Category Archives for "New Tyres"

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

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