Everything you need to know about tyres Tips and ideas on staying safe. Distributed by
Welcome to Continental It is a question of trust and security Continental tyres stand for innovation, team work, safety and high performance l No. 1 tyre maker in Germany l No. 2 tyre maker in Europe l No. 4 tyre maker Worldwide l Market leader European Original Equipment supplier Every car produced in Europe is equipped with Continental tyres. Continental Tyre Group, a division of Continental AG, headquartered in Hanover Germany. Continental has been making tyres since 1871. Continental launched the world s first car tyre with a tread pattern over 100 years ago. Continental has a worldwide workforce of around,000 employees with annual sales of over $A billion. Continental Corporation is one of the world s leading automotive suppliers offering state-of-the-art technology. Continental own over 100 manufacturing facilities, research centres and test tracks in over 27 countries. www.continentaltyres.com.au
The most important part of your car is not the engine. Car tyres are often seen as a more or less inconsequential part of the vehicle. This could not be further from the truth. Tyres are the only contact the vehicle has with the road. In this leaflet we invite you to discover what tyres really are a crucial, highquality, expertly engineered chassis component specially tailored to modern, high-speed cars. Not only do they have to match a variety of different suspension systems and respond accurately to steering commands, they need to roll smoothly and be durable. Above all, for vehicles to remain safely and securely on the road, tyres need to be able to cope with the forces exerted on them when braking, accelerating or cornering. This is particularly important when the road is wet and slippery, or covered in snow or ice. So, with your safety in mind, here are some tips and advice to help prevent damage to your tyres. Making sure you get there safely.
Uncompromising safety: tyres from Continental. Apart from setting new standards in handling and driving comfort, Continental tyres offer drivers unparalleled safety, thanks to cutting-edge technology. They ensure optimum transfer of power even in the most varied weather conditions, maximum track precision and exceptional contact between the vehicle and the road. What makes all this possible? Decades of experience, close partnerships with the automotive industry, state-of-the-art production systems, a highly skilled workforce and our speed to market. All this has enabled us in previous years to uncover new potential, drastically shorten braking distances and further reduce the risks of aquaplaning. The fruits of our labour: arguably the safest tyres on the road.
Useful tips for looking after and maintaining your tyres. Continental tyres are hi-tech products, fine-tuned to modern driving. Maintain your tyres on a regular basis and they will continue to deliver the utmost safety. As with all complex technical products, it is advisable to handle your tyres carefully. In this way you can rely on optimum driving comfort and performance throughout the tyres entire service life. We recommend: Inspect your tyres visually and check the tyre pressure every two weeks.
Avoid damage. It is easy to damage tyres through careless driving - and and there are are enough plenty of kerbs and sharp objects out there to damage tyres. The problem is, tyres often get damaged without the drivers knowledge. If you do discover damage, have a professional dealer check your tyre immediately and get the tyre repaired or replace it. Tyre sealants are convenient, but they are first and foremost temporary and are only designed to help you reach the next service area. Note also that inserting an inner tube to repair tyre damage is not recommended and may compromise your safety. We recommend: If you have to drive over something, approach it slowly as close to the perpendicular as possible. Check your tyres regularly for exterior damage such as cuts, nicks or bulges. This is especially important for tyres with higher speed ratings (V, W, Y or ZR) as they have to stand up to even tougher demands. We also do not recommend having these tyres repaired.
Do not overload the vehicle. Tyres are designed to match the load capacity of the vehicle and legal official weight restrictions. Overloading your vehicle can cause damage to your tyres and will increase tread depth wear, thus reducing their service life. We recommend: Do Avoid not loading your vehicle beyond the maximum permissible weight. When loading your vehicle, stow luggage properly, put heavy objects as close as possible to the axle and adjust tyre pressure to the load.
What the numbers on your tyre mean. The sidewalls speak volumes about the characteristics and origins of your tyres, so it is worth investing a few moments to get to know them. Here are the essentials: 3 4 7 5 6 2 1 8
The code on your tyre (e.g. 205/55 R 16 91 V) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 205/55 R 16 91 V TUBELESS SSR DOT E4 0227293 2206 TWI 205 Nominal section width in mm 55 Nominal aspect ratio (tyre height is 55% of tyre width) R Symbol for radial tyre or RF for run flat tyres 16 Rim diameter code (in inches) 91 Load Index 91 = max. load of this tyre is 615 kg V Speed Symbol, indicating max. speed V = 240 km/h / 150 mph Other information may be added after size marking: REINFORCED or EXTRA LOAD (XL) for reinforced tyres, M+S for winter tyres Snowflake designation (in USA and Canada). This additional marking on an M+S tyre shows that the tyre meets prescribed test criteria and ensures good winter properties Tubeless TUBE TYPE tyres must be mounted with tubes Special designation SSR for runflat tyres (Self Supporting Runflat) DOT = Department of Transportation, USA Marking indicating accordance with ECE regulations. The number after the E in the circle indicates the country of homologation. (E4 = the Netherlands) Approval number acc. to relevant ECE regulation Production code ( 22 means 22nd week, 06 means 2006). (Until 1999, a triangle stood after the third digit, e.g. 9< for the production year of 1999) TWI = Tread Wear Indicator. Cross ribs evenly spaced around the circumference of the tyre in the longitudinal tread grooves and which become exposed when the remaining tread depth is down to 1.6 mm for summer and 4 mm for winter tyres. Speed Index Maximum speed for tyres Load Index Maximum load per single tyre L M N P Q R S T U H V W Y ZR to 120 km/h to 130 km/h to 140 km/h to 150 km/h to 160 km/h to 170 km/h to 180 km/h to 190 km/h to 200 km/h to 210 km/h to 240 km/h to 270 km/h to 300 km/h over 240 km/h 1000 1030 kg 1060 1090 1120 1150 1180 1215 1250 1285 1320 1360 1400 1450 1500 1550 1600 Other alphanumeric combinations are either for shipping or internal use only, or are used to identify the manufacturer.
Keep an eye on your tread depth. Pay particular attention to the tread of the tyre it has a strong impact on several performance criteria. Most important is the tread depth of the tyre, which by law has to be a minimum of 1.6 mm¹. If you drive with less tread, your insurance company will withdraw cover as this automatically annuls your licence to operate the vehicle. The Tread Wear Indicators (TWI) on your tyres are useful for checking your tread depth. These are small raised bars spaced evenly around the tyre in the tread grooves and are 1.6 mm high. So, when your tyre tread reaches the TWI s you are at the legal minimum. Winter tyres from Continental also have a TWI at 4 mm remaining tread. Tread Wear Indicator We recommend: Since worn tyres greatly increase the risk of aquaplaning and impair braking performance², we strongly urge drivers to change their tyres even before they reach the minimum legal tread depth. A good rule of thumb to follow: change summer tyres when they have 2 mm of remaining tread, low profile tyres at 3 mm and winter tyres at 4 mm³. ¹ Varies from country to country. ² Please refer to the chart on page 9. ³ In Austria, winter tyres must have at least 4 mm of remaining tread when the period for mandatory winter equipment begins.
How the tyre tread depth affects braking distances. Summer tyre braking comparison. Reducing speed from 100 km/h to 60 km/h. Tread depth Braking distance (m) Road 7 mm Dry 7 mm Wet 5 mm 3 mm 2 mm 1.6 mm 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Check your tyre pressure regularly. Tyre pressure plays a definitive role in the service life and safety performance of your tyres. Tyre pressures are determined individually for every vehicle model by tyre and automotive manufacturers. Refer to the owner s manual, the fuel tank cover, the car door or glove compartment to find the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle. Under or over-inflation reduces the tyre s ability to grip the road properly. Not only will this cause excessive or uneven tread wear, it has a substantial influence on handling, which can be particularly dangerous when cornering at high speeds. Right Wrong We recommend: Check your tyre pressure every two weeks and adjust as necessary. Remember, only check your tyres when they are cold, not when they are still warm from driving. Also, do not forget to check your spare or emergency tyre, since you never know when you may need it. Please refer to the vehicle manufacturer s supplementary information regarding emergency tyres.
Have an expert check your tyres annually. This means having your tyres balanced and the axle geometry checked. Regularly getting your tyres balanced - ensures for example perfect when operating changing conditions. from Not summer only will to winter the vehicle tyres drive ensures more perfect smoothly, operating it reduces conditions. the wear on Not your only tyres will and on other parts of the vehicle. Another positive aspect: you are increasing the vehicle drive more smoothly, it reduces the wear on your tyres and on the safety for yourself, your passengers and other road users. other parts of the vehicle. Another positive aspect: you are increasing the safety for yourself, your passengers and other road users. Sooner or later, you will have to replace your tyres. Tyres must be replaced once they reach their minimum tread depth or if they have been irreparably damaged. You should also change tyres that have been in use for six years at the most (find out more on page 13). If you find you only need to change one tyre, using the spare wheel is certainly an option. However, since tyres are best changed in pairs (front pair/ back pair), rely on your spare wheel only in emergencies. We do, however, recommend fitting the same tyres on all wheels (front and back axle) as this makes for superior handling and braking performance in all driving conditions. Only fit tyre sizes that are approved for your vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer (refer to the vehicle documents¹). You should always fit what is recommended, however tyres with a higher speed or load capacity index are permissible (find out more on page 19). We recommend: Make sure all your tyres are from the same manufacturer and have the same tread pattern. ¹ Motor vehicle registration certificate, Part 1, or information found in the EC Certificate of Conformity, COC.
ContiComfortKit The ContiComfortKit breakdown set is the simple and convenient replacement for the spare tyre Quick and simple repair for typical damage to tyres (caused by nails for instance) 12V compressor and liquid sealant combined in a compact unit Backlit instruction display and illuminated pressure guage Simple, clean and safe handling Saves up to 18kg weight compared with a spare wheel and tyre
Arriving safely and comfortably The Continental Corporation is one of the world s leading suppliers to the automotive industry with extensive know-how in tire and brake technology, vehicle dynamics control, as well as electronic and sensor systems. It is our goal to make individual mobility safer and more comfortable. In our four divisions, there are approximately 80,000 employees working for you in more than 100 manufacturing facilities, research centers and test tracks in 27 countries. Focusing on automobiles As the world s leading technology partner to the automotive industry, Continental develops and manufactures high-quality components, modules and systems. Our research & development centers and manufacturing plants are located close to our customers facilities, so we are always nearby worldwide. Our activities focus on innovations for enhancing safety, developing eco-friendly mobility and maximizing the comfort on the road. Demonstrating leadership in innovation Continental is the second largest automotive supplier in Europe. Most of our business lines have gained leading competitive positions: We are number one in the world for foundation brakes and number two for electronic brake systems and brake boosters. In the tire sector, we rank fourth worldwide and are market leader in Europe for winter and industrial tires as well as original equipment passenger and light truck tires. Five of the seven business units in the ContiTech division are market leaders in Europe, and with film and slush skins used in vehicle interiors we are the world market leader. Ensuring sustainable growth Continental opens up promising perspectives for customers, suppliers, employees and shareholders. We want to enjoy sustained and value-oriented growth and work to achieve a permanent increase in value. We maintain a consistent and goal-driven approach, with the high quality, future suitability and reliability of our products being vital factors. Continental Automotive Systems Passenger and Light Truck Tires Commercial Vehicle Tires ContiTech 2