Tread CAREFULLY
How do I replace my tyres when they’re worn and understand what I am buying? Here are a few tips for the average motorist.
Firstly, we need to understand the markings on the sidewall of the tyre.
Sidewall Markings
On the sidewall of a tyre you will find various codes and markings. The list below aims to simplify the coding system and allow you to understand the valuable information imprinted on the sidewall.
Tyre SizesTyre sizes consist of various numbers and letters. For example, tyre size 175/70 R 13 82 T gives us the following information:
175 The tyre section width in millimetres (ie the width of the tyre tread)
70 The aspect ratio in % (height of sidewall divided by tyre’s width)
R Denotes the tyre’s construction type (in this case, it’s a radial)
13 Rim diameter in inches
82 Load Index (conversion table available from tyre supplier)
T Speed Rating (conversion table available from tyre supplier)
The next thing is to decide on the brand of tyre to purchase, which is a controversial subject for many motorists. Replacement would normally be done by OE (Original Equipment) fitment, using the brand originally fitted on the car. The other method of selection would be by brand loyalty. Without mentioning specific brands, I would like you to consider price versus value.
In this way we look at cost per kilometre (CPK). If you drive your vehicle 60,000 kilometres and are considering “premium” long-lasting tyres at K16,000 each, or “economy” tyres costing K12,000 each, you may be surprised to find that the cost of the premium set is just 27 tambala per kilometre, while the economy set costs 20 tambala per kilometre. Will not spending the extra K16,000 today (and saving 7 tambala per kilometre) make up for not having selected the premium tyres that you will be driving on for the next two or three years? Will the economy tyres even last for 60,000 kilometres?
Although premium tyres are a little more expensive, remember they are usually longer-lasting, more robust and generally give you a smoother ride than the cheaper brands.Given the anticipated 60,000 kilometres lifespan of your set of new tyres, if your vehicle’s average fuel consumption is 10 kms per litre, you’ll spend around K1,278,000 on fuel during that period.
Considering the difference in investment between the two, we’ve found that the quality and performance of tyres has a lot more to do with driving satisfaction than your fuel does! Once the decision of what size and brand to purchase has been made, careful consideration must be given to selecting the right people to carry out the actual fitment - taking into consideration that correct fitment not only prolongs the life of the tyre but also enhances vehicle safety.
Tyre pressures should be to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and must be checked regularly. (The correct pressures can usually be found on a label fixed to the driver’s door frame.) Driving on tyres that are too hard or too soft can result in excessive wear and can be dangerous. A reputable dealer will ensure that your tyres are correctly inflated when fitted.
Wheel balancing is an integral part of the fitment process. Basically, it is a process of eliminating heavy spots on the tyre through the use of calibrated weights, which allows the tyre assembly to rotate evenly on the vehicle axle. Balanced tyres can mean the difference between a good or bad driving experience. Some vehicles (and drivers) are more sensitive to an out of balance tyre than others, but no-one is happy with a vibration.
Wheel alignment is the fine tuning of the vehicle’s suspension to enable the wheels to run parallel. This should be carried out every time new tyres or suspension components are fitted or as soon as uneven tread wear is noticed. Incorrect alignment settings will usually result in more rapid tyre wear. Alignment should also be checked after the vehicle has encountered a major road hazard such as a pothole or kerb. This procedure can only be carried out by professionals with the correct equipment. With today’s vehicles requiring precision adjustments, it is recommended that wheel alignment be carried out on a four-wheel electronic wheel alignment machine, which is capable of measuring various angles and computing them for the technician so he can carry out the adjustments at specified points.
When buying a set of new tyres, please do not attempt to fit them yourself. The cost of having them fitted, balanced and aligned by trained professionals is minimal when you compare it with all the advantages.Having briefly covered the information required to make a decision to purchase a tyre, and the correct fitment procedures, our next article will cover tyre maintenance and fleet management.
Happy motoring!
Sidewall Markings
On the sidewall of a tyre you will find various codes and markings. The list below aims to simplify the coding system and allow you to understand the valuable information imprinted on the sidewall.
Tyre SizesTyre sizes consist of various numbers and letters. For example, tyre size 175/70 R 13 82 T gives us the following information:
175 The tyre section width in millimetres (ie the width of the tyre tread)
70 The aspect ratio in % (height of sidewall divided by tyre’s width)
R Denotes the tyre’s construction type (in this case, it’s a radial)
13 Rim diameter in inches
82 Load Index (conversion table available from tyre supplier)
T Speed Rating (conversion table available from tyre supplier)
The next thing is to decide on the brand of tyre to purchase, which is a controversial subject for many motorists. Replacement would normally be done by OE (Original Equipment) fitment, using the brand originally fitted on the car. The other method of selection would be by brand loyalty. Without mentioning specific brands, I would like you to consider price versus value.
In this way we look at cost per kilometre (CPK). If you drive your vehicle 60,000 kilometres and are considering “premium” long-lasting tyres at K16,000 each, or “economy” tyres costing K12,000 each, you may be surprised to find that the cost of the premium set is just 27 tambala per kilometre, while the economy set costs 20 tambala per kilometre. Will not spending the extra K16,000 today (and saving 7 tambala per kilometre) make up for not having selected the premium tyres that you will be driving on for the next two or three years? Will the economy tyres even last for 60,000 kilometres?
Although premium tyres are a little more expensive, remember they are usually longer-lasting, more robust and generally give you a smoother ride than the cheaper brands.Given the anticipated 60,000 kilometres lifespan of your set of new tyres, if your vehicle’s average fuel consumption is 10 kms per litre, you’ll spend around K1,278,000 on fuel during that period.
Considering the difference in investment between the two, we’ve found that the quality and performance of tyres has a lot more to do with driving satisfaction than your fuel does! Once the decision of what size and brand to purchase has been made, careful consideration must be given to selecting the right people to carry out the actual fitment - taking into consideration that correct fitment not only prolongs the life of the tyre but also enhances vehicle safety.
Tyre pressures should be to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and must be checked regularly. (The correct pressures can usually be found on a label fixed to the driver’s door frame.) Driving on tyres that are too hard or too soft can result in excessive wear and can be dangerous. A reputable dealer will ensure that your tyres are correctly inflated when fitted.
Wheel balancing is an integral part of the fitment process. Basically, it is a process of eliminating heavy spots on the tyre through the use of calibrated weights, which allows the tyre assembly to rotate evenly on the vehicle axle. Balanced tyres can mean the difference between a good or bad driving experience. Some vehicles (and drivers) are more sensitive to an out of balance tyre than others, but no-one is happy with a vibration.
Wheel alignment is the fine tuning of the vehicle’s suspension to enable the wheels to run parallel. This should be carried out every time new tyres or suspension components are fitted or as soon as uneven tread wear is noticed. Incorrect alignment settings will usually result in more rapid tyre wear. Alignment should also be checked after the vehicle has encountered a major road hazard such as a pothole or kerb. This procedure can only be carried out by professionals with the correct equipment. With today’s vehicles requiring precision adjustments, it is recommended that wheel alignment be carried out on a four-wheel electronic wheel alignment machine, which is capable of measuring various angles and computing them for the technician so he can carry out the adjustments at specified points.
When buying a set of new tyres, please do not attempt to fit them yourself. The cost of having them fitted, balanced and aligned by trained professionals is minimal when you compare it with all the advantages.Having briefly covered the information required to make a decision to purchase a tyre, and the correct fitment procedures, our next article will cover tyre maintenance and fleet management.
Happy motoring!
