as well as bald patches and uneven wear. You can learn a lot from the condition of your forklift’s tyres – including how operators drive your forklift. If any damage or excessive wear is noticed, deal with the issue quickly – safety is at risk, as well as productivity.

Make sure you know how to tell it is time to replace your forklift tyres.

Keep your operator safe in colder weather

Make sure your forklift operators are prepared for colder weather conditions. They should:

  • Wear appropriate clothing, including gloves and hats if needed.
  • Take breaks to rest eyes and warm up from being in the colder weather
  • Allow forklift trucks to warm up properly
  • Ensure that there is enough lighting for safe operation when working outside
  • Tell your operators to:
    • Slow down
    • Stop working if it is unsafe to continue (e.g. poor visibility, torrential rain, or slippery ground)

(Read our article “7 tips to help forklift operators increase warehouse safety”, for more general safety advice.)

Keep your forklifts in top condition

Paramount to safety and efficiency, you’ll want to keep your forklifts in top condition. Here are some tips to help you do so:

  • Keep your forklifts clean
  • Undertake daily checks, paying special attention to fluids, moving parts, and tyres
  • Keep batteries fully charged

Create good forklift operation habits all year

I’ve written these tips because they are so relevant for the change in weather that is approaching. But in truth, most apply all year. By checking your vehicle and tyres daily, you’ll get better use from them. They’ll last longer, and maintenance issues will be quickly recognised and cheaper to deal with. Most importantly, keeping your forklift and its tyres in good condition will help to increase safety in the workplace.

Are you certain that you are maintaining your forklift effectively? When was the last time you benefitted from a tyre check on your forklifts? To find out about our comprehensive tyre services and how they could help you cut costs on your forklift operations, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping you safe on the road and in the workplace,

Kevin Wood

top-tyre-buying-tips-for-drivers-in-Brisbane

Top tyre buying tips for drivers in Brisbane

Four steps to the best tyres for you and your vehicle

So, you need new tyres, do you? It had to happen sometime. It may be that the noise your tyres are making is telling you to replace them, or you’ve spotted those bald patches and bulges developing. Whatever the reason, now comes the hard bit. What tyres should you buy? There appears to be an endless array of tyres on the market. Different types of rubber compound. Different treads. Low profile. Then there is the size to consider. And what about load ratings?

In this article, you’ll learn how to make the best choice of new tyres for you and your car. These simple tips will ensure that the tyres you buy give you a comfortable drive, reduce fuel consumption, and, most importantly, keep you as safe as possible.

Tip #1: Know what your tyres are needed for

One of the most important things to tell a tyre dealer when you are buying new tyres is what type of driving they are needed for. These are the types of question you should answer:

  • Do you drive at high speed?
  • Are the roads you drive on mostly highways and motorways?
  • Are most of your driving done on urban streets?
  • Do you drive in wet conditions?
  • Do you want a tyre that reduces road noise and operates well on wet and dry roads?

Tip #2: Match the tyre size to your car and driving style

The best way to size a tyre is to follow two rules:

  • Buy the size recommended by your car’s manufacturer
  • Buy the size that is best for your driving habits and requirements

Most commonly, a car manufacturer will recommend several sizes. Among these, you will find the best fit to both the above rules. Your tyre dealer will help you with this.

Tip 3: Gen up on your tyre knowledge

Before you go to the dealer, it’s worth spending a little time researching. Read trade magazines or surf the internet to find reviews, expert tyre tests, and ‘real people’ comments. When reading reviews and tests, remember that they should relate to your needs and driving habits. So, drill down to the details that are most relevant, rather than basing your own conclusions on the overall rating of a tyre.

Also, don’t forget that most tyre reviews in magazines will have been conducted over a few hours or days. A customer review made after months of use may be better. Tyre manufacturers’ own tests are also made over a long period of time, so although you might consider them biased, they could be more accurate than magazine reviews.

A half hour of research will help you make a more informed decision. It will help you acquire enough knowledge to understand what the dealer is talking about when they discuss your needs.

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to ask questions

The tyre dealer may choose a tyre for you or offer a choice of different brands. Before selecting, ask for an explanation of the pros and cons of each. If the dealer gets too technical (it’s something that we do when we get carried away – we do love our tyres!), don’t be afraid to tell the dealer to slow down and explain what they mean. Especially, ask about the benefits that each feature of a tyre gives you, in your car, on the roads you use, and in the way that you drive.

In a few words – if in doubt, shout!

Always buy the best tyres for your vehicle

If you follow these four tyre tips, you will always buy the best tyres for you. They will suit your driving habits, your vehicle, and the roads on which you drive. This means you will benefit from longer tyre life, lower fuel consumption, and a more comfortable and safer drive.

To get a great tyre deal in Brisbane, from friendly and expert technicians, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping you safe on the roads,

Kevin Wood

what-are-the-four-most-critical-forklift-parts

What are the four most critical forklift parts?

Maintenance tips to keep forklift operation costs down

Every machine has parts that it can’t operate without. These must be maintained properly to ensure you get the longest and most effective wear from them. Forklift trucks are no exception. They are used every day, in some plants and factories 24/7. This level of use hammers forklifts and can add huge costs to your operation. Like all machinery, some parts are more critical than others.

Ensuring that you check and maintain these four parts properly will improve workplace safety, increase productivity, and decrease costs associated with forklift maintenance.

1.    All the moving parts

OK, so a bit of a cheat here, but ALL the moving parts must be effectively maintained. You must ensure that they are properly lubricated. This reduces damage caused by friction. Make sure that bearings are inspected and changed when they are worn.

Don’t neglect rust on your forklift. Rust also increases friction between moving parts and increases damage.

If you run a forklift with worn parts, you risk damaging other parts. You will get less effective use, the engine will need to work harder, and eventually, the worn part will cause damage to other parts. Neglecting the moving parts of your forklift only increases the possibility of a very expensive breakdown.

2.    Forklift fluids

Fluids – including hydraulic, brake, antifreeze, and gas fluids – must be checked regularly. Make it part of your daily check routine, and you will quickly notice if something is amiss. Low fluid levels can be catastrophic:

  • Radiators should be checked for leaks
  • Check the oil
  • Ensure that hydraulic fluids are maintained
  • Keep the coolant topped up

Ignore these basics at your peril. Daily checks and records will ensure that your forklift operates at peak efficiency. Rapidly depleting fluids will quickly alert you to possible maintenance issues that must be dealt with.

3.    The dashboard

Forklift drivers should have one eye on the dashboard at all times. Gauges and warning lights alert drivers to engine problems and low fluid levels. If these gauges and warning lights aren’t working, you risk lessening the life of your forklift. You also risk dangerous operation.

It is essential that a forklift’s dashboard works, and works well. You wouldn’t want to drive a car without a functioning dashboard. A forklift is not the exception that proves this rule.

4.    Forklift tyres

Forklift tyres may be the most crucial of all moving parts on your forklift. They are expensive elements of a forklift, too, and so must be treated well to lengthen their life and reduce your costs.

Tyre maintenance is essential. The condition of your forklift’s tyres affects efficiency, driver comfort, and safety. Ensuring that you get the best life from your tyres starts before you buy new forklift tyres. You must know how to choose forklift tyres for the job and type of forklift.

To get the best life from your tyres, do these three things:

Are you certain that you are maintaining your forklift effectively? When was the last time you benefitted from a tyre check on your forklifts? To find out about our comprehensive tyre services and how they could help you cut costs on your forklift operations, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping you safe on the road and in the workplace,

Kevin Wood

can-tyres-really-be-environmentally-friendly

Can tyres really be environmentally friendly?

What you should consider before buying sustainable tyres in Queensland

One tyre trend that I’ve noticed growing in the last few years is with concern about the environment. More people buying tyres are asking ‘green’ questions, and major tyre manufacturers are producing more sustainable tyres.

In this article, you’ll learn how sustainable tyres differ from ‘ordinary’ tyres, and what you should consider before investing in a set of these new environmentally friendly tyres.

What do people want from ‘green’ tyres?

As the world goes green, there’s increasing awareness of the impact that tyres have on the environment. The biggest and most talked about impact is fuel consumption. Tyre manufacturers have spent fortunes on research and development to decrease fuel consumption. Modern tyres now grip the road better, offer a safer and more comfortable drive, and offer less road resistance. All these factors mean you drive further between refuelling stops.

Next on the list is concern about the raw materials used in the manufacture of tyres. Again, tyre manufacturers have worked hard in this area. Because of improvements in design and manufacturing processes over the years, tyres last way longer today. A good set of tyres – driven on correctly and rotated properly – should last up to 100,000 kilometres. This longevity means less rubber consumption per vehicle on the road. Manufacturers have also worked hard to innovate production processes to reduce or even eliminate the use of harmful chemicals in tyre manufacture.

A third environmental impact that drivers are concerned about is road noise. While it’s important to listen to what your tyre noise is telling you, it is also considered to be a nuisance, especially in built-up areas. A tyre with a low rolling resistance will produce less noise.

Could ‘sustainable’ tyres make an environmental difference?

Sustainable tyres use materials from different sources. Much of the material used to manufacture them is recycled, and the binding process has been tweaked accordingly. They should provide the same driving experience, but in a more environmentally friendly way.

The goal is greener tyres, greener materials, and greener manufacturing processes, without a reduction in safety, fuel consumption, and tyre life. Big manufacturers like Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Michelin are leaders in the field.

What you should consider before buying sustainable tyres

There’s no doubt in my mind that sustainable tyres are the future. But are they the present? Here are two things you should consider before replacing your current tyres with sustainable tyres.

Cost of tyres

Sustainable tyre manufacturer is still in its infancy, and this means that they are more expensive than their mass-manufactured counterparts.

Tyre safety

Infancy is also a factor when considering your safety. Existing tyres and manufacturing processes have decades of history behind them. The new sustainable tyres don’t have this benefit. Recycled materials may be great in colder climates, where they have been extensively tested, but can the same be said when driving on them in the middle of a baking hot Queensland summer?

Of course, manufacturers will overcome these concerns in time. Eventually, sustainable tyres will offer a safer and more comfortable drive.

Recycling of tyres is catching up with recycling of other waste

Here in Australia, we recycle almost 60% of our waste. Tyre disposal has lagged these efforts. This is changing.

The days of seeing huge tyre mountains and landfill sites stuffed with old tyres may be coming to an end. More tyres can be regrooved and retreaded today. And instead of a landfill, when tyres are past their useful life they are equally likely to be turned into ‘earth fill’, for the construction industry and infrastructure projects such as building dams.

Old tyres can even be recycled into oil and fuel, as Australian start-up GDT is proving.

One day, you may be driving on sustainable wheels, with your engine lubricated and powered by recycled rubber.

Darra Tyres – keeping you informed of your future on the road. To find out about our comprehensive tyre services, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping you safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

What does the future hold for truck fleets in 2018 and beyond?

In-cab technology may be the theme of 2018 for truck drivers and fleet managers

While I don’t have a crystal ball, it’s fun to think about what’s happening in the truck industry and how it might affect fleet management in the future. I looked at a couple of these last year when writing about driverless trucks coming to Brisbane and discussing the era of the Executive Truck Driver.

Now, many believe that driverless trucks will never take off. Not me. I think they could be closer than we think. They’re already being used in mines here in Australia, and road trials are taking place, too. However, for commercial fleets, we’re probably three to five years away from driverless trucks on Queensland’s roads. The technology is here, but laws must be changed. Insurance companies must come on board. Then there are the livelihoods of truck drivers to consider, too. Much work is to be done.

But this year, I think that we could see technology playing an increasingly big part of fleet management, as we move towards a driverless truck environment.

5 trends for truck fleets in 2018

1.    Trucks will ‘connect’ with fleet management

Trucks will be equipped with a lot more technology. Every aspect of the truck’s engine and infrastructure will be monitored in real time. Weather, road, and traffic conditions will be transmitted between vehicles, with drivers alerted in real time. Simultaneously, the same information will be sent to fleet managers.

This type of connectivity will begin to prepare drivers and fleet controllers to work in the new environment, where trucks become autonomous and drive themselves.

2.    Fleet managers will have more control

Advancing technology has helped fleet managers have better control over their vehicles for decades. Once upon a time, when a driver left the depot it would be hours before the fleet manager discovered the driver’s progress on the road.

Today, trucks can be tracked. Technology will allow fleet managers to monitor driver behaviours as well as the condition of the truck. It should enable fleets to retrain drivers who have slipped into bad habits and reduce costs incurred because of those bad habits.

3.    Truck drivers’ jobs are going to start changing

Truck drivers will need to adapt their working practices to encompass new in-cab technologies. Cabs are likely to become more like aeroplane cockpits, with bells and whistles alerting the driver to engine and truck issues, as well as road conditions ahead of them. They will need to interpret data received from other fleet vehicles and take remedial action to ensure their truck keeps moving.

4.    Fleet managers will become data crunchers

Technology advances will make more data available, and fleet managers will need to learn how to analyse and interpret the information that is flooding into the central system hub. New ways of working will, therefore, affect controllers and managers as well as drivers.

Effective analytical skills should enable fleet managers to manage fleets to increase efficiency. Fuel costs should be reduced, and delivery times cut. Vehicles should be safer on the roads.

5.    Fleet safety will become a technology issue

Fatalities in the haulage industry are still too high. It is one of the reasons why the industry is embracing driverless technologies. Before we get to this nirvana, increased technology is likely to become not just accepted, but expected. We already have safety features in trucks (such as lane departure alarms and rear view cameras). Expect more technology in trucks as the industry strives to increase safety on the road and eliminate accidents and fatalities.

The future of fleets is being created in 2018

Some fleets we work with are already embracing the newest technologies. Without a doubt, these technologies are changing the way that fleets work. Driver safety is already being positively affected, as technology reduces human error.

As autonomous, driverless trucks enter the industry and become commonplace in the future, the jobs of truck drivers will change. Many will probably disappear. But the success of autonomous trucks may depend on the success of the technological advances in trucks’ cabs and fleet management in 2018 and 2019.

A certainty is that changes are on their way. 2018 could be the year when we see the fastest change yet in fleet management. It could be the year that sets the scene for a move towards driverless trucks on our roads within a few years.

To find out about our comprehensive services for truck owners and fleets, contact Darra Tyres. Never be stranded on roads in and around Brisbane again – even when most of your trucks are driverless.

Keeping your business and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

How to choose your forklift tyre in Brisbane in 2018

What tyre does your forklift need, and how will it last longer?

Is it time to replace your forklift tyres? Is the top of the tyre worn to the wear line? Is the tyre chipped, slashed, gouged, or damaged? Has it got flat spots or uneven wear?

There are several types of forklift tyre used by businesses in Brisbane. Which type you should buy will depend upon several factors. These include:

  • The type of terrain on which the forklift will operate
  • How often the forklift is used
  • Whether the tyre is to be used indoors, outdoors, or both
  • Loads to be carried

In this article, you’ll learn what type of forklift tyre is best for your operation, and how to make your forklift tyres last longer.

Your forklift tyre choice: what are the options?

The main types of forklift tyre available are:

·      Cushion tyres

Ideal for use on smooth surfaces, like concrete floor warehouses, and in facilities where tight turning is a requirement.

·      Pneumatic tyres

These are like the tyres used on cars and trucks: rubber, and with deep tread. They help to cushion the blow between rougher terrain and the forklift, making for a more comfortable operator experience.

·      Solid tyres

These are like pneumatic tyres, except they are not air-filled. Thus, the operator and forklift don’t benefit from the same cushioning effect. However, they don’t puncture, and so last a long time. They are best suited to indoor use, though are also good on smooth outdoor surfaces.

·      Foam-filled forklift tyres

Instead of being filled with air, these tyres are filled with a foam that prevents punctures. They also provide the cushioning of pneumatic tyres.

·      Non-marking tyres

These solid tyres have had carbon black removed, and so are ideal for indoor use where it is important not to mark floors. The downside is that they tend not to last as long because the lack of carbon black shortens their life.

Three ways to extend you forklift tyre life

Whichever type of tyre you buy for your forklift operation, you’ll want to get the best value for money. To do so, it’s essential that they last for as long as possible. There are three things you should do to help forklift tyre life:

1.     Use them properly

Driving correctly on tyres is essential. Sudden braking, spinning, or sharp starts and turns all contribute to tyre wear. Make sure your operators understand that good driving habits are important to maintain tyres, as well as safety standards during operation.

2.     Tyre inflation

Check your tyre inflation pressures regularly, and at least once per month. Make sure the valve has a cap to prevent dirt from getting into the tyre.

3.     Tyre storage

Store forklift tyres in a cool, clean place. Keep them away from oil and dirt.

Only store forklift tyres for a few months – even when not being used, tyre rubber degrades.

Do solid tyres last longer?

We’re often asked if solid tyres are really worth their price. Of course, your choice should first be dependent on your need – where the tyre will be used and what for. Generally, if you look after a solid tyre, it should last up to three times longer than a pneumatic tyre.

Wherever your forklift operates, Darra Tyres has the tyres you need. With more than 100 years of combined experience in the forklift tyre market, you’ll find our personal but professional approach refreshing. Contact Darra Tyres today, and we’ll help you navigate the highly competitive market and select the best forklift tyres from the huge range available.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

7 New Year’s resolutions for every driver in Queensland

How to drive with less stress, more safely, and at less cost

We’re into a new year, and I guess that you may have made plenty of New Year’s resolutions. Probably a few to do with health – losing weight and cutting out those lifestyle vices, such as smoking, perhaps. You may have resolved to get your finances in order, and maybe to get yourself a new, better-paid job.

There are probably very few people who make resolutions to be a better driver and take better care of their vehicle. Here are seven driver resolutions for 2018 that will make driving in Queensland that little bit less stressful.

1.    Keep your car clean inside and out

When you keep your car’s exterior clean, it helps to protect it from all manner of damage. Bird mess, for example, is corrosive. Dead bugs on your windscreen make it more difficult to see all when driving. Muddy headlamps make night driving hazardous. Keeping your car clean helps keep you and other road users safe, and helps to maintain your vehicle’s value.

Take a few minutes every week to tidy the inside of your vehicle, too. Clear out rubbish, and vacuum crumbs from the carpet and seats. Leave a mess in your vehicle too long, and it will stain and start to smell. And that’s not good when you want to sell.

2.    Attend to minor damage quickly

Get those small unfortunate damages attended to quickly, before they become expensive. Most you can deal with yourself, like chipped windscreens and minor scratches to your bodywork.

3.    Check your fluids

Just like a human body, your vehicle can’t function properly without fluids. Get into a routine and check coolant, windscreen washer, and brake and clutch fluid levels. These fluids are vital to your vehicle running smoothly and keeping you safe on the roads in Queensland.

4.    Double-check your oil

Oil is vital to your vehicle. Without it, the engine will seize. While you don’t need to change the oil every few thousand kilometres anymore, make sure that you check oil levels and top up regularly. When you take your vehicle for a service, make sure that the oil is changed.

5.    Value your tyres

There are many reasons why you should check your tyres regularly. Poor tyres affect you and your vehicle. They make it harder to drive and give a rougher ride. You will use more fuel, and you’ll lose grip as you drive corners.

The only way to make sure your tyres are doing the job they’ve been designed to do – provide a safe, comfortable, and fuel-efficient drive – is to check them at regular intervals. Check for:

  • Tyre pressure
  • Cracks and bulges
  • Bald patches and wear and tear

Check out our post about the four tyre safety checks you must do, and do them every fortnight. It only takes a couple of minutes to make sure your tyres are fit for road use. You’ll avoid unnecessary wear and tear, and your vigilance could prevent an accident, as well as save you money.

6.    Drive more skillfully

When did you take your driving test? It’s always worth brushing up on your driving skills. You could invest in an advanced driving course, or take a few online tests to brush up on your road knowledge.

More skilful drivers tend to find their driving costs decrease, too. You’ll drive more safely, and sticking to the speed limits will reduce your fuel consumption. You’ll miss those potholes that do so much damage to your tyres and your car.

7.    Listen to your vehicle

Your vehicle speaks to you, if only you listen. Turn the radio volume down, and listen out for the clues your engine is giving you about its needs. And it’s not just the engine. Do you know what that tyre noise is telling you?

Listening to your tyres is a constant check:

  • Squealing tyres could indicate that you need to put some more air in them
  • Squeaking tyres indicate uneven wear, usually on the front tyres
  • A squeak and rattle says that you have a loose hubcap
  • Screeching shows you are cornering too fast
  • Rumbling and vibration could mean that a wheel bearing is worn – you must get your car checked
  • Grinding is usually caused by worn brakes – it’s time to be scared!

Look after your vehicle, and it will look after you

Every year, we resolve to look after ourselves better. Don’t neglect your vehicle this year. Stick to the seven resolutions above, and you’ll also be looking after your health and your pocket. If you notice any signs of damage, wear and tear, or if your vehicle doesn’t ‘sound or feel right’, get it checked. It could save your life.

Here’s to happy driving in Brisbane in 2018.

For all your tyre needs here in Brisbane, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

With driverless cars and voice technology, you could be the new Knight Rider

The future we watched on TV in the 1980s has arrived

In the 1980s, perhaps the coolest concept for petrol heads was K.I.T.T. – Knight Industries Two Thousand, the incredible (and intelligent) car driven by Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff) in the series Knight Rider.

  • Who didn’t marvel at the ability of driver and car to interact by voice?
  • And how about the artificial intelligence of K.I.T.T.?
  • A car, able to talk, make decisions, and help its ‘master’ upon a voice command?

Of course, back then, the internet wasn’t even a thing. Who’d have thought we would soon be able to speak to our loved ones via video phone – never mind one that fits in your pocket, holds all your data, and on which you could read a whole library, watch films, and listen to hundreds of music albums?

Today, that futuristic vision of driverless cars is here. Soon, we’ll all be driving K.I.T.T. Manufacturers are rushing to get the software into your vehicles. But it’s not all thanks to smartphones that you could be the new Knight Rider.

Google, Siri, and Alexa ­– your in-vehicle friend

Smartphones are great devices. But they have failed to prepare us for a hands-free world. Think about it. Until very recently, everything you did on your smartphone was touch and swipe. Your whole interaction with technology depended on being able to touch it. Touch, tap, swipe. Well, no that is changing.

Over the last couple of years, smart devices have started to be smart. Thanks to Google, Siri, and Alexa, we’re getting used to talking to technology. We’re also getting used to technology being smarter than us. Alexa and Siri know how the weather is anywhere in the world. We only need to ask them. They can find our favourite music, locate an audiobook we always wanted to ‘read’, and help us with our work. All seamlessly and fast.

In-car entertainment is being transformed, too. You thought those switches and levers on your steering wheel were freeing and safer. Now there’s no need to get physical at all. You have fewer distractions. You can concentrate on the road ahead while asking your car to play your favourite tunes.

Navigation by voice is here

Now that we’re getting used to having technology do our bidding when we ask it to, in-car navigation systems are tuning in. Forget the instructions to never play with your Sat Nav while driving. If you decide that you want to take a different route or stop off to eat on the way to your destination, you simply tell your Sat Nav to do so.

Garmin already has voice control, but now it has linked with Alexa. Now, with Garmin Speak, you get hands-free access to Amazon Alexa. Simply ask Alexa to redirect you. “Alexa, ask Garmin to take me to…”. But with Alexa, of course, you get to do a whole bunch of other things while you’re driving. If you suddenly remember you need milk, add it to your shopping list. You can check your diary, find out what the weather is up ahead, or even order a takeaway to arrive when you get home.

So, in-car technology is getting smarter and safer. Yet ordering a takeaway is hardly the stuff that wowed us in the 80s with Michael Knight. K.I.T.T. was like this whole intelligent metallic being. Able to make its own decisions and work hand in hand with the driver. Well, your own personal K.I.T.T. may be closer than you think.

Google Assistant – transforming your car into K.I.T.T.

Google Assistant gives you the ability to interact with your car by voice. It does this by linking up via a small device called AutoPi. This plugs into your car, providing 4G connectivity. You can speak to your car from anywhere. You can log in via any device, and remotely set up your system.

Track your car from wherever you are

With built-in GPS, you can continuously track your car. If it moves, you’ll know about it. Of course, the next step is for your car to alert you to it being hit, or an attempt to steal it. Imagine your phone ringing, and you pick up to hear “Hi, this is your car speaking. I’m currently thwarting an attack on the driver’s door.”

Cool, huh? But now, take it one step further.

Remote control of your car’s functionality

So, you get an alert from your car. You now have a choice. Do you call the cops, or do you take immediate action? How about telling your car to start up, or lockdown? What about a recorded message signalling to the thief that the police have been called? Or how about your car taking off, and coming to you?

Remote control your car and make your life easier

You could have your car start up, and simply drive away from the thieves. A great theft avoidance system, now that driverless trucks and cars are getting close. But there are other uses of remote control, too. Let’s say it’s torrential rain outside. You’re about to finish work, and it’s a ten-minute walk to the open-air car park. Forget that!

Simply tell your car that you’re about to leave work, and you want to be picked up undercover at the front of your office. It will drive to you.

As the 1980s TV series always began…

“Michael Knight, a young loner on a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless in a world of criminals who operate above the law.”

Without his K.I.T.T., Michael Knight simply wouldn’t have been the same person. You may not be championing the cause of the innocent, or fighting big-time criminals, but you’ll feel like a lone crusader taking on (and beating) a dangerous world with your own personal K.I.T.T.

To stay up to date with what’s happening with vehicle technology, and to get the best tyre service in Brisbane, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping you and your family safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

7 tips to help forklift operators increase warehouse safety

Habits of the safest forklift operators in Queensland

In our last article, we asked, are your forklift inspection routines putting your business at risk? With around four deaths caused by forklift accidents every year in Australia, in this article, we give you seven tips on how to operate your forklift safely in the workplace. These are the habits of the best forklift operators in Queensland.

1.    Communicate constantly

Even though as a forklift operator you’re in something of a cocoon in the cab, communication with those around you is probably one of the most important things to do. Constantly making sure that people know what you’re doing and where you’re going helps in two ways. First, they’ll be warier of your presence. Second, you’ll be warier of theirs.

2.    Always secure the load

Hard-to-handle loads are more prone to topple. Unevenly distributed loads are more likely to cause forklift instability. Never transport an unsecured load on a forklift: one item falling can lead to a domino effect, and suddenly the entire load has gone.

3.    Plan your route around the warehouse

Warehouses can be busy, complex places. Make sure you know where you are going and how to get there. Some channels may be too narrow or have dangerous obstacles. Operating a forklift can be challenging and enjoyable, but a warehouse is not a slalom course or a racetrack. Always select the easiest and safest route around a warehouse, even if it’s a little further to travel. Be careful of other warehouse users, too: you may have to wait while another process is being completed.

4.    Park up safely when your shift has finished

Always park in an authorised location, lower the fork, set controls to neutral, put the brake on, turn off the ignition, and remove the key.

5.    Inspect your forklift regularly

Your pre-shift forklift inspection is the most important one to make. Check everything from oil and water to seatbelts, electrics, and coolants. Don’t neglect the check: it could save lives.

6.    Pay special attention to battery and hydraulic fluid

Your battery needs to be fully charged, and your hydraulic levels must be maintained. A mishap with either of these could cause a breakdown or fork failure. If this happens, you could be the cause of a serious accident in the warehouse.

7.    Know the forklift tyre warning signs

Your forklift tyres are integral to the job your forklift does. They are often the most overlooked piece of forklift equipment. When you inspect your forklift, don’t forget the tyres. Here are the warning signs that your tyres need to be replaced, which are different for pneumatic and cushion tyres:

  • Wear and tear take its toll on pneumatic forklift tyres. You should inspect for cuts, grazes, and tread wear. Look at inner and outer edges and the centre of the tyre for signs of balding. If the cord is visible, the tyre needs replacing immediately.
  • On cushion tyres, you should look out for flat spots, tearing, and cracks. These issues have different causes, and if they are happening regularly then you should have a tyre expert help you to identify why. If your tyres have worn down to the 50% wear line, you should replace the tyre immediately.

Worn or poorly inflated forklift tyres are one of the main causes of poor forklift safety in the warehouse. Worn tyres make for an unstable forklift, an uncomfortable drive, and they add to fuel consumptions and maintenance cost.

To find out about our comprehensive tyre services for forklift operators in Queensland, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your business and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

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