|
As
Easter approaches, Continental
Tyres is urging motorists to check the safety of their tyres and to
properly research features and benefits of each product before making any
new tyre purchase.
Alongside
Christmas, the Easter break is one of the most dangerous periods on
Australian roads, due to a combination of increased traffic volumes and
fickle weather conditions.
“Weather
this time of year, is often unpredictable as proven by the recent
extremities experienced across our states, with school holidays this year
coinciding with the Easter long weekend, plenty of families will be taking
short motoring breaks,” Marketing Manager of Continental
Tyres, Australia, Gareth Taylor said.
“It is
simply not a time to be taking risks with your tyres and compromising the
safety of your family and others on the road.”
“Wet
braking is a major issue at this time of year and I fear that many
motorists are not adequately informed on how braking can be compromised in
tyres that focus solely on significantly reduced rolling resistance.”
The
findings of a recent tyre survey conducted by respected European automotive
magazine “Auto Zeitung” illustrated how the concentration by some tyre
makers on low rolling resistance values, inherently led to longer braking
distances on wet roads, and in one case a difference of 5.8 meters.
Leading
premium manufacturers like Continental
were pioneers of silica technology over 15 years ago and are now on the 3rd
generation of silica tyres.
The Continental range provides the benefits of an
optimised product offering which combines excellent braking, maximum grip
and low rolling resistance tyres.
Once you
have the correct tyres you can ensure maximum life expectancy by taking the
time to perform a visual inspection of your tyres, checking tread depth and
tyre pressures.
Checking the Tread Depth
The
tread depth should be measured in the principle grooves. These are the ones
which contain “tread wear indicators”, which are raised sections in the
base of it. They are usually 1.6mm to 2mm above the base of the groove.
Measure
the depth across the tread width in several places around the tyre
circumference.
Braking distances
on wet roads increase as the tread pattern depth reduces. To maintain an
adequate safety margin Continental
supports the advice given by road safety organisations including RoadSafe,
who recommend replacing tyres when the tread depth reaches 3.0mm.
Checking Tyre
Pressure
Low tyre
pressures reduce the tyre’s performance and increase fuel consumption.
The
recommended tyre pressures for your vehicle will be found in the vehicle
handbook or on a placard mounted on the vehicle – usually behind the petrol
flap or on the driver’s door pillar.
Always
check the pressures when the tyres are cold and never adjust tyre pressures
during or immediately following a journey.
Check
tyre pressures every two weeks and adjust when necessary. Always refit the
valve cap.
Visual
Inspection
It is
important to visually check the condition of tyres on a regular basis.
Lumps
and bulges may indicate the tyre has been damaged internally. If there is
any doubt to the tyres condition then the tyre should be checked by a suitably
qualified tyre expert immediately.
Any cut
to the tyre, which is deep enough to reach the internal structure renders
the tyre unsafe and the tyre should be replaced or where possible repaired.
Continental Tyres
recommends that a qualified tyre expert be consulted should you have any
concerns or doubts.
About Continental:
With
sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental
is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake
systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis,
instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tyres and
technical elastomers, Continental
contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in
networked automobile communication. Continental
currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.
|