Category Archives for "How to Tyres"

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

Get your forklift tyres ready for the changing Queensland weather

Tips for forklift tyre safety and cost saving

As we head toward spring and summer in Queensland, Brisbane businesses will be preparing for warmer weather. This includes ensuring your forklift tyres are fit for a new season as your business grows.

In this article, you’ll find three tips to get your forklift tyres spring and summer ready here in Brisbane.

1.    Check for tyre damage

Damaged forklift tyres reduce handling and braking ability on forklifts. This makes it more difficult for operators to work effectively, and it increases the danger that forklifts pose to pedestrians in your warehouse or distribution centre. This is before any cost of damaged goods is considered.

Forklift tyres are among the most abused. They come into constant contact with kerbs and other structures. If not inflated properly, underinflation increases damage through wear and tear. Worn forklift tyres are dangerous and most susceptible to blowouts.

Put a regular tyre check on your forklift operators’ checklist, to discover the cuts, grazes and bumps that reduce the effectiveness of a forklift’s tyres and could put them and others at risk of injury through an avoidable accident.

2.    Check your forklift tyres’ tread depth

The tread on your forklift tyres is essential to the traction your forklift gets when being driven. The correct tread depth will ensure that water is dispersed effectively and forklifts don’t aquaplane – a risk when the roads are hot and dry and then wetted by a sudden rainfall (or water used in your yard).

Tread aids handling. It increases grip and reduces braking distances.

Take the time to inspect all your forklift tyres and ensure that they have the correct tread. If not, have them replaced now.

3.    Never operate forklifts on incorrectly inflated tyres

Ensure that your forklift operators check their forklift tyre inflation pressures at least once per day. This is best done at the start of a shift when the tyre is cold.

Poorly inflated forklift tyres increase the risks of reduced stability, decreased traction, and faster tyre wear. Tyres with lower-than-required pressures will heat up faster. They will fail earlier, and this will increase your forklift tyre costs.

By following these three forklift tyre tips, your forklift tyres should last longer and improve health and safety in the workplace. Your employees will thank you, as will your bottom line.

One final tip: never remove an inflated tyre from a forklift, and ensure that only trained and authorised forklift tyre fitters remove and install tyres and wheels on your forklifts.

For more information about our forklift tyres and services for businesses, call Darra Tyres, and learn why Brisbane businesses put their faith in us.

Keeping your family and fleet safe,

Kevin Wood

Spring and summer tyre maintenance tips for Queensland drivers

Stay tyre safe and save money for a season of driving

Spring is here! Great news, but it also means that Queensland’s drivers need to be extra vigilant about their tyres. As we head into summer, the risk of an accident because of faulty tyres and wheels increases. Higher temperatures play havoc with tyres if you don’t maintain them properly. Incorrectly inflated tyres and poorly aligned and balanced wheels are leading factors in road traffic accidents in Queensland.

In this article, you’ll learn about the good tyre check and maintenance habits you should start practising now, so that by the time the wet season arrives, keeping your tyres properly maintained is second nature.

The top seven tyre maintenance safety tips

These seven tyre maintenance habits will help to keep you safe on the roads. They should ensure your drive is more comfortable, reduce your fuel consumption, and help your tyres last longer, too. Sticking to this routine will help the environment, your pocket, and your back!

1.    Check for wear and tear weekly

At least once each week – and preferably before any trip – check your tyres for visible signs of damage. If you notice cracks, cuts, or uneven wear, take your vehicle to a tyre professional to have your tyres and wheels comprehensively assessed. See our article “How do Australia’s drivers know they need new tyres?” for advice on minimum legal treads and the type of wear and tear that is a cause for concern.

2.    Keep your tyres properly inflated

At least once per month, check the inflated tyre pressure of your tyres. Poorly inflated tyres will wear faster. But this is the least of your problems. You will also find that underinflation or overinflation will increase breaking distances, cause handling problems, and increase fuel consumption.

Make sure you check the tyres when they are ‘cold’ – when your vehicle hasn’t been driven for at least two hours and for less than three kilometres. You’ll find the recommended inflation pressure on the tyre placard in the door jamb, or in your owner’s manual.

(Top tip: check your spare tyre each time you check your other tyres.)

3.    Heed the warnings of poorly balanced and misaligned wheels

If you are experiencing vibration on the steering wheel, or your vehicle is ‘pulling’ left or right, it could be that your wheels are poorly balanced or have become misaligned. The cause could be something simple like driving over a pothole or nudging the kerb when parking.

The result of poorly balanced or misaligned wheels is poor handling and decreased safety, as well as uneven and premature tyre wear. It is essential that you take your vehicle to be checked professionally if you notice the symptoms of poor balancing and alignment – neither is self-correcting.

4.    Deal with a slow puncture promptly

It may be tempting to put off dealing with a slow puncture, but it’s not clever. A slow puncture will only get worse if you leave it unattended, and reinflation is only a temporary fix. If you notice one of your tyres is losing its inflation, take your vehicle to your nearest tyre shop. The technicians will be able to locate the problem and advise whether it can be repaired or if you need a new tyre. It could save you money, and will certainly save you aggravation later.

5.    Rotate your tyres

Rotate your tyres every 5,000 kilometres or so. By doing so, you’ll optimise tread wear, helping your tyres last longer. The wear that your tyres do suffer will also be more even, and this will help provide a smoother driving experience.

6.    Never overload your vehicle

If you overload your vehicle, you will increase the wear on your tyres and use more fuel. Handling will be affected adversely, and your braking distance will increase. If you have a heavy load to transport, have a professional with a suitable vehicle to do it for you.

7.    Watch your suspension

If your ride is a little harsher than usual, it could be that your suspension is wearing. If you think the rougher ride is hard on you, spare a thought for your tyres because they will be taking a real beating.

Start spring and summer with good tyres

It’s likely that you’ll be doing more driving during spring and summer than you did during the winter months. Days out with the family, perhaps a road trip to see more of Australia. Don’t put your family’s safety at risk by neglecting your tyres. Make the above seven tyre tips part of your driver routine.

Finally, before the spring really gets underway, if you live in Brisbane, call into Darra Tyres. We’ll check your tyres and make certain that they are fit for the season ahead.

Keeping your family and fleet safe,

Kevin Wood

How to remove Queensland’s road tar from your tyres

Seven steps to clean your tyres and stay safe when the roads are melting

It was a catastrophe and one that I cannot remember witnessing before in Queensland. Sure, melting tar sometimes sticks to tyres and needs to be removed. But a whole road melting and causing drivers to abandon their cars?

That was the scene in the Atherton Tablelands, south of Cairns, one day at the beginning of July. The road had recently been resealed. Then the weather turned from cool to hot. The tar melted rapidly, and as many as 50 vehicles had their tyres coated in tar. It was so thick and sticky, the drivers were forced to leave their cars on the road.

Hopefully, this will never happen to you. But if you do drive on a road where the bitumen is sticky, you could find that your tyres are wearing a coat of tar. They will pick up gravel and other debris from the roads. The combination of tar and gravel will make your ride less comfortable, increase braking distances, and erode the rubber on your tyres – and could cause other damage to your vehicle, too, as gravel flies off when you drive.

If you find tar on your tyres, it’s best to clean it off immediately. This seven-step process is the way to go. It will help keep you safe on the road and save you money as your tyres last longer.

Get your tar removal kit ready

To get started, you need a few household items and a couple of other specialist products:

• Detergent
• Tar-removing product (such as Ta Ta Tar)
• Water-dispersing products (e.g. WD-40)
• Linseed oil
• Water
• Plastic knife
• Screwdriver
• Scrubbing brush

Step 1:

Use the plastic knife and screwdriver to carefully scrape away the worst of the tar, taking care not to puncture or pierce the tyre.

Step 2:

Now, using a large amount of detergent, scrub the tyre with the scrubbing brush. Be prepared for some hard graft – as well as a liberal quantity of detergent, you’ll also need a good supply of elbow grease. Your objective is to remove as much of the tar, gravel and other debris from the tyre as possible.

Step 3:

Now for the linseed oil. Spread it onto the tyre, and let it bleed into the remaining tar for around 30 minutes.

Step 4:

Use the plastic knife to scrape away more of the tar, which will have been softened by the linseed oil.

Step 5:

If you haven’t removed all the tar, use a tar remover like Ta Ta Tar. You could also use WD-40, which will also dissolve tar. Refer to the product’s usage directions for how long you should leave the product in contact with the tyre. If you need to repeat the process, leave it a few minutes between cleans. Be prepared to use a lot more elbow grease – and be patient.

Step 6:

When you have removed all the tar, wash your tyre with a water and detergent mix, scrubbing away any residue of tar and cleaning products.

Step 7:

Inspect your tyre for damage, using our easy way to check your tyre tread and stay safe. If you discover damage to the sidewall or tread, take your vehicle to a reputable tyre shop and get a professional opinion.
Cleaning tar off your tyres is an essential maintenance job. Once it’s done, you must check for damage to the tyres. Don’t take any chances. Bring your vehicle into Darra Tyres, here in West Brisbane, if you are in any doubt about whether your tyres are safe to drive on. It really isn’t worth the risk. For a professional and personal tyre service that you can trust, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safe,

Kevin Wood

Non-marking tyres for forklifts – what you need to know

The pros and cons of white tyres in your business

Some businesses must use non-marking tyres on their forklifts, while others might choose to. For example, Australian law says that food processing companies must use them in their factories. They are also popular with pharmaceutical and IT companies, and indoors where marks on the floor need to be avoided (for example, indoor sports centres).

Non-marking forklift tyres are available as a cushion, pneumatic, or solid tyres. See our article ‘How to choose your forklift tyre in Brisbane in 2018’ for advice on how to choose which is best for your application.

In this article, you’ll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of non-marking tyres for forklifts.

How do non-marking and standard tyres differ?

The first thing that you notice about non-marking tyres is their colour. Usually, they are white (hence they are sometimes called ‘white’ tyres), but they can also be manufactured in other colours – most often grey. This is because they have the carbon black removed. Now, carbon black helps prolong the life of tyres, so its removal is one of the major disadvantages of non-marking tyres: they don’t last as long as standard tyres.

To try to combat this shortening of life, non-marking tyres are made with silica or chalk added. Antioxidants are used to protect against UV radiation.

Are non-marking tyres really non-marking?

Standard tyres can leave black marks if the forklift operator makes a fast start, stop, or turn. Non-marking tyres leave white chalk marks and not carbon black residue. This chalk is easily removed. The poor operation will leave a mark, but it’s kind of like the difference between pencil and ink: one can be easily erased, the other is pretty much indelible.

Key advantages of non-marking tyres

Non-marking tyres:

• Reduce the marks left on floors
• Reduce the need for labour-intensive floor cleaning
• Perform the same as standard tyres
• Provide good traction and low rolling resistance
• Offer good load carrying ability
• Are resistant to building up heat

Main disadvantages of non-marking tyres

Non-marking tyres:

• Are more expensive than standard forklift tyres – usually by around 25%
• Wear faster, lasting approximately 10% to 15% less time than standard tyres, depending on use and environment
• Chalkdust left must be cleaned
• Require a grounding strip underneath the forklift, especially in situations where the forklift is operated in close proximity to flammable or explosive materials

Retreading to adapt to non-marking environments

It is possible to retread standard tyres and adapt them for use in non-marking environments. White rubber is available for this, allowing forklifts to be used in sports centres, food manufacturing plants, shopping centres, etc.

I’ve written before about how to buy the best retreads for trucks. The four rules are the same if you are considering retreading standard tyres as non-marking tyres for your forklift:

1. Don’t buy on price alone
2. Make sure you see samples and testimonials before buying
3. Take a look at the testing equipment
4. Don’t go it alone – take someone with you

Follow these safety standards

When it’s time to replace your forklift tyres, always use a reputable tyre company to make the change. If you don’t have the knowledge, experience, or equipment to change forklift tyres, the consequences can be fatal.

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

Look after your tyres in Brisbane, and slash your fleet costs

Five minutes could save your fleet a fortune on fuel

I’m going to offer all fleet managers in Brisbane a potential cost reduction of an average of 1% to 3%. All you need to do is read to the bottom of this article.

How much is 3% of your costs worth to your fleet?

I can’t tell you how much a 3% reduction of your costs would be worth to your fleet, but it’s likely to be a substantial sum. But what if I could also offer you lower maintenance expenses, less vehicle downtime, longer tyre life, and fewer roadside breakdowns?

I’m guessing you’re wondering how I can make such promises.

No, I’m not a magician. I’m simply coming at a common problem for fleets from a different angle. The secret is also the most common cause of complaints received by tyre retailers and manufacturers.

Deflate your costs by inflating your tyres

Most complaints received by tyre companies concern comfort of ride and wear of tyres. Tyre manufacturers spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year to improve their product. When they receive a complaint, you can be sure that they employ every means possible to understand why.

What tyre manufacturers consistently find is that there isn’t a fault in the tyre. Usually, the reason for uneven tread wear or poor comfort while driving is underinflation. When your tyres are properly inflated, you’ll find that:

• Your tyres suffer less wear
• Your tyres last longer
• Braking and ride comfort is improved
• Your vehicle is less likely to swerve if you need to brake hard
• Your fuel consumption falls

6 out of 10 tyres are underinflated on Australia’s roads

Toward the end of last year, TyreSafe Australia conducted a survey on tyre condition on passenger cars. The results were astounding. 6 out of 10 vehicles were being driven with underinflated tyres. Even worse, it was found that half the cars surveyed were unsafe as far as their tyres were concerned.

Are your drivers checking their tyres?

The question I’ve got for you is this: how often do your drivers check their tyres? Because if they aren’t checking for air pressure, they probably aren’t checking for signs of wear and tear.

If your drivers aren’t checking their tyres, they are putting their lives, and the lives of others, at risk. And, from a cost perspective, underinflated tyres increase your fuel consumption, cause damage to the vehicle, and result in higher costs.

It takes less than five minutes to check your tyres. Make sure your drivers check their tyres regularly. Before every trip would be fantastic. At least once a week should be the minimum standard.

Let Darra Tyres help you cut your fleet costs

The key takeaways are that improper tyre inflation is:

• A safety issue for all drivers and other road users
• A main underlying cause of complaints about tyres
• A major cause of increased costs for fleet managers

Like I said earlier in this article, I’m not a magician. But I can advise your fleet’s drivers on tyre check routines and correct tyre inflation pressures. And that could save you between 1% and 3% of your fleet costs. Isn’t it time you benefitted from the professional and personal tyre service that you can trust in Brisbane? For more info about our services for fleets, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safe,

Kevin Wood