Category Archives for "How to Tyres"

How to clean tyres in Brisbane and make them last longer

This simple tyre cleaning routine could save dollars and lives

If I could throw my tyres in Brisbane in the wash with my jocks, I would. Unfortunately, this isn’t possible. But, having been in the tyres game in Brisbane for a good few years – more than I care to remember – I’ve noticed how tyres are neglected when it comes to car cleaning. There are many benefits from buying good tyres and then following this investment with good maintenance.

Part of your maintenance routine should be to keep them clean. When you do so, you’ll remove debris, oil, and other contaminants that will reduce tyre life.

After all the bad weather we’ve had in Queensland recently now is the perfect time to start your tyre cleaning routine. Clean your tyres once every couple of months, using the following five-step method. Not only will your tyres look better on Brisbane’s roads, but they’ll also last longer and give you better tyre performance. And this will save you money on your driving.

Get equipped to clean your tyres in Brisbane to get them ready Queensland roads

You’ll need a few basic items to clean your tyres in Brisbane effectively:

  • A large (clean) bucket
  • A high-pressure water hose
  • Tyre cleaning solution
  • Tyre cleaning brushes (soft bristles for the wheels, contoured for the rubber)
  • Micro fibre towels
  • Clean, dry cloth
  • Wax Protector
  • Tyre dressing solution and cloth

If you’re not sure where to get any of these items, contact me or one of my team, and we’ll help you out.

Okay, now that you’ve got everything together, here’s what to do:

1.    Clean your tyres before cleaning your car

It might sound counterintuitive, but the last thing you want is to splash a clean car and need to clean it again. The tyres are likely to be the dirtiest part of your car, so clean them first.

Get all your tyre cleaning equipment together, and set up in a well-ventilated area. Make sure you’ve read the instructions on the tyre cleaning solutions before you begin.

2.    Pressure wash your tyres

Using the high-powered hose, jet wash your tyres to remove dirt and brake dust. Rinse around the rim, through the tread, and across the sidewall of each wheel and tyre. Apply the cleaning solution, and leave it a few minutes to loosen hard-to-remove debris.

3.    Brush down, rinse, repeat

Clean the tyre with the contoured brush, and the rim with the soft-bristled brush. Scrub and rinse is the method to use, and repeat as often as necessary. Once you’ve removed as much of the dirt as possible, dry the tyre and rim with the micro fibre cloth.

The micro fibre cloth will remove most of the water, but it’s important to let the tyre dry completely before moving on to the next step.

4.    Wax your tyres

Apply the wax to your tyres, and polish in the same way that you would polish your car’s bodywork. This wax helps to protect your tyre and prevent debris and mud from sticking. Don’t leave any excess wax on the tyres.

5.    Dress your tyres

The last step is to dress your tyres with tyre dressing. If you’ve ever had your car valeted and wonder how they get the tyres looking like brand new, this is the trick they use.

Tyre Dressing is a water-based solution which usually comes in a spray bottle. Apply a coat, and then let it dry. Repeat once or twice more.

That’s all there is to it! Don’t forget, if you spot any bald patches, uneven wear, or splits or scrapes on your tyres, you should have them checked. The smallest scrape could be masking a more dangerous problem.

We’re here to help. We’ve got extensive experience in the supply, fitting and maintenance of tyres for all types of vehicles in Brisbane and Queensland. Contact us today (by Skype, telephone, or on our contact form) and book your professional tyre check today.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

How to make commercial vehicle tyres last longer

Tyre management strategies that will inflate your bottom line

Commercial vehicle tyres are one of the highest expenses your fleet incurs. A good tyre maintenance program will help your drivers avoid blow-outs on their trucks. A good tyre management program will help your fleet tyres last longer. And when tyres last longer, your costs fall, and your profits increase.

In this article, we discuss the causes of wear and tear on commercial vehicle tyres that should inform your fleet tyre maintenance and management program.

Who is responsible for the tyre management program?

The choice of tyres and how they are used will depend on the specifics of your fleet’s operations. It requires a good knowledge of driver routes, loads, and driving styles. Motorway work is different to inner city driving. On-road is different to off-road. If a truck is turned around between one driver and the next without a break, tyre wear is different again.

The person best placed to examine how tyres in the fleet are affected is the fleet manager. By testing over a long period, they will be able to design a suitable tyre management and maintenance program that extends tyre life. The data collected will include:

  • Total mileage
  • Wear and tear
  • Tyre costs
  • Cost per mile
  • Warranties

What causes wear and tear on commercial vehicle tyres?

Shortened tyre life is caused by a range of factors that lead to irregular tyre wear. Taking action to shrink irregular wear and tear will help to reduce fleet fuel costs and extend tyre life. Here are the leading causes of irregular wear and tear on truck tyres:

·      Overloading

Your tyres bear all the weight of the truck and its load. A common mistake is using tyres that haven’t been manufactured for the load transported.

To ensure that you buy the correct tyres for the loads being transported, divide the maximum weight of the vehicle and its load by its number of tyres. If the vehicle and load are, say, six tonnes and it is supported by four wheels, you’ll need to buy tyres with a load rating of 1.5 tonnes.

·      Improper inflation

Improper inflation reduces tyre life and decreases safety. Overinflated tyres wear in the centre. Underinflated tyres wear on the shoulders and can damage sidewalls, with structural damage following.

Daily air pressure checks will ensure tyres are inflated correctly and get your drivers to check for damage to the tyres before, during, and after every trip.

·      Poor tyre rotation

Front tyres tend to wear most on their shoulders. Rear tyres typically wear first at the centre. A good tyre rotation policy can save your life and protect your tyres.

Rotating tyres is a time-consuming operation, so work out the optimum times to rotate without increasing costs. Most fleets coincide tyre rotation with regular service programs.

·      Improper alignment and balance

Misaligned and poorly balanced wheels are a major source of tyre wear. Balance weights can become dislodged or slip, causing the truck to run out of balance. Check alignment and balance at regular intervals.

·      Poor storage practices

How and where your trucks are parked will also impact tyre life. Oil, grease, fuel, water and other solutions degrade tyre rubber. If parked in one spot for too long, tyres can develop flat spots.

Park your trucks on a cool, dry, contamination-free surface.

·      Poor driving

The poor driving technique is another major factor in commercial tyre longevity. Cornering sharply, driving too fast over poorly surfaced roads, and braking heavily all contribute to tyre wear. Signs that a driver needs re-educating as to driving style include regular damage to sidewalls, denting, scratching, and bald patches.

How to increase the life of commercial vehicle tyres

As well as taking precautions against the specific causes of wear and tear we’ve mentioned above, you should also ensure that your truck tyres are cleaned regularly. Each time the vehicle is washed, clean the tyres thoroughly to remove debris, chemicals, mud and fuel.

Ensure that your tyre maintenance and management program doesn’t neglect the inside tyres.

You can also extend tyre life with an effective retread program. Providing the structure of the tyre is sound, there is no limit on how many retreads can be made. However, you should evaluate the cost-effectiveness of retreads as part of your tyre management program.

Keep an eye on costs

An integral part of a fleet tyre management program is cost maintenance. Your records should indicate the cost per mile and include a scrap tyre analysis. Keeping these records will help to decide on which tyres are best for which application, as well as highlighting problem routes and drivers that need to improve their technique.

We’re here to help. We’ve got extensive experience in the supply, fitting and maintenance of commercial vehicle tyres for a variety of fleets in Brisbane and Queensland. Contact us today on +61 07 3333 5510 or (by Skype or on our contact form) and discover the Darra advantage that benefits so many other fleet managers.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

Forklift Tyres – How to Choose and Maintain Forklift Tyres and Cut Costs

Lengthen forklift tyre life to cut your costs

When it comes to forklifts, the forklift tyres might be just about the most crucial moving part. (OK, apart from the forks) They’re also the silent partner in your daily work routine. Your forklift truck tyres must be man enough for the job at hand, but they should also be like a good kid – seen and never heard.

The choice you make for your forklift tyres depends on the work you’ll be doing, the weight your truck lifts, and the environment in which they’re used. When it comes to forklift tyres, there’s a big choice. You’ll have to decide between different types of forklift tyres, different treads, different compounds, and a host of ply ratings.

Here, I’ll run through your forklift truck tyres and the choice you have. I’ll offer some advice on handling and maintenance, getting the right forklift tyres and treating them properly to help make your workplace safer. Your forklift tyres will last longer, and your costs will fall.

How to choose the right forklift tyres

When you come to our Brisbane tyre shop for new forklift tyres, it helps to be prepared to answer a few questions. Simple things like:

  • Where do you use your forklift? In a warehouse, or outside? Heat affects tyres.
  • What type of surface is the truck driven on? Smooth, cobbled, concrete, etc.
  • What weights will the forklift be lifting and moving?
  • How about turning and how often will the forklift be making tight turns?

When you know the stresses and strains your forklift tyres are subjected to, we’ll tell you whether you’ll be best buying pneumatic or solid forklift truck tyres.

What type of forklift tyres are available today?

There are several different forklift tyre types, each ideal for different working environments. They include:

·      Solid forklift tyres

These are the most common. They’re good on a level and smooth surfaces, including indoors. That’s because they’re solid, reliable and puncture-proof (why they’re sometimes called ‘puncture-proof tyres’). However, they’re not immune from being damaged nor from daily wear and tear.

You’ll need to consider driver comfort: solid tyres won’t cushion on a bumpy terrain, which could be bad news for your back – and increase the possibility of damaging any goods being moved or your staff over the longer term.

In short, solid foklift tyres are great on smooth, even surfaces either indoors or outdoors. They last a long time but aren’t ideal for heavy loads or drivers that are susceptible to back pain.

·      Pneumatic forklift tyres

Pneumatic tyres offer more comfort and are the best type for use on rough ground. The downside with pneumatic forklift tyres is that they are not puncture proof. There’s always a premium for comfort.

To help protect the tyre from damage – and help with safety – it will have a deep tread and be made from a wear-resistant rubber compound. Because they’re air-filled, they provide a cushioning effect between the ground and the forklift, reducing wear on the forklift.

·      Cushion forklift tyres

A cushion tyre is made with a metal band that has rubber attached to it. They’re smaller than pneumatic tyres, so are better for working in enclosed and tight spaces. The name ‘cushion tyres’ might be somewhat misleading – they shouldn’t be used on rough ground, but are a good option for indoor warehouse work.

·      Polyurethane forklift tyres

You might find that the best tyre choice for you is a polyurethane compound – which could be ideal if all the work is indoors. These are also pressed on to fit. They’re best used indoors, and their small rolling resistance helps to lengthen their useful life.

·      Non-mark forklift tyres

Solid, non-mark tyres are designed to reduce tyre marks on floors. The downside is that they don’t last as long as other forklift tyres. Generally used by food processors.

·      Foam-fill forklift tyres

In many ways, foam fill tyres are like a cross between pneumatics and solids. They’re filled with a resin to make them puncture resistant. They act as a cushion on rough ground, and so are best for use where comfort is a factor, but the possibility of a puncture is high.

Looking after your forklift tyres

Damaged or rapidly worn tyres are costly and inconvenient. The driver who does a few doughnuts at the end of a shift may not understand that his bravado could be costing him a pay rise because of the extra tyres that have to be bought over the year. Apart from reminding forklift operators of the need to be responsible for their machinery, here are a few more things you can do to help your forklift tyres last longer:

Check inflation and loading

  • Check your forklift tyres every week, and make sure that they’re inflated to the right pressure for the loads they’ll be supporting
  • Make sure that each tyre valve is capped to prevent dirt getting in
  • Don’t bleed the tyre of air

Store your forklift tyres correctly

Even when not in use, tyres suffer wear. If you leave them in the heat or in direct sunlight, the rubber will begin to decay.

  • Don’t keep tyres for more than a few months at the most
  • Store in a cool, dark place
  • Try to avoid getting oil on your tyres

Forklift driver education

Poor drivers damage tyres. Make sure all your forklift drivers:

  • Don’t do doughnuts
  • Drive at lower speeds
  • Brake gently
  • Corner correctly
  • Don’t lock wheels to turn
  • Don’t go where the tyres aren’t designed for

Get the best forklift tyre advice in Brisbane

Don’t let your loads, drivers, and bottom line suffer from poor forklift tyre choice. If your drivers are off work with aches and pains more than they should be, your forklifts die earlier than they ought to, or your forklift tyres fail at regular intervals, come and speak to us in our Brisbane forklift tyre shop. We’ll help you to get the most out of your forklift tyres from day one.

If you’ve got any questions or queries, call our team on 3333 5510 now. We’re here to help.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road, (and warehouse)

Kevin Wood

Brisbane Tyres – How to Change a Car Tyre after a Blowout

Brisbane Tyres – The how, why, and what of tyre blowouts

The chances are that you’ll never suffer a blowout; but if you do, be prepared for a harrowing experience.

In this article you’ll learn:

  • What causes a blowout
  • What it feels like to have a tyre blowout
  • How to handle the car and come to a safe stop if you have a tyre blowout
  • How to change a tyre on a car after a blowout
  • How to prevent tyre blowouts

Why do blowouts happen on car tyres?

A tyre will only blow out if it is already failing in some way. Most commonly this will be because of a fracture or split in the tyre or one of its components, or a separation of the tyre components. If the tyre is damaged or worn, subjecting it to excessive stress could then cause the blowout – perhaps because of subjecting it to too much weight, driving too fast, or over-inflation.

Will a tyre blow out straight away?

Even if you over-inflate a tyre or ask it to carry too much weight, it’s unlikely to burst suddenly. It will probably take an extra tyre trauma to make it blow. This might be hitting a rock on the road, or bumping over a pothole, or perhaps kerbing the tyre while driving or parking. In the ordinary course of events, a tyre will deal with all of these with ease. When the tyre’s already damaged is when the chances of a blowout are increased.

Tyres are built to be resilient

Tyre manufacturers understand that we’re all human, and know that we’ll make mistakes when inflating tyres and loading cars.

On the tyre wall, you’ll notice a bunch of numbers. One of these indicates the maximum pressure. Let’s say that it states that you shouldn’t inflate to more than 35 psi. If you inflate to a pressure of 36 or 37 psi, it’s not going to blow. That’s a good thing because tyre pressure gauges in service stations are notoriously inaccurate.

Similarly, if you overload your car by a little bit, the car may sit a little lower than it should, but this won’t cause your tyre to blow.

When developing and testing tyres, manufacturers deliberately build in a margin of error. They test rims and flanges, overinflate tyres, and puncture tyres in the tread with a plunger to simulate a protruding bolt or nail.

In other words, tyres are resilient. But they’re not infallible. They do occasionally fail, especially if they have been mistreated or poorly maintained. That’s when you’re most likely to have a blowout.

How do you know you’ve got a blowout?

A blowout usually happens when travelling at speed, and the immediate effect is that your car will start slowing down and the steering will pull either to the left or right. The pull can be violent, almost ripping the steering wheel from your grip.

How to bring the car to a safe standstill

You’ll want to avoid swerving into a neighbouring lane, which can be difficult to do when taken by surprise. Swerve into another lane, and you could hit an oncoming vehicle or cause an accident with a vehicle travelling in the same direction. So you need to take action to avoid departing your lane.

You could also grind to halt, especially if you brake incorrectly, and cause a car from behind to slam into you.

To avoid both these outcomes, you’ll need to do two things:

  1. First, keep your foot on the accelerator. This is easier said than done because your natural instinct will be to stop the car as quickly as possible. Keeping your foot on the accelerator will ensure you continue to move forward.
  2. Second, steer the opposite way to the direction of your swerve. You need to drive gently, and not yank the steering wheel in the opposite direction to the swerve. This will correct the swerve and set the car straight.

Now that you have the car under control, you can steer to the shoulder taking normal driving precautions.

How to change a tyre after a blowout

Now that you’re safely on the side of the road, you can change your flat tyre. Put out your warning triangle if you have one, and use hazard lights to warn other road users of your presence. Now that you and other road users are safe, follow these instructions to change your tyre:

  1. Remove the spare wheel from your boot, together with the jack and wrench.
  2. Loosen the wheel nuts, without removing them completely.
  3. Place the jack under the chassis and raise the car slowly.
  4. Remove the wheel nuts.
  5. Remove the wheel, and place to one side.
  6. Place the replacement wheel in the vacant wheel space, and tighten the nuts (but not entirely).
  7. Lower the car to the road, put the jack to one side, and tighten the wheel nuts thoroughly.
  8. Check for safety.
  9. Put your tools away, and place the wheel with the faulty tyre in the boot.

Some cars have emergency spare wheels, with tyres that are only designed to travel a short distance of around 50 kilometres. In this case, drive to the nearest tyre shop to get a new tyre fitted as quickly as possible.

As soon as you are home (or when it is practical to do so) call us here at Darra. Bring your car in, and we’ll check all your tyres, including the spare, to make certain that they’re in good shape and don’t need replacing.

If you don’t want a tyre blowout, here’s what to do

In almost every single blowout case I’ve seen, the blowout could have been aided by taking a few simple precautions. Of course, these include driving sensibly for different road conditions, but equally as important is how you treat your tyres:

  1. Don’t overinflate your tyres. The tyre will have a maximum pressure stamped on it, but this is not necessarily the maximum you should inflate to. Every car has its own recommended tyre pressures. These are usually found on a label on the inside pillar of the driver’s door.
  2. Check your tyre pressures at least once a month – the two minutes it takes could save your life. There are safety risks if you get your tyre pressure wrong.
  3. Save your life and your money by proper tyre rotation. Tyre rotation is integral to ensuring even wear and tear, helping your tyres perform better and last longer.
  4. Never buy fake tyres. You may save a few dollars, but you will certainly risk your life and the lives of passengers and other road users. (See our article titled How to make sure you don’t buy fake tyres, for tips that could save your life.)
  5. Employ driving techniques that will help your car tyres last longer.

Finally, get an annual tyre check. Bring your car to our Darra Tyres shop, and we’ll check your tyres, wheel alignment, and balance. Our job is to make sure you and your passengers are safe on the roads.

Contact Darra Tyres today on (07) 3333 5510. We’re here to serve.

Cheers,

Kevin Wood

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Tyre Centre Tips – Six driving techniques to help your car tyres last longer

Tips from our Brisbane tyre centre

Whatever type of vehicle you drive, your tyres will wear over time – and when they need changing, you can bet it will be at the worst possible moment. Probably just before Christmas, or just after you’ve paid the deposit on next year’s family holiday. Right, when your bank balance can least afford the expense of a new set of car tyres. Quite understandably, you may buy the best value tyres you can find. Here are six tips from our tyre centre experts that will help prolong the life of your tyres and keep you safe on the road.

Tyres wear for a number of reasons. The Queensland climate is one. There’s not a lot you can do about that. The state of our state’s roads is another. The smoother the road, the less erosion it causes on your tyres. Again, there’s very little you can do about the roads in Brisbane and beyond – and if your route takes you through potholed roads, other than travel dozens of miles out of your way, you’re stuck driving on tyre-damaging surfaces.

One of the leading causes of car tyre wear and tear is your driving style. If you drive too fast into corners or brake harshly at the last minute, your tyres are going to wear more quickly and unevenly.

In this article, I’m going to give you six tips on driver habits that will make sure your car tyres last longer and wear more evenly. You’ll save money and benefit from extra safety on the roads.

1.    Adjust your driving style to suit the road

Driving on a smooth, straight highway is a different proposition to driving over potholes and bumpy back-roads. If you need to negotiate gravel roads or roads that are rutted while they’re being resurfaced, the strain is felt most in your tyres.  Slow down a little, and ‘feel’ the road better.

If you hit a pothole at speed, it’s going to harm your tyre (and possibly your suspension and axle, too). So adjust your speed to suit the road, and help your tyres last longer.

2.    Brake in plenty of time

Today’s cars are much better at the braking systems than those manufactured in the sixties and seventies. Braking systems have evolved a long way since the car was first invented. Drums became discs, benefiting from advanced hydraulics. Our cars now benefit from anti-lock braking systems and electronic brakeforce distribution.

While this extra braking safety is to be celebrated, a downside is that we’ve become used to stopping swiftly. Drivers today leave less space between them and the car ahead and slam on the brakes more often. Harsh braking creates rapid and uneven wear on tyres.

Leave a little extra space ahead of you, anticipate what’s going on by watching the car ahead of the car in front of you, and brake evenly and smoothly. If you’re towing, allow for the extra stress the weight puts on your vehicle. Erratic braking erodes tyres.

3.    Find your ideal driver’s position

There’s plenty of research that provides evidence that decreasing speed and wearing seatbelts increases safety. What’s less well discussed is how your comfort when driving also impacts road safety.

If you’ve ever driven in a car where the seat is a little too far forward, or too far from the pedals, too upright, or too laid back, you’ll understand the effects that driver discomfort has on driving style. You’re likely to become distracted as you attempt to get comfortable. Your braking is likely to be more sudden and stuttered. As you fidget in your seat, your steering will suffer. All of this puts extra pressure on your tyres.

Before you set off on a journey, ensure that your seat is in the ideal position for you – especially if you share your car with another driver.

4.    Only turn when you’re moving

We’ve all been in a position when there’s a car parked close in front of us, or we’re in a line of slow-moving traffic and want to move into the next lane. Desperate to make a manoeuvre, we turn the steering wheel before we’ve set the car in motion. This might not be dangerous, but it does put a pile of pressure on a single point on your car tyres.

Doing this may be unavoidable in tight parking spaces, but remember that turning car tyres when stationary is going to increase tyre wear rapidly. ‘Move and turn’ was one of the first things my dad taught me about driving. Now that I work in a tyre shop, I understand why.

5.    Maintain your car and car tyres

Your car tyres have a significant impact on your vehicle’s efficiency and performance. But your car isn’t a piece of equipment with unconnected parts. In the same way that a professional sportsman has to maintain every inch of his body to maintain peak performance, your tyres will benefit from all-around maintenance of your car and engine parts.

Check your water and oil regularly, top your coolant, and get your vehicle serviced when it’s due.

In your car maintenance programme, don’t neglect your tyres:

6.    Warm up before setting off

Before you undertake any exercise, it’s wise to warm up. Doing so will help you avoid an injury that could stop you competing in that half marathon you’ve been training for. And on the big day, you wouldn’t dream of setting off when the starter gun fires without first preparing your body for the rigours ahead.

Think of your car the same way as you do your body before any exercise. Warm your engine and car tyres up by driving gently, breaking softly, and pumping the brake pedal when at a standstill. It’s the muscular warm-up that will keep your car and tyres in top condition and ready for the journey ahead of you.

What kind of a driver are you?

When a person pulls into our tyre shop, I can tell the sort of driver they are by the wear on their tyres. A little like a doctor can tell a lot about a patient’s lifestyle from their appearance and health symptoms, the wear on your tyres tells me a lot about your driving style. Whether you drive fast into corners, brake at the last minute, or drive roads that, for some reason, the Queensland government hasn’t seen fit to use your taxes to maintain.

Just like a person can improve their health and increase life expectancy by making a few small changes to their lifestyle habits, you can increase the longevity of your tyres by making a few small changes to your driving style.

Next time you’re in our Brisbane tyre shop, test the hypothesis: ask me what sort of a driver I think you are, and see if I can tell by just looking at your tyres.

Give us a call on 3333 5510 – we’ll be happy to help.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

Where is the best tyre pressure guide for your car?

Best Tyre Pressure Guides are for you car and driving conditions not the tyre.

When I discussed the risks of getting your tyre pressure check wrong in my last post, I pointed out that most people make the mistake of looking at the numbers on the tyres when checking what tyre pressure they need to inflate to (rather than the cars tyre pressure guide). The tyre number is the tyre manufacturer’s recommended maximum for that particular tyre. The best tyre pressure that you should use will most likely be lower than this.

In this post, I’ll explain where to find the tyre pressure guide for your car,  and how to make sure your tyres are always inflated correctly.

What it the best tyre pressure for your car?

The majority of cars have a tyre pressure guide label on the inside of the driver’s door frame – commonly on the pillar. Sometimes you’ll find this label on the side of the glove compartment or the glove compartment door. Some manufacturers ‘hide’ it on the inside of the fuel filler door.

If you can’t find the pressure guide in any of these places, then you’ll need to refer to the owner’s manual, which came with the car.

You can check your tyre pressure with a good pressure gauge. Generally, the more you spend on a gauge, the more accurate it will be. However, you don’t have to spend any money on fancy tools and instruments to make sure your tyre pressure is right.

The easy way to check tyre pressure

Take your car to the nearest petrol station with an air station, and follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your tyres are cold. Heat expands the air in a tyre, so ideally you shouldn’t have driven more than a couple of kilometres before checking tyre pressure. If you’ve driven further than this, have a coffee, read a newspaper, or take a ten-minute stroll.
  2. Locate the lowest number on your tyre pressure guide. This is the cold tyre pressure recommended by the car manufacturer.
  3. Set the air compressor to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You’ll be able to either read your tyre pressure or inflate the tyre to the pressure you’ve set.
  4. Unscrew the valve cap from the stem on the tyre, and connect the air pressure gauge to the tyre valve. If it hisses, the gauge isn’t plugged in correctly.
  5. Check the pressure reading is the same as the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. If it isn’t, inflate to the right pressure. Replace the valve cap.
  6. Repeat for all tyres on your car.

Factors that make a difference to tyre pressure

In hot weather, tyre pressures rise, while in cold weather they fall. So it’s especially important to check your tyre pressure when the weather changes.

If you’re carrying an extra heavy load, you may need to inflate to higher than the recommended pressure – but never exceed the maximum PSI on the tyre sidewall.

Never make a judgment about tyre pressure by just looking at the tyres. Modern tyres can be deceptive, and often look underinflated when they’re not.

A word or warning about pressure gauges at petrol stations

It’s always best to spend a few dollars on an accurate pressure gauge. Petrol station air pumps are free, but they suffer a lot of abuse, and may not be calibrated accurately. So use the above method to check tyre pressure, but understand that your tyres might still be inflated to the wrong PSI.

If you have any doubts about the correct pressure for your tyres, or if you might have a slow leak, call into our tyre shop, or contact us on 3375 3566 to put your mind at rest.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

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Fake Michelin Tyres aren’t like Fake Versace – Make sure you don’t buy fake tyres

Don’t compare Michelin Tyres to Versace

You know when you go to the market, or maybe on holiday to a far off destination, and see that bargain that’s too good to be true – the authentic imitation Rolex or genuine reproduction Versace ­– you just got to have it? Well, there’s a flood of fakes hitting the markets of a far more dangerous type – fake tyres and wheels. Unlike fake Versace, fake Michelin tyres present a lethal threat to your family and other road users.

When it comes to the odd rogue watch or handbag, it’s really a bit of fun. You don’t expect the item to last. A broken handle is not likely to harm anyone. But fake tyres and wheels posing as real are a different proposition: they have the potential to kill.

Counterfeit wheels are here in Australia

A report published in October last year pointed out how serious the problem of counterfeit wheels is here in Australia. Most are imported from China and sold in a variety of ways, including online auction sites. The majority of counterfeit wheels are prone to buckling or having chunks taken out of them. They might have hidden hairline fractures and lack proper internal support, and are commonly made from a combination of scrap alloy and raw material – the genuine thing is made only from raw material.

Imagine hitting a pothole on a busy street next to a school as the children are coming out at the end of the day, and your wheel disintegrates… the possible consequences don’t bear thinking about.

The problem is even worse when it comes to fake tyres, now exported to all parts of the world, predominantly from China.

Fake tyres aren’t a new problem

Fake tyres have been an increasing problem around the world for a decade or more. In 2005, Michelin estimated that the European market had suffered from around 10,000 fake truck tyres. The company promised to do something about the problem. In 2007, Michelin took its case to the European Union and wrote to 5,000 tyre distributors to warn them of the problem and the danger of using cheap substandard ‘Michelin’ tyres imported from Asia.

Last year, a survey by TyreSafe and Highways England showed that one in four drivers had at least one fake tyre on their car. That’s a total of 10 million fake tyres on the road in the UK alone.

The UK is 10,000 miles away from China. We’re an awful lot closer. I couldn’t find any official figures on the number of fake tyres on Australian roads, but the problem is likely to be at least as bad I would think.

How bad can a fake tyre be?

Saving a few dollars might seem a good idea at the time (and no one denies that tyres came seem like an expensive item). If two tyres look like they’ve been made by the same company, it can be difficult to choose the more expensive one.

The problem is that fake tyres are made from inferior materials, and they are manufactured in a different way. They don’t get tested and don’t benefit from quality control. You’ll find that the tread depths are smaller, and this causes problems when braking – just two millimetres less tread and you’re looking at 14 metres further to stop.

My advice is to avoid the fakes at all costs because the cost could be someone’s life.

Don’t be fooled by faked tyres

It can be tough to spot a fake tyre. A bargain price is a pointer, but it’s not always the case that cheaper tyres are counterfeit – what if the distributor is having a sale, for example? Here are three things to do to make sure you don’t buy fake tyres:

  1. Always check the brand name and tyre engraving. Look long and hard at the writing on the tyre. You might see a brand name spelt a little differently, or the wording in a different order to usual: compare the markings on the tyre to the real thing by searching the internet and checking the combinations online.
  2. Measure the tread depth and compare to legal requirements and the specifications of the genuine tyre (again, use an online search before you visit the tyre shop). If the tread depth is less than the manufacturer quotes, then you’re looking at a fake or a used tyre.
  3. Only ever buy tyres from an authorised stockist with a long track record. A tyre dealer worth their salt will only stock the real deal, and will store them correctly. The genuine new tyres will then be fitted correctly, and aligned to prevent unnecessary wear and increase the drivability of the vehicle. Look to see that the dealer stores its tyres in a shaded and ventilated area that is free from dust and oil.

Stay safe on the roads, and avoid the fakes. A little vigilance when you’re buying new tyres could, literally, make a lifetime of difference.

If you’d like to know more about tyre maintenance, or how the tyres on your vehicle should be rotated, give us a call on 3333 5510.

Cheers,

Kevin Wood

How_to_make_sure_you_buy_the_right_car_tyres

How to Buy the Best Tyres for your Car

Make sure you always buy the best tyres for your car,

You stand there, looking at the range of car tyres on offer. And there are plenty. Do you buy a Michelin, or a Bridgestone, or a Pirelli? Seriously, it’s not an easy decision to make. There are so many different styles, tread patterns, sizes, compounds, and making head and tail of the performance statistics can be a little like doing a fiendish Sudoku… you get so far and then get lost. So what are the best tyres for your car?

On my travels I see plenty of vehicles with the wrong car tyres. It makes me cringe. I see some cars with expensive car tyres that are unnecessary, and others where safety appears to have been of no concern to the owner. So here are my tips on how to make sure you buy the best tyres for your car:

Think about the car you’re driving

If you’ve got a high performance car, or a large, powerful engine, you’ll need to have car tyres that are suitable to the power. Smaller and more economic engines don’t need the same grip to work with the lesser traction when you put your foot on the accelerator or brake pedals.

A bonus tip here is to upgrade your spare. Most new cars today only supply a space saver spare tyre. This is okay to drive a few kilometres before you can buy a new tyre, but you never know where the next tyre shop will be.

Think about how you drive

This might be the one consideration that most people give no thought. How you drive is a big determinant as to car tyre wear and tear. A friend of mine has two identical cars – one for him and one for his wife. His tyres last twice as long as hers. She drives faster and brakes harder.

He kept complaining about the tyre wear, so we suggested a change. The tyres are a little more expensive, but his wife drives several thousand more kilometres on them than she did on her old ones. My friend keeps telling me that he owes me a schooner or two to say thanks.

Think about the road conditions

I could easily have spoken about the weather here, and I’d be right to do so, but the weather and road conditions are interlinked.  All weather tyres will cover you through all seasons and in the torrential rain we sometimes suffer here. Or, if you want to up your on-road performance you might decide to change your car tyres as the weather changes and the road conditions alter.

Think about your budget

I’ve deliberately put this as the last of my tips on how to buy the right car tyres. Unfortunately, most people think about their budget first without regard to getting the best and safest tyres for their car and style of driving. It’s decision making the wrong way round.

Always think about your car, driving style, and conditions in which you do most of your driving before thinking about cost. You’ll find that your choice will be less bewildering, and that there will be car tyres to suit your budget and ensure your safety.

Call us today on 3375 3566, and we’ll be happy to discuss your car tyres with you. We’ll make sure that you get the best for you, and that you don’t overstretch your budget. It’s kind of our mission in life!

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin and Darra Team

Tyre Centre Tips For Driving Safely in Wet Weather

The most important thing when driving safely in wet weather is the condition of your tyres. The muggy Queensland heat combined with rain can make the roads extremely slippery and dangerous. We have very unpredictable weather in Queensland so you need to make sure your tyres are well looked after so they can look after you when it’s wet! Prepare yourself for the the next wet day with these tyre centre tips.

How often should I check or change my tyres?

You really need to be checking the inflation and physical appearance of your tyres at least every two weeks. If you are unsure how to properly check you tyres for legal tread depth and proper inflation click here to see our article that outlines how.

Tyre Centre Tips – Driving in the wet and how to do it safely…

  • Allow extra time. Never rush to your destination, especially in the wet!
  • The minimum safe driving distance in good conditions is 3 seconds, so give yourself some extra room when it’s wet in case of the need for emergency braking.
  • Brake earlier and with less force. Slamming on the brakes in the wet can make you lose control of the vehicle, it also gives the driver behind you plenty of time to react to your decrease in speed.
  • Give yourself some light, even in light rain it can be hard to see in front of you. Let other cars know where you are.
  • Keep the rear and front windscreen clear using the air con or de mist option.
  • If the rain gets really bad just pull over and wait it out. It’s not worth getting somewhere unless you get there alive.

If you feel like your tyres may not be equipped well enough for the next batch of wet weather then come down to our shop and we will let you know the condition of your tyres, if they’re legal or if they need replacing. If they’re fine then it was only 5 minutes in and out and you can drive away with peace of mind.

Come down at see us at our Darra shop, give us a call on3375 3566 to get expert advice and tyres to keep you and your family or fleet safe.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin and Darra Team

Tyre Centre Tips – What to do in an instant when you tyre bursts

Driving along the side of most major motorways, freeways and highways you will see parts of shredded tyres on the side of the road. The same thought goes through everyone’s head, “imagine if that happened to me?” and “How does that even happen?”. These tyre centre tips give you the advice from the tyre experts at Darra Tyres on how to handle a tyre bursting.

What causes a tyre burst?

Every time you reverse park and nudge the gutter, hit the corner of a round-a-bout or park up on or against the gutter you could potentially be contributing to a tyre burst. It might not happen that day, week or month but you are increasing the risk of a tyre burst. So next time you see that shredded tyre on the side of the road take it as a reminder to get your tyres checked.

Would you know what to do?

Truth is, 90% of people when asked would slam on the brakes and that would be their first deadly mistake.

When travelling over 70km/h a tyre burst can be potentially fatal. The car will start to sway all over the road as you instantly lose control. Sounds scary doesn’t it?

Tyre centre tips to make a tyre burst a mere inconvenience not a fatal accident…

Get you’re foot off that brake!

First of all, don’t panic! Sudden braking at high speed when the car is already swerving all over the road can make things dramatically worse. Slamming on the brakes will cause the car to catch, spin and potentially roll. ONLY use the brake, and only use it gently if you need to stop the car from careering with another car or object.

Hold that wheel!

A firm grip on the wheel is needed to keep the car heading in one direction, certainly don’t try to counteract the swerving of the car with dramatic steering, this will have an adverse effect and make things worse. Hands firmly on the wheel and keep that car going straight.

Don’t be afraid to use the accelerator…

You’re probably thinking, “WHAT!! is he crazy?” but the truth is gently using the accelerator to maintain momentum can stop the car from swerving all over the road. You can use the accelerator but remember, gently!

Signal to safety…

Remember you’re probably not going to be the only car on the road, so don’t forget the basics. Signal with your hazards or indicators as to where you are going to pull over, let the other drives know that something is wrong so they can move safely away from you and give you room to breathe.

Ok, you’re safely off the road and out of harms way…

Make sure the coast is clear before getting out of your vehicle on the side of the road to fit a spare or assess the damage. If your tyre has burst at high speed there is going to be some damage to the wheel. If you don’t feel confident fitting the spare to a potentially damaged wheel then call a professional to remove the car for you or fit a new wheel. Don’t ever drive long distances on the spare, remember the last time you checked the spare? Didn’t think so! Drive straight to your nearest tyre outlet and have the damage assessed and a safe tyre and wheel fitted.

If you’re nearby give us a call!

We will be able to provide you with the best replacement tyre and wheel for your car and your safety. For more information, a quote or to speak to one of our tyre professionals call us now or enquire online and we will be in contact with you very shortly.

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