The Dog Tyred Tyre Safety Booklet Brought to you by Dog Tyred in the interest of safer driving for you and your family. Dog Tyred is located in Kallangur at 1249 Anzac Ave, near the Water Tower. Ph 07-32-858-100 www.dogtyred.com.au Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dogtyred.wheelstyres Download this free booklet and read it then give a copy to your teens before they begin driving. It is chock full of information on how to get maximum mileage and better performance from your tyres while still maintaining the highest standards of safety. 2013 This booklet is compiled from information gathered from Pirelli tyres and other tyre companies in the interest of safer driving 1
Contents... 1. Safer Motoring with Dog Tyred Why should I look after my tyres? 2. Tyre Regulations What regulations should I be aware of when replacing my tyres? Why is the tyre manufacturer s tyre recommendation important? Correct Speed rating = Performance and safety 3. Tyre Selection and Replacement What should I look for when buying a tyre? Why do I need a minimum tread depth of 1.6mmm? My annual mileage is very low, so will I ever have to replace my tyres? 4. Inflation Pressure What is the correct pressure for my tyres? Does it matter if my tyres are under-inflated or over-inflated? How often should I check the pressure of my tyres? What is the purpose of a tyre valve and cap? How long will tyre pressure last? 5. Tyre Maintenance... How can I make my tyres last longer? How often should I inspect my tyres? Why are my tyres wearing only on one edge? 6. A Safety Warning 7. Dog Tyred in Kallangur 2
1. Safer Motoring with Dog Tyred Tyres aren t just those round black things that hold up the corners of your car. Tyres are a critical investment in the safety of yourself, your family, your vehicle and your fellow road users. This guide will help show you how to obtain maximum mileage and trouble free service from your tyres. It contains compiled advice from PIRELLI tyres and other experts from around the world and explains the importance of tyre selection, care and maintenance for your safer motoring. Why should I look after my tyres? However good a driver you are and whatever car you drive, your tyres are vital to your safety. Why? - Because tyres are probably the most important component of any vehicle - they re the only part of the car actually in contact with the road surface. Safety in acceleration, braking, steering and cornering all depend on the relatively small areas of contact between your tyres and the road. It is of paramount importance that your tyres should be maintained in good condition at all times and when the time comes to change them, that the correct replacements are fitted. If your tyres lose their grip, the consequences can be catastrophic. So why take the risk? To ensure your tyres are always in good condition have them checked every few months by your local Dog Tyred tyre maintenance team in Kallangur. 3
2. Tyre Regulations What regulations should I be aware of when replacing my tyres? If your car was first registered and sold on or after 1 st January 1973, Australian design rule No 24 specifies requirements for tyres and rims appropriate to your vehicles load capacity, rim size and speed characteristics. The specification for your vehicle is nominated on a sticker fixed to the glove compartment door, inside the driver s door sill or other accessible location. When replacing tyres on your car it is recommended that the new tyres at least meet the minimum specifications set by the maker of your car. When you do replace tyres, care should be taken to ensure that the tyres load carrying capacity and speed ratings are at least equal to those shown on the sticker. Care should also be taken to ensure that you comply with local road and vehicle legislations. Dog Tyred can help you in most cases with specific recommendations for your vehicle. Why is the tyre manufacturer s tyre recommendation important? The size of a tyre fitted to your vehicle, as original equipment, was selected by the vehicle manufacturer to take into account all aspects of the vehicle s operation. Changes in tyre size, structure and load and speed rating should not be made without first checking your locall Dog Tyred specialist, as the effect on safety, vehicle behaviour and body clearance must be considered. Correct Speed rating = Performance and safety The speed rating of a tyre is shown as a letter within the size designation on the side of the tyre and on the vehicle manufacturer sticker. While it is expressed that a maximumm speed, it is also a measure of the tyre s capacity to react to stresses which can occur at much lower speeds 4
The use of tyres with the correct speed rating enables you to experience the dynamic qualities of your car while providing optimum levels of safety and driving satisfaction. Speed ratings are explained below.. Speed Symbol- eg...185/60 R14 82H S- For cars with max speeds up to 180 km/h T- For cars with max speeds up to 190 km/h H- For cars with max speeds up to 210 km/h V- For cars with max speeds up to 240 km/h W- For cars with max speeds up to 270 km/h Speed Category eg...195/55 ZR 15 ZR - For cars with max speeds OVER 240 km/h 3. Tyre Selection and Replacement What should I look for when buying a tyre? There are many different patterns of tyres available in Australia and each pattern has performance characteristics which may or may not match the demands of the vehicle or its driver. Firstly, the type of driving you do and the requirements relating to mileage, comfort, stability or grip will dictate the pattern of tyre you should fit. You should ask yourself What do I really expect from my tyres? Secondly, the tyres fitted to your vehicle as original equipment have undergone rigid testing for all aspects of performance and suitability. So, the manufacturers recommendations on tyre size, load and speed ratings will automatically help narrow your selection. Ask Dog Tyred if in doubt. 5
Why do I need a minimum tread depth of 1.6mmm? In Australia, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. The more tread you have, the better the all round vehicle performance- particularly braking capabilities in wet conditions. Wet grip decreases considerably as tyre tread patterns wear down - put simply, when tread depth becomes too shallow, it can t clear the water away between the tyre and the road. The result can be loss of control- particularly when cornering, braking or accelerating. A bald tyre, where the tread has all worn away, can be extremely lethal. Tyre tread depth should be checked regularly. In general terms, the shallower the tread, the higher the risk of skidding on wet roads. If you look carefully, you will find tread wear indicators in all tyres. They are the small raised sections, like a flap, in the groves of the tread. They indicate when your tyre tread is wearing down and can be located by looking for the letters TWI on the shoulder of the tyre. Once the tread wear indicators are level with the tread, your tyres have reached the legal limit and therefore should be changed. Ideally, and for increased safety, change your tyres before the tread wear indicator is showing. If in doubt, check with Dog Tyred immediately. My annual mileage is very low, so will I ever have to replace my tyres? Tyres deteriorate with age and can become unstable even if they have not been used, or have only been used occasionally. Cracking of the tread sidewall rubber, sometimes accompanied by carcass deformation, is evidence of ageing. Old and aged tyres should be checked by your tyre expert to ascertain their suitability for further use. After 5 years in use, regardless of the residual tyre tread depth or mileage run, you should consider replacing your tyres. Take the vehicle into your local tyre shop and have a check up. Tyres fitted to vehicles which are parked for long periods of time, like caravans and trailers, will tend to age and crack more quickly than those which are used and run frequently. In such circumstances it is important to jack the weight off the tyres and also to shield them from direct sunlight and harsh conditions during periods of inactivity. How long will the tyres last? The life of your tyres depends on how well you maintain them! Mistreated, unmaintained tyres may have a considerably reduced lifespan. The tyres will also be affected by the type of driving, highway or city, and the mechanical settings of the vehicle. A number of factors can account for the marked differences in ultimate mileage obtained by motorists driving similar makes of cars. 6
Tread wear is adversely affected by speed, particularly when cornering. The higher the speed, the more rapid the tread wear. Rapid tread wear is also caused by fierce acceleration and hard braking and by mechanical irregularities, such as worn wheel bearings, unbalanced braking, incorrect tyre pressure and incorrect wheel alignment. In particular, bad wheel alignment will cause exceptionally rapid tread wear An abrasive surface consisting of coarse gravel or concrete will give a much higher rate of tread wear than will a smooth bitumen surface. Wear will be more rapid in areas with winding roads and hilly country. Straight line driving on a smooth road can give a lower tread wear rate because of reduced cornering, braking and acceleration forces on the tyre...but we all don t live on the Nullarbor Plains to receive this tyre benefit! Climatic conditions also have a bearing on tread wear. On dry roads in summer, treads can wear twice as fast as in winter! The slower tread wear in winter is influenced by the lower running temperature and the lubricating effect of the water between the tyres and the road. Vehicle characteristics also dramatically influence tyre wear. Power steering 4 wheel steering Permanent or switch over 4 W drive, Front wheel drive ABS and Traction control All the above put additional demands on the tyre and will affect tyre wear, so take this into account when budgeting for a new vehicle. 4. Inflation Pressure What is the correct pressure for my tyres? The correct pressure for your tyres can be found on the sticker fixed to your car by the manufacturer. The pressure recommended for normal operating conditions should be considered minimums for suburban driving under 80km/h 7
For vehicles loaded with passengers or luggage; be sure to INCREASE pressure in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. For sustained high speed driving as in highway touring at around 100km/h, pressures should be further increased according to the manufacturers recommendations on the sticker. Remember, the manufacturers recommendations are minimums which you should not drop below. Each vehicle is different, so even when buying a new car, always check that you know the correct pressures for your new car under all driving conditions, as it can differ greatly from your other vehicle. Pressures can also be revised to suit your driving requirements...see your Dog Tyred tyre man for help here... Does it matter if my tyres are under-inflated or over-inflated? Tyres have a robust construction but will only give their best if used sensibly and treated with due care. Correct inflation pressure is of the highest importance for safe driving. Over inflation results in an uncomfortable ride and faster wear in the centre of the tread. More importantly, it reduces the area of tyre contact with the road, meaning less grip area. Over inflation also renders the tyre more susceptible to impact damage and in extreme cases may result in rim deformation or even a tyre burst with tragic consequences. Under inflation is equally damaging- creating excessive flexing and leading to general deterioration of the tyres. Incorrect inflation can also affect your braking capabilities and reduce the stability of the vehicle. Under inflation causes overheating and can greatly shorten the life of a tyre. It reduces road holding and can cause irregular wear, internal damage to the walls of the tyre and ultimately even tyre failure...blowouts! Adopt and adhere to the right inflation pressure (for all axels) for your type of use; most particularly under full loads and at high speeds. 8
Incorrect tyre pressure can significantly reduce tyre life, adding cost to your car maintenance. Call into Dog Tyred and get your tyre pressures checked now and begin saving on tyre replacement, fuel consumption and save money! Pressure Tyre Life Correct = 100% 20% Over inflated = 80% 20% under inflated =80% 40 % underinflated = 40% of tyre life expectancy Incorrect inflation pressure also gives rise to Rapid and uneven wear Cracks, splits, blowouts Impaired performance Vehicle instability resulting in unsure handling Higher fuel consumption Reduced driving comfort How often should I check the pressure of my tyres? Inflation pressure must be checked regularly- at least once a fortnight-including the spare tyre. These checks should be made only when the tyres are cold. This is because pressure risess as the tyres warm up during use. Dog Tyred recommends that you buy your own tyre pressure gauge. Tyres are considered to be cold when they have not been running for at least the past hour-or have only been run at low speed for not more than 2 or 3 kms. Never bleed (let air out of) warm tyres... How long will tyre pressure last? Not long in hot or varying weather and driving conditions. Make it a habit to check tyre pressure every 2 weeks at least. 9
What is the purpose of a tyre valve and cap? A valve is needed to let air in and out of a tyre so that tyre pressure can be kept at the right level for safest driving comfort. The valve should be replaced every time a tyre is changed since the valve rubber perishes with age. The valve cap is designed to seal the air in the tyre and also prevent dirt getting into the valve and preventing it from working properly. Always ensure the valve cap is screwed down tightly. 5. Tyre Maintenance... How can I make my tyres last longer? The best way to get maximum performance out of a tyre is to take the necessary care as you go. Have your vehicle checked regularly regarding suspension and front and rear wheel alignment settings Check tyre pressures regularly, every 2 weeks at least and always when the tyres are cold. Make sure the loss of pressuree never exceeds 30kPa (4psi). For any loss over this value it is advisable to have your tyres examined by Dog Tyred. Carry out a visual check of tyre wear regularly too. If one of the tyre shoulders wears out more quickly than the others it is advisable to have your wheel alignments checked and reset. Get the wheels rotated making sure to fit the tyres with the most tread to the maximum safety position, the rear axle, regardless of the type of car you drive. Rotate the tyres every 7-10,000 km or so... in order that the 4 tyres will reach the end of their life at about the same time. For high powered vehicles we recommend a wheel rotation every 5,000 or so km. Warning...Do not rotate the tyres when the vehicle uses different sized front and rear wheels. Avoid overload, either total or just localised areas in your car. Overload greatly affects the tread life. Load Tyre Life Correct load = 100% 120% over = 70% of tyre life 140% over = 50%...so your tyres will wear out in half the time if you overload your vehicle as shown by these figures. 10
How often should I inspect my tyres? Take a look at your tyres every 2 weeks or so. If there are stones embedded in the treads, remove them carefully to avoid damage. Check tyre tread depth to ensure your tyres are within legal limits. Finally, examine the side walls to see if there are any bulges or cuts. Ask your tyre specialist to examine the tyres; otherwise you may be breaking the law or worse still, risking an accident or serious injury. Sudden and extreme shock loadings on a relatively small area of a tyre caused by driving over kerbs, hitting pot-holes or other sharp objects on the road, even at low speeds, can result in weakening or fracturing the inner casing structure of the tyre. However the resilient sidewall rubber may not show any evidence of bruising, therefore if such damage is suspected the tyre should be removed for a thorough inspection by your local tyre expert. Damage from accidental cuts or penetrations will extend whilst the tyre is in use, due to continued flexing and/or the entry of moisture and road grit. Check damaged tyres immediately. Neglect and continued use can lead to sudden deflation...a flat, when you least desire it! Why are my tyres wearing only on one edge? Often this indicates poor mechanical adjustment or bad wheel alignment. The vehicle s steering and or suspension should be examined immediately by your local tyre specialist, Dog Tyred. Irregular wear can be caused by a mechanical irregularity of the vehicle such as worn bearings, shock absorbers, steering joints or badly adjusted brakes. One of the worst causes of this type of problem are the speed bumps in most housing complexes...a cars worst enemy, causing damage over time to all the above mentioned mechanical problems on a car. If you live in such a complex with speed bumps, mention this to your Dog Tyred tyre expert and have your vehicle checked for any such conditions. Misalignment Wear... a rasped and feathered tread condition is caused by bad wheel alignment and results in very rapid tread wear. This can affect both front and rear tyres. Get the wheels balanced every time you replace your tyres. Unbalanced wheels can create an uncomfortable wobble in the steering and is detrimental to the vehicle performance and handling. This can cause uneven tyre wear and vibration problems, which can lead to other seriouss mechanical problems. Bad wheel alignment and unbalanced wheels can also lead to a costly array of mechanical problems, so get your wheels checked for balance and alignment at least once a year or every 15,000 kms or if there are vibrations or uneven wear. 11
6. Safety Checks Safe motoring hints will be covered in another separate flyer, but this one safety check is of paramount importance before we close out this tyre safety booklet. Read the notes in this picture...it says it all. How would you feel, if this was your child in someone s wheel space or if a child had crawled into your car wheel space like this toddler did? Dog Tyred is in Kallangur at 1249 Anzac Ave, near the Water Tower. Ph 07-32-858-100 www.dogtyred.com.au Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dogtyred.wheelstyres Thank-you for downloading this free tyre safety booklet. Watch for the next in this 2 part series...safer Motoring 12