Tips & Advice

Tyre Markings

ASPECT RATIOS – EXPLAINING THE NUMBERS.

75 AND 70 SERIES

Popular on many small and medium cars, where they provide good ride, comfort and durability.

65 SERIES

Tyres with 65 series aspect ratios are popular fitment on many medium and large family cars. Improvements in handling while retaining good ride are key performance strengths of this type of tyre.

60 SERIES

Further improves handling, particularly steering response as sidewall height is reduced. Popular fitment on sports touring vehicles.

55, 50, 45 SERIES AND BELOW

Very low aspect ratio tyres developed for the new range of higher performance vehicles where ultimate grip during braking, steering and traction are the priorities.

Batteries

Your vehicle’s battery primarily helps to start the engine. However, it also stores energy generated by the alternator, and runs the secondary electrical systems or additional components in your vehicle. To help you take care of your battery, and its longevity it would be recommended to do the following:

• Remove corrosion, cleaning both negative and positive terminals
• Check the alternator belt tension and wear

Some Indications There is a Problem With Your Battery

• Your vehicle won’t start.
• The vehicle is silent when you turn the key in the ignition.
• Your vehicle makes a clicking noise, but won’t start.
• The battery keeps running down.
• The battery seems weak and fails to crank your engine normally.

These are common indications that you may need a new battery or battery connections.

Repairing Tyres

It is crucial to know when it is okay to have a tyre repaired and when a tyre should be replaced. If a tyre loses its air pressure, it must be removed from the wheel for a complete internal inspection to be sure it is not damaged. Tyres that are run even a short distance while flat are often damaged beyond repair.

Most punctures, nail holes or cuts up to 6mm can be repaired by trained technicians as long as the damage is confined to the tread. DO NOT repair tyres with tread punctures larger than 6mm, or any sidewall puncture. Also, never repair tyres which are worn below the wear indicator bars that are located on your tyre, as they won’t conform to Australian Roadworthy Standards.

All tyre repairs should be handled by trained professionals. Your best bet is to keep a good spare tyre in your boot. Be sure that the spare is inflated to the proper pressure and adheres to Australian Roadworthy Standards.

Tyre Maintenance

YOUR TYRES ARE THE ONLY CONTACT BETWEEN YOU AND THE ROAD AND, LIKE YOUR VEHICLE, THEY TOO REQUIRE REGULAR MAINTENANCE.

Here Are a Few Tips

Check your tyre pressures regularly, once a fortnight is recommended and ideally when your tyres are cold. Inspect tread and sidewalls for cuts and abrasions, bulges, unusual wear and road damage.

If the tyre receives a severe impact, ask your tyre retailer to check for internal damage. Do not repair cuts in sidewalls of radial ply tyres.

Avoid using ‘sealants’ or other liquid preparations to prevent deflation. These may cause the valve to stick open slightly, causing pressure loss and indirectly causing corrosion of steel belts.

Driving on under inflated tyres is almost certain to cause serious damage, always inflate tyres to the suggested pressure.

Take action immediately to rectify any unusual sounds or vibrations. Tyre balance and vehicle wheel alignment should be checked regularly, (ie every 10,000km), especially if your tyres are subjected to rough roads or aggressive driving.

Tyre wear on front wheel drive vehicles is a little higher and therefore, attention to tyre pressures as well as rotation should be made on a regular basis.

Tyre Pressures

Maintaining the correct pressure is the easiest, yet most important thing you can do to get the best performance, economy and safety from your tyres. Information relating to the correct pressure should be available from your vehicle’s tyre placard however, considering these points may help:

Different driving conditions require different pressures. For example, a higher pressure is usually recommended for high speed driving or when carrying or towing a heavier than normal load. Seek advice on what is best for you and your car.

Tyre pressure should be checked when tyres are cold, as pressures will increase when tyres warm up.

Under inflation of tyres can cause them to experience uneven or rapid tread wear, as well as lead to an increase in fuel consumption. In addition, under inflation reduces your vehicles braking and handling capabilities, and can ultimately lead to serious tyre failure.

Where possible, carry your own tyre pressure gauge.

Sealing valve caps must ALWAYS be used, the best being the metal type.

Tyre Rotation

Regular rotation of tyres is a proven method for promoting even wear and therefore extending tread life. If uneven wear has occurred, this may be due to worn suspension components, vehicle misalignment or incorrect tyre balance. These concerns cannot be corrected by simply rotating the tyres. Your local tyre retailer should correct these problems.

Front to back same side rotation is acceptable when tyres are wearing unevenly. If the spare is included in the rotation it should be exchanged with the tyre allocated to the right hand rear position.

Wheel Alignment

What is a wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment is the science of precisely measuring and then positioning the wheels on your car to ensure the least amount of wear to your tyres. When correctly set it will significantly extend the life of your tyres, your car also should handle better, be safer to drive and enjoy greater fuel economy.

When Do I Need a Wheel Alignment?

If your steering wheel isn’t straight or your car pulls to either side or wanders on straight roads.After an encounter with a particularly nasty pothole or kerb.When you are replacing your tyres. We recommend a wheel alignment twice a year to ensure your vehicle’s safety, to improve handling and to help maximise the life of your tyres.

Two of the most common problems that can cause rapid tyre wear are incorrect Camber and Toe-In settings.

Camber

This measurement determines whether or not your wheels lean in, out or sit straight up in a vertical position. Incorrect camber makes your car feel as if the steering is pulling to either side. Correct camber ensures the right amount of tyre tread is in contact with the road for safer turning, braking and reduce tread wear.

Toe-In

If your front wheels are ‘pigeon-toed’, you have toe-in and if they’re pointing out like ballerina’s feet you have toe-out. Both lead to tyre scrubbing and excessive tread wear and may also cause unpredictable steering response.

Checking Your Tyres

The markings on the wall of your tyre may look like a secret code, but they tell you just about everything you need to know about the tyre – from the kind of vehicle the tyre was made for, to the maximum speed it’s designed for.