HOW TO GET THE BEST OF MY TYRE
As a world leading tyre manufacturer, Dunlop knows the importance of getting the best from tyres. In this section the importance of properly inflating tyres, regular checking and maintenance, proper storage and avoidance of excessive wear and tear is reviewed. Having properly inflated and well-maintained tyres will reward drivers with greater safety, better road handling, more comfort and cost-savings.
Regular maintenance is an easy and inexpensive way to prolong the life of tyres. Check tyres regularly either at home or when visiting a garage or filling station.
Checklist:
• Check the correct pressures at monthly basis against the manufacturer's recommendations
• Visually inspect for cuts, bulges or sidewall damage
• Check tread depth. A small tool is available to accurately measure treads
• Check and adjust pressures as necessary. Remember - not all garage gauges give accurate readings.
• Clean dirt from around valves, fit valve caps all round and check for leakage (especially following inflation). Remember - at each change of tyre, the valve has to be exchanged with a new one to ensure optimal air tightness.
• Remove stones and other foreign objects from treads
• Have the suspension geometry (tracking) checked if front tyres show signs of excessive or uneven wear.
• Examine brakes if tyres show signs of wear through wheel locking.
• Have assembly (tyre and rim) properly balanced if there are signs of vibration, wheel wobble or patchy tyre wear, as it can also generate accelerated aging of the suspension and other steering components.
Tyre examination:
It is vital that tyres are examined before, during and after long journeys. Look for the following:
• Do the tread and sidewalls have any irregular wear?
• Are there any signs of damage (cuts, bulges etc)?
• Are there any impacted stones or sharp objects between the treads?
Prise out any small stones, etc. with a suitable tool, taking care not to penetrate the rubber. Other imbedded objects like nails should be left in place while the tyre remains inflated, until the vehicle can be driven to a local tyre depot for repair. If a sharp object is forced out of a tyre, the result will almost certainly be a flat tyre. If it is safe to do so, drive to a repair depot rather than changing a tyre on the roadside.
Tyre storage:
At home, check for leakage at the valves (especially following inflation) and replace any missing valve caps. If the tyres show any sign of uneven wear the vehicle should be checked to ensure correct alignment and balance of the wheels.
Tyres should be stored in cool, dry conditions, out of direct sunlight and as far as possible from equipment generating electricity. Storage of tyres outdoors leads to moisture absorption and an increased risk of premature tyre failure.
Driving well:
The way a car is driven can lead to excessive tyre wear and damage.
The following advice will help with protection of tyres:
• Avoid driving over or scrubbing against kerb edgings or other raised obstructions
• Avoid stopping the vehicle on surfaces covered in oil, grease, diesel fuel or other chemicals
• Before high speed journeys, always adjust tyre pressure when the vehicle is fully loaded
• Before and after long journeys, or motorway journeys, carefully examine the tyres and check their pressure (do not check pressures while tyres are warm)
• The steering wheel of cars with power-steering should not be turned while they are stationary)
• Avoid driving over rough, uneven, unmade ground or over ground littered with debris. If unavoidable, check tyres immediately afterwards to ensure that no foreign objects have become trapped in the tread patterns. Examine the sidewalls for cuts or bulges.
