The tyre check a car expert reckons will save time, fuel, extend tyre life and maybe save yours.
Easter is one of the times of year ‘road toll’ appears in the evening news.
Quick changes in weather, busy roads and long trips make the chocolate centric holiday one of the most dangerous times on Aussie roads.
Mr 4x4, Pat Callinan has covered more kilometres on blacktop between trips than most of us will travel in a lifetime. Despite his off-road credentials, Pat is a dad, a husband and an Easter road trip lover.
We worked with Pat to bring a three-step tyre check that can save lives.
“Easter is a risky time on the road, no two ways about it” said Callinan. “Anything you can do to ensure your car is fit for the trip ahead of time, makes your safe arrival a bit closer.”
“Working with Toyo Tires tech guys, we’ve created a simple three step tyre check that anyone can do, anytime. It’s fast, simple and requires no prior knowledge.”
ONE - DAMAGE
“You’re going to need to squat for this so make sure you stretch. First thing is as basic as. You need to inspect your rubber for damage. We’re talking bolts, nails, sticks, sharp rocks, glass, star spikes. You would be amazed what can works its way into your tyres without you noticing, and a slow leak is a recipe for disaster.”
“Check the tread face, and the sidewall. Hot tip, turn your steering wheel from lock to lock and you will get a better view of your front tyres.”
TWO – TREAD WEAR
“Tread is what keeps you on the road. You don’t need to have been in a slide before to know how important tread is, especially in wet Easter weather. It’s what gets the water out of your tyre and you on the black top. Knowing your tyre is safe means checking your tread.”
“Toyo are a clever bunch, and on every Toyo tyre there is what they call a tread wear indicator. It’s not a new thing, but it’s helpful. Basically, a thick bar of rubber runs across the tread of tyre. That bar indicates the minimum legal tread depth for your tyre.”
“There is an arrow on the side of your tyre to show you where the indicator is. Follow the arrow and check the tread face. If the bar is on the same level as your tread or close, head to your local tyre shop.”
THREE – AIR PRESSURE
“I don’t reckon I have covered any topic more than tyre pressure. It’s a topic that can light up a pub chat or a comment thread properly quick. This is a simple check you should do when you are filling up before you hit the road.”
Correct tyre pressure saves fuel, improves on-road grip and increases tyre life. If there’s too little pressure friction increases, creating uneven wear on the shoulders of the tyre and increasing fuel consumption. Too much pressure and the tyre loses grip and reduces driver control, wearing heavily on the middle of the tyre.
“Every car comes fitted with a tyre placard. It’s probably just inside your drivers door jamb. Learn it, know it.
“When it comes to a fully laden car, or caravan, you need to adjust for weight. If you aren’t sure, take it to your closest tyre dealer. They will be happy to help.”
