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Tyre Maintenance for Warmer Months
We are now heading into spring and the warmer months before summer. You should by now have a good understanding of your tyres performance across a range of areas including braking and overall handling.
Your tyres condition can be determined by a number of factors but ask yourself the question, do I need new tyres? Have I made the right choice of tyres coming into the warmer months?
Your tyres condition is understandable on a visual (tread wear bars) and mileage spectrum. If you have reached the tyre manufactures recommended maximum mileage, it may be time for a new set. If, however you have considerable k’s left on your tyres there are a few simple checks to do to ensure your tyres will continue on safely.
Tread Depth
Tread depth is vital in deciding your tyres condition and time of replacement. Tread ware bars are visible on all modern tyres in the central grooves of the tyre. When your tyre wares to with a few millimetres of the bar, it’s time for replacement. However, if you cannot find tread depth bars, simply place a 20-cent coin (the platypus) in your tyres tread. If you can see the full platypus bill, it’s time for new tyres!
Performance
Tyre condition can be determined simply by your cars performance and handling. Cornering in the wet with worn tyres will create understeering with worn or damaged tyres. What’s understeer you ask? This is when your vehicle will continue forward with a loss of control of your front wheels regardless of turning the steering wheel.
Braking
When it comes to braking, the distance in which your car comes to a complete stop is determined by the grip your tyres can produce when in contact with the road. If your vehicle is locking up or skidding, this is the first indication of your tyres losing traction with the road and now is a good time to be looking towards a new set. This will be more noticeable when driving in wet and icy conditions.
What’s the difference between all-terrain, all-season and summer tyres?
It’s a great advantage to know your driving conditions and your climate before deciding on new tyres for your car. Those living or visiting alpine regions will benefit from All-Terrain (SUV, 4X4, large Vehicle) and All-Season tyres, as opposed to summer and performance designed tyres.
All-Terrain tyres are typically found on light commercial, 4X4 and cross-over vehicles like the Amarok and Ranger. A slightly more aggressive tread pattern tackles off-road type driving conditions with ease. Designed to tackle most challenging surfaces you might encounter the All-Terrain tyre is the perfect choice when it comes to venturing off the beaten track.
All-Season tyres are a great cross-over of touring and all-terrain, designed with slightly more aggressive tread pattern than a touring tyre, it’s the perfect tyre for those of 50/50 gravel and highway use.
Donnellans the Tyremen stock a great range of All Season tyres including the Pirelli Cinturato P7. A great all-round tyre with higher performance, safety, durability and comfort. Large longitudinal grooves with lateral siping provides excellent stability in all weather conditions. Typically designed for on road use, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 can handle well on gravel and other uneven surfaces you might encounter.
If you are heading for more un-chartered lands then the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus is the tyre for you. This new tread pattern is a step up from the ATR Scorpion and designed to deliver higher off-road performance.
On road, the Pirelli All-Terrain Plus performs well with exceptional grip in wet and dry conditions. The more aggressive tread pattern will produce more cabin noise to the All-Season.
Summer tyres provide maximum grip and performance in driving conditions above +7°C. With fewer grooves and sipes, a summer tyre typically is designed to maximise contact with the surface of the road. There are a number of great summer tyres on the market with the Pirelli P Zero at the top of the pack in performance and is still after 20 years a point of reference when it comes to ultra-high-performance tyres.
The Michelin pilot sport 3 is a good all-round performance tyre suitable for small sports cars right through to high performance saloons. The Pilot Sport 3 is perfect for non-sports vehicles with some modifications. If you like to drive, this tyre is for you. The Pilot range also hold the ultra-high-performance Pilot Sport 4 and Pilot Sport Cup 2 for track and road use.
So, if in doubt about your tyres its best to call on the experts. Donnellans the Tyremen are experts in tyres. Call today or come past one of our 5 stores located across Melbourne.
