Category Archives for "New Tyres"

Cut your heavy vehicle fuel consumption with Bridgestone tyres

Reduced fuel costs and lower emissions are a win/win for fleet service

Here at Darra, we’re always looking to help our clients stay safe and reduce costs. A couple of weeks ago, we posted about fleet tyre services that reduce fuel costs. Today we’re looking at the new additions to Bridgestone’s Ecopia tyre range that has got our juices flowing since they were introduced. Not only do these Bridgestone tyres reduce costs, but they’re also good for the environment, too. That’s a big win/win… and we love the double wins!

Tried and tested Bridgestone tyres

Since its introduction in 2013, Bridgestone’s Ecopia range has proved its credentials. It has now added four new sizes to the range, covering both drive and trailer. This means that Ecopia tyres can be used by up to 95% of the drive and trailer market. In an interview with tradetrucks.com, Andrew Moffat, the MD responsible for sales of Bridgestone tyres in Australia and New Zealand said:

“The key factor here is that we are consistently seeing fuel savings of up to six per cent. This reduction is beneficial to both operators and the environment.”

We couldn’t agree more. The industry is coming under increasingly strict regulations in a world that are becoming increasingly concerned about the environment. If green is the way to go, then Ecopia tyres are certainly proving their worth.

Ecopia’s low resistance leads to lower fuel consumption

The design of Ecopia tyres helps to reduce resistance on the tarmac. This helps haulage and trucking companies to get more mileage and reduce fuel consumption. The knock on benefit is a huge cut in CO2 emissions.

In a market where your customers are likely to have their own carbon targets and want to promote their own green credential to their customers, being able to offer a fleet that uses less fuel and stamps a smaller carbon footprint is another positive toward clinching the next big haulage contract.

A good track record with Bridgestone tyres

Bridgestone is the world’s largest tyre manufacturer and one of the largest suppliers to Australia’s automotive industry. They’re certainly one of the most popular manufacturers here at Darra.

We’ve been supplying Bridgestone tyres for years, and this expansion of the Ecopia range is going to benefit our fleet and heavy vehicle customers.

A tip from heavy vehicle tyre customers is to put in place a good tyre maintenance program to reduce your fuel consumption costs. This will also make sure that you, your drivers, and other road users benefit from better safety on the roads. Give us a call on 3333 5510 to find out more, or to get a quote.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin and The team at Darra Tyres

Fitting Quality tyres – How to reduce the threat of aquaplaning

What you believe about fitting quality tyres is probably wrong

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the rain or on a wet road and having to apply the brakes, you’ll know the fear that aquaplaning can cause. And rightly so, too. An aquaplaning accident can be devastating. Spinal injuries are common outcomes, as is brain damage. The most common reason for loss of control on wet roads is poor quality tyres or wrongly fitted tyres.

But do you know the correct way of fitting new tyres?

The myths of fitting new tyres

All of the followings are myths surrounding fitting new tyres:

• It’s natural to think that on front wheel drive vehicles, new tyres should be fitted on the front. After all, that where all the power, grip, and steering happens.
• Most people want the best grip on the axle that provides the drive. Unfortunately, in wet conditions or on slippery roads, it’s more dangerous to have the back end skidding than the front.
• Blowouts are more manageable if they happen on the rear. This might be true, but blowouts generally don’t happen because of a lack of tread. They are usually caused by something on the road. Also, what is most likely: a blowout or aquaplaning?

If you follow these myths of fitting new tyres, you’d fit the best tread at the front every time. You’d be wrong to do so.

Now for the facts

• Front tyres wear more quickly than rear tyres, so rotating every few thousand kilometres helps even out wear of tyre tread.
• Most of us don’t rotate tyres, and so the front tyres wear first. We then replace these like-for-like.
• The tyres with least tread will begin aquaplaning first.
• It is easier to control an aquaplaning vehicle when it is the front tyres that have begun to aquaplane first.

What the manufacturers of quality tyres say

It’s natural to think that the tyres with the most wear should be replaced like-for-like, but all the major tyre manufacturers warn against doing so. Here’s what a few of them say:

Goodyear: “When radial tires are used with bias or bias-belted tires on the same car, the radials must always be placed on the rear axle. Never mix radial and bias-ply tires on the same axle. When you select a pair of replacement tires in the same size and construction as those on the car, we recommend you put them on the rear axle. A single new tire should be paired on the rear axle with the tire having the most tread depth of the other three.”

Bridgestone: “If winter tires are applied to the front axle of any vehicle, they must also be installed on the rear. Do not apply winter tires to only the front axle — this applies to all passenger cars and light trucks, including front wheel drive, 4×4 and all-wheel drive vehicles.“

Dunlop: “Put new tyres on the rear axle: for better traction and stability when you drive.”

Michelin: “A pair of new tyres should go in back.”

Wherever your vehicle needs new tyres, always insist on tyre rotation and the new tyres to be fitted to the rear axle. It might cost a few dollars more, but it could just save your life.

To benefit from a great service and safe fitting call Darra on 3333 5510. Our guarantee is your safety.

Yours in family and fleet safety,

Kevin and the team

Buying Quality Tyres from Darra Tyres in Brisbane What to expect

Do I have to fit the tyres myself?

No of course not! Fitting is included in the price given to you by the team at Darra, one of our experts in the workshop will gladly fit the tyres while you wait or if need be we can arrange for you to drop the vehicle off and be dropped back at work or home if in the nearby area, Darra train station is just metres from our front door so we are never far away!

Do I have to change all four tyres?

No you don’t have to buy 4 brand new tyres. However it is normally recommended depending on the condition of your tyres. By replacing only 1,2 or 3 the 2nd,3rd and 4th will eventually need to be replaced and there is an increased chance that it could leave you stranded on the side of the road due to a blowout.

What about new valves and a balance?

We include a balance and new valves with all purchases of 4 new tyres. We will also inspect the safety of your suspension to make sure there are no underlying factors that could have a negative effect on the wear of your tyres.

What kind of tyres do I need?

When enquiring about or purchasing tyres from us at Darra Tyres there are a few things we need to know when you are trying to find out which tyres are most suitable for your vehicle and budget. If possible when enquiring have the tyre size and load rating handy, the type of vehicle and we need to know a few things about how often the vehicle is used and where it used just so we can get the best tyre for your needs and your wallet.

To find out more or to enquire about products from Darra Tyres come down to 5 Station Avenue Darra or give us a call on (07) 3333 5510 and have a chat with the team.

Cheers,

Kevin Wood