In this week’s Sun Wheels Column, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) focusses on tyre safety.
Tyre are an important component of your vehicle they must be damage free in good condition with no bulges or sidewall damage and must have a minimum of 1.8 mm of tread over at least 60% of the contact area.
Here are some important tyre safety tips:
- Tyres should always be replaced with the correct size,speed rating and tread pattern.
- Never mix radial and cross ply tyres on any axle.
- When two radial tyres are used with two cross ply, put the radials on the rear axle. In some cases (especially commercial vehicles) the manufacturer might recommend different-sized tyres for the front and rear axles.
- Always remember to check the condition of your spare wheel so that it is serviceable if you need to use it.
- Never assume that the tyres on your vehicle are correct, even if you have newly purchased it. Unless you bought new from an authorised dealer your vehicle may already be fitted with potentially lethal tyres.
- Ensure that your front tyres are electronically balanced to prevent wheel wobble or deterioration in control of your vehicle.
- Have your tyre valves check regularly and ensure that dust caps are fitted on all tyres including the spare wheel.
- Never buy or fit part worn tyres to your vehicle – you never know what damage is present,often unseen damage.
Over inflation / under loading: Reduces cushioning power of tyre. Tyre is more susceptible to impact, penetrations and abrasion. Reduced road-tyre contact. Negatively affects the handling characteristics of the vehicle. (Excessive centre wear.)
Under inflation / Overloading: The biggest single cause of "burst" tyres,is under inflation this causes excessive flexing of the tyre sidewall which leads to overheating and ultimately, casing break-up and tread separation. Reduced tyre-road contact leads to poor handling and faster wear. (Excessive shoulder wear.)
Tyre Pressure
Ensure all tyres are correctly inflated to the pressures notified in the vehicle handbook. If in doubt take your vehicle to a specialist tyre depot.
Inspecting the tyres / Driver Checklist for tyres
- Check Tyre Pressure and ensure a valve dust cap is fitted
- Check Tread across the whole of the contact area
- Check Alignments
General Advice on Tyre
- Tyres, sizes speed / load ratings must conform to the specifications in the Vehicle Owner’s Manual.
- Check tyres and rims for any accidental damage after impacting with potholes/kerbstones or other obstacles on the road.
- Tyres, brakes, shock absorbers and rims should always be checked when servicing the vehicle.
- Vehicle wheel alignment should be tested at regular intervals to obtain even tread wear and maximum service life.
- No matter how good your car, or its tyres, this is not justification for breaking speed limits. If a tyre burst, do not apply the brakes; rather use the momentum and gears to slow down the vehicle. A sudden change in direction or braking will result in loss of control over the vehicle. Rather lose one rim than your car and probably your life!
Contact us on Tel: 339 2166 or Toll Free: 0800 334 2886
Email: help@lta.com.fj or Visit our website: www.lta.com.fj