Five things all drivers should know about their tyres

Key tyre knowledge to save your pocket and your life

Your tyres are all that stands between you and the road. You may believe it is your driving skill that is the reason you avoided that fool in the road a couple of weeks ago, but don’t ignore the important part your tyres played in the success of your emergency manoeuvre.

Tyres are integral to your comfort and safety on the road. They are the main component in smooth cornering, an imperative element in braking, and they handle the entire weight of your vehicle, passengers and load. That’s why good drivers learn to ‘feel’ their tyres. They listen to them. They check their tyres regularly.

Here are five things that you should know about your tyres.

1.    Tread depth matters

The minimum tread depth in Queensland is 1.5mm, but experts recommend replacing tyres if the tread depth is less than 3mm. This is because tread depth saves lives. In wet weather, the distance travelled when braking with a tread depth of 1.5mm can be as much as nearly 50% more than with a tread depth of 3mm. That could be the difference between life and death – and the extra braking distance can be equally dangerous on dry roads.

2.    Incorrect tyre pressure is a cost and a killer

Poorly inflated tyres cause uneven wear, meaning your tyres will need replacing more often. That’s a cost that is easily avoided by checking your tyre pressures regularly. But this may not be the biggest cost of driving on poorly inflated tyres. When underinflated tyres get hot, they are more prone to blowouts – and at high speed, this could be a killer.

At best, poorly inflated tyres will use more fuel, wear quicker, and cost you more money. At worst, they could cost you your life.

3.    Tyre pressures should be checked cold

You’ll find the correct pressure for your tyres on the inside of the door jamb and/or in your vehicle owner’s manual. These tyres pressures are based on cold tyres, so, if you check your tyre pressures when warm, the check becomes almost useless.

Even a short drive will increase the heat in your tyres and raise the tyre pressure. Accurate readings can only be taken before you drive anywhere, and best after a couple of hours of standing idle.

4.    Uneven wear provides important clues

Uneven wear on your tyres provides big clues to underlying problems. It could be that your tyres are not properly balanced, or that your wheels are out of alignment. Poor tyre pressure creates different wear patterns, and poor suspension also causes uneven wear.

If you notice uneven wear on your tyres, it is best to take your vehicle to a tyre shop to get your tyres, wheels and suspension checked.

5.    Understand the feel, sight and sound of tyres

When driving, take note of the sound and feel your tyres give you. A little road noise is to be expected, but if you hear something out of the ordinary, it could be a sign that a tyre is punctured or has been damaged.

The same is true of vibrations while driving. It may be that you are on a really rough road, but if the vibrations continue on smooth tarmac then you may have a problem with the tyre – though it could also be caused by the wheel or faulty suspension.

The best thing to do if you notice any of the above is to stop and check your tyres. Check for wear, tyre pressure, and cracks in the sidewall, which could be caused by age, debris on the road, or kerbing. A crack or blister could be a sign that you are about to have a blowout. Change the tyre for the spare, and get to the nearest tyre shop as soon as possible.

Finally, check your tyres regularly. At least once a month. Better still, once a week. Best of all, before every journey you make.

For the best tyre service in Brisbane and a commitment to your safety within your budget, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

Why savvy drivers buy premium tyres in Brisbane

Four big advantages of buying the best tyres you can afford

Tyres. Expensive pieces of must-have equipment for your vehicle. Without them, you won’t get very far. However, when it comes to the need to replace your tyres, you may be tempted to go for the cheapest set possible. You’ll save a fair few dollars right off the bat. But are they really a saving in the long term?

As strange as it may seem, cheaper brand tyres may end up costing you more in the long run. They may also compromise your safety, reduce performance, and affect the comfort of your drive.

In this article, you’ll learn why savvy drivers in Brisbane choose premium brand tyres over their cheaper competition.

1.    Premium brand tyres can save on fuel

Most premium brand tyres are more efficient on fuel than the cheaper brands. They are designed to offer less road resistance (while maintaining traction), and this lower resistance translates to lower fuel consumption. You’ll travel further on a single tank of fuel. That’s a saving direct into your pocket every time you take a trip out.

2.    Premium tyres give shorter braking distances

It can be super sunshine one minute and then the roads can be awash with torrential rainwater here in Queensland. Premium tyres have benefitted from hundreds of millions of dollars spent on research and development, and tend to offer far shorter braking distances in all conditions. When it’s wet, that could be the difference between a costly accident and a near miss.

3.    Premium tyres offer a better driving experience

The highly developed tread patterns on premium brand tyres, better quality rubber compounds and years of development have resulted in better traction on the road. This adds up to a smoother more satisfying drive, better handling round corners, and a more comfortable driving experience. You’ll notice the difference even on short journeys, but on long-distance drives (or the annual road trip in Queensland or across Australia) that extra comfort can be the difference between an evening with back pain and a relaxing night’s sleep.

4.    Premium tyres last longer

A friend of mine was once made redundant, and as part of his redundancy package he had to attend a number of courses. One was on clothes. He was asked how much he spent on his shirts. He replied that each one cost around $30. The instructor said that he would be better to spend twice as much on them.

When he asked why, the instructor said, “They will last twice as long, fit and feel better, and give a better impression.” She could have been talking about tyres.

Premium brand tyres last longer. They are made of premium quality rubber compounds, and benefit from the best in technical development. Quality isn’t cheap, but it is usually worth the extra money you spend.

In summary

It can be tempting to save a few dollars when replacing a worn tyre, but the initial saving could be dwarfed by the eventual cost. It is likely that you’ll compromise on performance and safety, use more fuel, and need to replace your cheaper tyre sooner.

Premium brands spend hundreds of millions each year on research and development. The result of all this engineering, testing and re-engineering is a quality product made with quality materials. Premium brand tyres are definitely worth the price. That’s why we’ll always recommend them.

If you are on a restricted budget, our advice is to buy the very best tyre your pocket can stand. When it comes to safety drive comfort and long-term costs, it’s the very best advice we can give.

For the best tyre service in Brisbane and a commitment to your safety within your budget, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

How can Australians get the best out of their new tyres?

Tips to stay safer when your tyres are new

Vehicle engines have come on a long way in the last 30 years. I remember a time when you had to run in a new engine gently, driving for a few hundred miles at sedate speeds before reverting to your usual driving style. This is no longer required. Advances in engine technology mean you can take liberties with a new engine that you never used to be able to. The same can’t be said of new tyres.

Tyres are like shoes

Even though they have advanced similarly, tyres are more like shoes: they need to be broken in. Unless you spend time softening up a pair of shoes and getting them ‘moulded’ to the shape of your feet, you’ll cause yourself all sorts of problems. Corns. Blisters. Bruises.

To get the most from your tyres, you need to give them time to get out of their ‘shelf shape’ and into their ‘road shape’.

It’s about the manufacturing process

During manufacture, the layers of rubber and other materials used are lubricated to stop them sticking to the moulds used to shape and cure them. When you buy a new tyre, some of this lubricant is still present on the tyre, making it slippery on the road – I expect that you’ve noticed this, and, perhaps, even wondered why a new tyre with so much tread should suffer from lack of grip.

Driving a little more carefully on your tyres – cornering more slowly and braking less harshly – gives this lubricant time to wear off the surface of your tyre’s tread, producing a little more grip. A little like the soles of new shoes giving better grip when they are a little ‘roughed up’.

Driving gels the tyre together

Another reason to break in tyres is that it allows the rubber compounds used in the tyre to gel together properly under operational use. It’s a little like your shoes shaping themselves to your feet and how you walk. One side of a heel may wear a little faster than the other, and those slippery soles will grip better as they become roughed up where they contact the ground most.

New tyres settle into your vehicle and your style of driving over a period of time. They adjust to load and weight distribution as the compounds gel together. As this process occurs, you’ll find that your ride becomes more comfortable and the performance of your tyres surer. You’ll start to feel the response when you corner and brake as the tread softens a little.

Getting the best out of your new tyres

When I’m braking in a new pair of shoes, I tend to wear them in the house for a couple of hours a day for a few days. Then I venture outside, but again only for a few hours. Eventually, when they are broken in properly, they will feel as comfortable as a favourite pair of slippers.

Obviously, you can’t take a drive around your living room to help get your tyres adjusted, but you can drive a little more gently before driving as usual. Here are a few tips to help you break in your tyres effectively:

Breaking in your tyres will help to keep you safe on the roads for those crucial first few hundred miles, and allow your tyres time to adjust fully to their new owner, vehicle and load. This should also help your tyres to perform better and last longer without causing you any discomfort.

For the best tyre service in Brisbane, and a commitment to your safety within your budget, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

What does the tread wear on truck tyres tell a fleet manager?

5 types of tread wear and how to correct them

Your fleet depends on their tyres. The more wear they suffer, the more fuel your trucks will use. Irregular tread wear makes handling more difficult and lengthens braking distances, and this makes your trucks less safe – risking the lives of drivers, other road users and pedestrians.

What causes irregular tread wear?

There are many reasons tyres wear irregularly. On steering axles, you’ll often find that tyres wear more on one shoulder (most commonly the nearside shoulder) as road cambers, cornering, and roundabouts take their toll.

On drive axles, tyres tend to wear faster on the inner edge of inner tyres. Under- or overinflation also causes irregular tread wear, as does a poor wheel alignment.

5 types of tread wear and how to correct them

Here are the five types of irregular tread wear that your truck tyres might suffer, with likely cause and corrective measures you should take.

1.    Tread wear in the centre

If your tyre tread is worn along the centre of the tyre, the most likely cause is overinflation. However, it may also be caused by mismatched tyres and rims, or by the high torque on drive axles.

Make sure that the correct tyres are applied for the rims used, and ensure that the tyre pressure is adjusted to the recommended pressure according to location and load.

2.    Tread wear on both shoulders

This may also be caused by incorrect matching of tyres and rims, but is more likely caused by underinflation.

Once more, check to ensure the tyres and rims match, and adjust inflation pressure accordingly.

3.    Tread wear on one shoulder

Should a truck’s tyre tread be worn on one shoulder, there are several possible causes:

• Excessive toe or camber, caused by misalignment
• Non-parallel axles
• Bent axle
• Incorrect tyre and wheel assembly
• Severe operating conditions

In this case, it is important to identify the cause of the tyre wear and correct any mechanical faults. If the tread wear is not too severe, it may be possible to turn the tyre on the rim.

4.    Tread wear is diagonal

Diagonal tread wear also has many possible causes:

• Dismounting of tyre and wheel assembly to the trailer
• Mismatched twins
• Driving at high speed when empty
• Improper bearing adjustment
• Toe-out alignment

Identify the fault that is causing the irregular tread wear, and correct it. If the wear is not too severe, the tyre may be turned on the rim. If the tyre wear is caused by driving style, some driver education will be necessary.

5.    Tread wear is in flat spots

Flat spots on the tyre are usually caused by poor driving technique, with sharp braking causing wheels to lock and wear quickly in patches. However, it may also be that the truck’s braking system needs adjusting – for example, locking brakes may be caused by the incorrect adjustment of trailer brake controls.

Drivers should be reminded of driving technique and to avoid harsh braking, and braking systems should be checked and corrected.

Turning the tyre on the rim

Turning the tyre on the rim can extend the life of a tyre and reduce tyre costs. However, it must be done early enough so that wear is equalised. If the difference in the tread is 3mm or greater between shoulders, you should turn the tyre.

Wear on the sidewall could also be a sign that the tyre should be turned. If the lettering or sidewall indicator is disappearing, you should have the tyre checked to ensure that it is safe to turn.

At Darra Tyres, we provide a 24/7 commercial outside service, outside fitting, and truck callout service, in addition to our on-site services. To discover why so many businesses in Brisbane put their faith in our technicians, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

How to prepare your forklift tyres for the Queensland summer

4 tips for forklift operators to work more efficiently

Boy, this year has gone by quickly. This time last year, I was writing a blog post and asking if your forklift inspection routines are putting your business at risk. It doesn’t seem more than five minutes ago that I was putting pen to paper (or, should I say, fingers to keyboard) and providing those tips to help reduce forklift accidents in the workplace.

Now, it seems like we’re hurtling headlong into the summer season here in Queensland. Indications are that it’s going to be a hot one. Sun and heat affect your forklift tyres, and if you don’t do a little extra maintenance on them it could cost more money and risk causing injuries.

So, it’s worth reminding all businesses using forklifts that the change in weather increases the possibility to forklift tyre failures. With this in mind, here are the most important forklift tyre maintenance tips to help safety in warehouses, distribution centres, and any other location where forklifts are used.

1.    Check forklift tyre inflation

I’d recommend that forklift tyre pressures are checked at least once a day – before the working shift starts. Remember that inflation should be checked when the tyres are cold. Poorly inflated tyres adversely affect stability and traction and increase the risk of accidents.

Underinflated tyres also heat up faster. They wear quicker. This all adds up to a greater chance of tyre failure, and the need to replace them more often – and that’s going to increase your forklift tyre costs.

2.    Check the tread on your forklift tyres

Tyre pressure isn’t the only consideration at this time of year. Poor tread depth will also affect traction and handling. Look for signs of wear and tear as well as damage. If your forklift tyre tread is too shallow, when your operators drive in wet conditions the tyres won’t disperse the water well. The chance of aquaplaning and skidding is increased, and this will put both loads and pedestrians at risk.

Poor tread affects steering, braking, handling and, therefore, safety. A summer storm can turn an outside yard into an ice rink. Your forklift operators will need extra grip to work safely and efficiently.

3.    Stick to the manufacturer’s and operator’s manuals

Health and safety should be a primary concern for all businesses. Poorly maintained forklift tyres compromise this, risking expensive damage to the vehicle and, even worse, injury to operators and others.

Businesses should ensure that their operators carry out regular checks as part of their routine. This can be incorporated into job descriptions, with the operator following the manufacturer’s and operator’s manuals, paying particular attention to the tyre, rim, and wheel nuts.

4.    Other essential forklift checks for the summer months

Operators shouldn’t neglect other elements of mechanical safety on their forklifts. Warmer weather can reduce battery fluid levels and increase corrosion. Batteries should be regularly checked and cleaned to remove rust, and fluid levels should be checked and topped up.

Another issue that can be easily avoided is that of overheating. It takes a few seconds to check radiator fluid levels and make sure that hoses are correctly connected. Missing this one check could cost hours of operation, and low fluid levels increase the chance of costly engine damage.

Finally, check all belts and fans for cracks, holes and fraying. If these components are in poor shape, the efficiency of engine fans will be decreased and the temperature that your engine runs at will rise faster.

For any advice, or to enquire about our forklift tyre and fleet tyre services and discover why so many businesses in Brisbane put their faith in our technicians, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

What does this tyre wear and tear mean?

Seven symptoms of wear and tear and how to correct them

When a customer brings a damaged tyre to us, we can tell the cause from the type of wear and tear we see. Most tyre tread damage is caused by driver error and poor tyre maintenance. In this article, you’ll learn the seven signs of tyre wear and tear, what they mean, and how to avoid unnecessary wear and tear in the future.

Tyre wear and tear #1: Wearing on both tyre edges

If you notice wear on both inner and outer shoulders of your tyre, it’s most likely caused by underinflation. You’ll suffer from higher fuel consumption because of increased rolling resistance. As if this isn’t bad enough, your tyre will heat up faster, and overheating could cause the tyre to fail.

The solution is to check your tyre pressure regularly, and ensure you keep your tyres inflated to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure.

Tyre wear and tear #2: Wearing in the centre of the tyre

If your tyre’s tread is wearing faster along its centre, then this means that it is overinflated. This will affect your vehicle’s braking and handling.

To ensure that your tyres are not overinflated, check the air pressure when the tyre is cold, and let air out until the pressure gauge reads the correct pressure measurement.

Tyre wear and tear #3: Uneven wear

There are two reasons your tyre may be wearing unevenly. The first is that it is overinflated, as with wearing in the centre line of the tyre described above. It may also be that your wheels are poorly aligned. If you have checked your tyre’s air pressure and found it to be correctly inflated, you should take your vehicle to a tyre specialist to check and correct your wheel alignment.

Tyre wear and tear #4: Scalloped and shaped wear

If the wear on your tyres is scalloped, cupped or dipped, the most likely reason is that your wheels are poorly aligned, though your vehicle may also be suffering from worn or bent suspension parts. This will make for a less comfortable ride, higher fuel consumption and poor handling (especially going into and coming out of bends).

The rear suspension can be adjusted to correct alignment issues, though your vehicle may need a front-end or four-wheel alignment. You’ll need to consult a tyre specialist for an accurate diagnosis and the corrective measure.

Tyre wear and tear #5: Feathered wear at the tyre’s edge

If your tyre is suffering from feathered wear at its inner or outer edge, it is likely to be caused by poor alignment causing erratic friction with the tarmac.

If you notice this type of wear and tear, take your vehicle to a tyre specialist. You’ll need a ‘toe-in’ or ‘toe-out’ realignment.

Tyre wear and tear #6: Damage to the tread of the sidewall

Scrapes, scratches, holes and chunks out of tyres generally happen because of poor driving (for example, kerbing when parking) or poor road conditions.

Most minor damage can be repaired by a tyre specialist, though it may be better to replace the tyre. Before you take the tyre to a specialist, remove it and replace with your spare – the last thing you want to happen is minor damage becoming major damage on the drive to the tyre specialist.

Once the tyre has been repaired or replaced, ensure that it is always correctly inflated. This will help it to resist damage.

Tyre wear and tear #7: Tread wear indicator is showing

Whatever the cause for your tyre’s tread wear indicator to show, it is time to change the tyre.

Take it to a tyre specialist and have the tyre replaced. A good tyre specialist will not only change the worn tyre, but they will also check all tyres and your alignment and balance. When you drive away, you will feel the difference that good tyre-checking and maintenance routine makes to your ride.

Where to take your vehicle for a comprehensive tyre service

The best way to find your local tyre dealers is by an internet search. When searching, make sure you also read the reviews left by customers. Here in Brisbane, come to Darra Tyres – you’ll see reviews of our services on our Darra Tyres Facebook page. Five stars all the way.

For a fantastic, friendly tyre service, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

7 tyre tips for a successful summer road trip in Queensland

What to do to make sure your tyres don’t harm your holiday

One of Australia’s favourite vacations is the road trip, and as the year progresses through spring and into summer more Queenslanders will be packing their vehicles with their belongings and heading out to explore. Whether travelling into the Outback or interstate, to get the best from them you must prepare well. Whatever you do, don’t neglect your tyres – they are in constant contact with the road, and you’ll need to be confident that they will come to your rescue whatever the circumstance.

Here are seven tyre tips to follow before you set off.

1.    Think about your journey

Consider what journey you are undertaking, the type of road surfaces you will encounter, the distances you will drive, and the conditions in which you might drive. If you plan to drive several thousand kilometres or are likely to encounter rough road conditions, ensure that your tyres have enough life in them. If in doubt, replace them. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

2.    Check your tyre tread

When it comes to tread, size definitely matters. The more tread you have, the more kilometres your tyres have in them, the more grip you’ll have on roads, and the shorter your braking distances will be. The minimum legal tread depth may be 1.6mm, but 3mm is generally considered to be the point where braking distances really start to lengthen.

3.    Check wheel balance and alignment

If your wheels are poorly aligned or incorrectly balanced, it will affect the performance of your vehicle and your tyres. Your vehicle will pull to one side, and your tyres will wear unevenly. You’ll also have a less comfortable ride, and driving will be harder work. Balance and alignment are crucial to your safety on the road. A simple test will ensure you aren’t putting yourself, your passengers and other road users in unnecessary risk.

4.    Don’t forget the spare

A common mistake is neglecting the spare tyre when you’re checking tyres before a road trip. Make sure it is suitable to use, checking tread and sidewalls for cuts and grazes. If you can take two spare tyres, do so – and make sure both are correctly inflated before you set off.

5.    Take a portable pump with you

As you progress on your road trip, you’re likely to travel through different road and weather conditions, and the air pressure in your tyres may vary. Check tyre pressures regularly, and correct them when needed. But what if you’re between petrol stations? A portable tyre pump takes little space and is a worthwhile addition to your road trip kit.

6.    Check your tyres pressures

Tyre inflation matters on the roads around Brisbane, and it matters on road trips.

Keeping your tyres correctly inflated is one of the simplest ways to keep them in good condition and safety on the road. Correctly inflated tyres suffer less damage, aid handling, and prolong tyre life.

A tyre pressure check should be part of your regular tyre routine, and you should always drive with tyres inflated at the recommended pressures unless you need to underinflate for certain terrains. If you do, don’t forget to re-inflate once you are through the obstacle.

7.    Never overload your vehicle

Whatever you do, don’t overload your vehicle. Overloading can cause tyres to overheat, and this can lead to sudden and unexpected tyre failure. You’ll find the maximum load rating on the tyre’s sidewall – don’t forget to check that your spare has the same or greater load rating.

And finally…

If you do suffer a breakdown or tyre problem that you cannot deal with, don’t leave your vehicle. Even though the next town may be close, don’t be tempted to walk. Get your phone out, and make a call. If you’re near Brisbane, call Darra Tyres. Put our number in your phone now (you’ll find it on our contact page). Be prepared for all possibilities, and stay safe on your road trip in Queensland.

If you’re planning a road trip this summer, make sure your black circles are as fit as you are. For the assurance of a professional tyre check,  contact Darra Tyres. We’ll make sure that your tyres and spare are in good condition so you and your family can enjoy your time on the road.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

How to avoid getting a flat tyre in Brisbane

6 tips to avoid being stranded with a blowout

I don’t know a single Brisbane driver who enjoys paying tolls, insurance, vehicle registration duties, services, or paying for the fuel they put in their vehicle. But these are costs and events that can be planned for. Others cannot, and always seem to happen at the wrong time – either when you don’t have the cash to pay for it or you’re short of time. A flat tyre is one of these.

In this article, you’ll learn a few things you can do to help prevent getting a flat while driving in and around Brisbane.

1.    Drive on correctly inflated tyres

If you drive on underinflated tyres, you are more likely to suffer flat tyres in Brisbane. Correctly inflated tyres bear loads properly and ensure that the rigidity of the tyre sidewall helps to protect it from bumps and scrapes. Additionally, the tread of underinflated tyres is less pronounced. This means that debris on the road is more likely to puncture the tyre.

2.    Drive for your tyres

As you drive more miles and as your tyres age, they will suffer. If you drive fast and brake hard, take corners too fast, or drive on rough terrain, your tyres will suffer more. We rely on tyres to keep our vehicles on the road, help us brake, and improve our comfort while driving. It’s easy to become complacent with tyres, and believe that they will do their job no matter how we drive on them.

The reality is different. How and where you drive impacts your tyres. If you drive fast on poor roads and brake hard into corners, your tyres will take a lot of punishment. Should this happen, your tyres are more likely to be compromised. They will weaken, suffer small tears and grazes, and become more susceptible to puncture the next time you are out driving.

To avoid this, always consider the strain you are putting your tyres under. Plan your route to avoid poor roads, and drive a little slower to avoid the need to stamp on your brake pedal.

3.    Inspect your tyres regularly

A quick, five-minute check before you start a journey can save a whole heap of trouble while you’re on the road. You should check:

• Tyre pressure
• The condition of the tyre wall
• Tyre tread
• The condition of the spare

If you find a nail, stone, or piece of glass embedded in the tread, remove it before it has the chance to do permanent damage.

For more info, take two minutes to read our article, ‘Brisbane tyre – four safety checks you must do’.

4.    Rotate your tyres

Your tyres will not wear evenly, no matter how well balanced and aligned they are. The stresses and strains placed on the front offside tyre are different to those suffered by the nearside rear tyre. Weaker tyres are more likely to suffer a puncture. By rotating your tyres regularly, the wear and tear will happen more evenly, and the tyre treads will last longer. This will reduce the possibility of getting a puncture and reduce tyre costs.

5.    Change your tyres before you must change them

When you inspect your tyres, take notice of those that are starting to wear. Tyres with cracks or with tread that has worn down to the wear indicator, or with bald patches, and those that have had a temporary repair, are more likely to suffer a blowout. Avoid this by changing tyres sensibly – before they must be changed by law.

Remember, too (and especially here in Brisbane) that the sun weakens your tyres. It is recommended that you change your tyres every five to six years – irrespective of damage or wear and tear – for this reason. If you’re not sure how old your tyres are, read our article ‘How do you know how old your tyres are and if they need changing?’.

6.    Buy premium tyres when possible

As with most things in this world, when you buy tyres you get what you pay for. Premium tyres from the top tyre manufacturers are better built, more stable, and more able to withstand higher mileage. Always buy the best, most trustworthy tyre your budget allows.

In summary

Whatever actions you take, there is no guarantee that you will avoid a flat tyre. However, the six tips above should help your tyres last longer and resist puncture. Be more proactive with your tyre maintenance. Drive with your tyres in mind, buy the best tyres you can, check them before each journey, and rotate them regularly.

Before buying tyres in Brisbane, contact Darra Tyres. We’ll make sure that the tyres you buy are suitable for your vehicle and your budget.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

Why tyre inflation matters on the roads around Brisbane

Precautions to reduce tyre damage, cost and safety issues

When it comes to driving in and around Brisbane, no matter what vehicle you’ve got it’s a good idea to make sure that your tyres are correctly inflated. A weekly check should be enough for most Brisbane motorists to maintain the correct tyre pressure and avoid the dangers of underinflation or overinflation.

In this article, you’ll learn about the potential consequences of driving on incorrectly inflated tyres, and how to ensure poorly inflated tyres don’t cause damage to your pocket and your health.

Why should tyres be correctly inflated?

Tyre manufacturers spend hundreds of millions each year on research and development, to produce a product that is designed to increase the safety and comfort of drivers and their passengers. Rubber compounds, shape, tread patterns and construction have evolved to provide protection against potholes, rocks, ridged roads, and even curbing.

You wouldn’t expect optimum performance from a poorly maintained tyre, would you? All the money and effort that tyre manufacturers put into R&D produce tyres that are designed to run at their best at a certain inflated pressure.

If you underinflate or overinflate your tyres, you risk damaging them on Brisbane’s roads. That’s going to hurt your pocket. Even more importantly, poorly inflated tyres mess with handling and braking, making driving more dangerous. There are enough accidents in and around Brisbane as it is, without your poorly inflated tyres causing another.

The dangers of driving on underinflated tyres

Underinflated tyres lose some rigidity. This means a lack of support as you corner. They don’t respond as well, affecting safety. Because of their weakened state, they are more prone to puncture and blowouts. Finally, underinflated tyres put your wheels and engine under more stress. In the long run, more expense is promised, with tyre wear especially pronounced on both shoulders.

The dangers of driving on overinflated tyres

With too much air pumped into it, an overinflated tyre’s shape is distorted. There is less of the tyre on the road, meaning you lose traction and braking distances increase. You’ll also find that the centre of your tyre wears faster because this is the part in touch with the road.

An overinflated tyre is less forgiving than a correctly inflated tyre. It’s stiffer, and therefore less reactive to bumps and potholes and more prone to damage. You’ll suffer from a less comfortable ride, and the tyre noise is likely to be louder, too.

Pay attention to the quality of your drive

When you’re driving, if you feel that your drive experience is suddenly altered, it could be that one of your tyres has been damaged. Even correctly inflated tyres are not invincible. Pay attention to this. Stop the car and inspect your tyres. If you notice a cut, graze or bulge, don’t take any chances. Call an emergency tyre service, or, if you are near to Darra Tyres, bring the car immediately to us for a professional tyre inspection.

Check your tyres at least weekly

It only takes a couple of minutes to check your tyres are inflated correctly:

1. Follow the recommended inflation pressures as shown on the tyre placard inside the door jamb.
2. Inflate them to the correct pressure.
3. Recheck your tyre pressures after a few minutes, to ensure they are not losing air.
4. Maintain even tyre pressures on all four tyres.

A few minutes could save your life

Checking your tyre pressure takes only a few minutes, but it could be the few minutes that save your life. Certainly, running your tyres at the correct pressure will reduce fuel consumption and help your tyres last longer. Cost and safety – two excellent reasons to ensure you follow a good tyre maintenance routine.

If you are in any doubt about your tyres, don’t hesitate to contact Darra Tyres. We’ll make sure that your tyres are fit for the purpose intended.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

Should Brisbane’s farmers buy radial ply agricultural tyres?

Comparing bias ply with radial ply for your farm application

Since the development of radial tyres in the 1970s and 1980s, radial tyres are the norm on most vehicles. They provide a smoother drive, with greater traction offering shorter braking distances and improved safety performance. However, for several reasons, agricultural tyres were left behind, with most agricultural vehicles still equipped with bias ply tyres.

Bias ply follows ruts in fields, while radial ply helps vehicles stay in line on tarmac roads. However, as agricultural work has begun to require more time on concrete and tarmac, agricultural tyres with a radial ply are becoming more common.

Why might you invest in radial ply agricultural tyres?

Apart from the way that radial ply tyres resist drift on the tarmac, there are several other reasons you might decide to opt for radial ply instead of bias ply for your next set of tractor tyres.

·      Radial ply tyres resist heat better

Radial ply tyres are more resistant to heat, as the way they are constructed helps to disperse heat more effectively than bias tyres. The result is that they can be driven at higher speeds and for longer than bias ply tyres.

·      Reduced soil compaction

A radial ply tyre has a larger footprint than bias ply equivalents. This means that your vehicle’s weight is spread over a larger area, helping to reduce soil compaction. The result is higher crop yields and improved profits.

·      Better traction

With a larger footprint and unique tread, more traction is produced from the transfer of engine power to axle to wheel. There is less slippage, too, meaning that the engine’s power is better utilised. Less slippage also has the benefit of producing less rutting.

·      Improved fuel consumption

Better utilisation of engine power results in improved fuel consumption, and, combined with less rutting, which means lower resistance, your engine doesn’t need to work as hard – further reducing fuel consumption.

·      A more comfortable day’s work

Working the fields is hard work, and constant bouncing can cause injury and back problems. Radial ply tyres are more giving than bias ply agricultural tyres. The sidewalls on radial ply tyres are more flexible, and so help to absorb the shocks caused by driving through ruts and over rocks. A more comfortable ride is the result, helping operator productivity as well as reducing maintenance requirements on farm vehicles.

·      Radial ply agricultural tyres are more cost-effective

Radial ply tyres provide a smoother ride, reduce soil compaction, and improve fuel consumption. A further advantage is that a radial ply tyre’s greater flexibility means it is less likely to become chipped or suffer a puncture – and this means a longer tyre life. Longer periods between needing to replace tyres add an extra layer of cost-effectiveness.

Should you replace your bias-ply agricultural tyres with radial ply?

While radial ply agricultural tyres appear to be a perfect choice, whether to replace bias ply with radial ply is not a straightforward equation. The use they are likely to get should be the deciding factor.

For example, if you are operating in extremely tough terrain, where you are likely to drive over sharp rocks and stumps, a bias-ply tyre’s greater rigidity could prove positive to tyre life. Similarly, vehicles that won’t be driven on roads and will operate at lower speeds may work better when equipped with bias ply, especially where you are likely to work on slopes. Finally, bias ply tyres tend to be cheaper to buy – which may also be a consideration.

Before buying agricultural tyres, contact Darra Tyres. We’ll make sure that the agricultural tyres you buy are suitable for the farm application intended and your budget.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood