A useful 10 point checklist to ensure your car passes its MOT first time:
1. Brakes
The car’s brakes are tested on a ‘roller brake tester’ to assess their condition, performance and efficiency. Brakes that ‘lock up’ when applied will fail. Other areas to watch out for are loose brake pedals and signs of leaking brake fluid.
2. Doors and Mirrors
Ensure the doors open and close correctly, from the inside and the outside of the vehicle. Car locks need to work adequately. Wing and rear view mirrors must be present and in good condition. A cracked wing mirror will result in a fail.
3. Exhaust System and Emissions
The car will need to pass specific exhaust emission requirements, depending on its age and fuel type. The exhaust system must not have holes or leaks, often caused by rust.
4. Car Bodywork
Excessive rust corrosion, damage or sharp edges on the car’s bodywork will result in a fail.
5. Wheels and Car Tyres
The tread depth on a car tyre must be a minimum of 1.6mm. The car tyre needs to be the correct type for the vehicle and have no signs of excessive wear or damage. It is recommended to consult a car tyres specialist to check this. Ensure all the wheel nuts are present as any missing will result in a fail. Spare tyres are not tested.
6. Windscreen, Wipers and Washer
The wiper blades need to be in good condition and the windscreen washer must contain fluid. The windscreen cannot have any large cracks and must have clear visibility.
7. Lights and Indicators
All lights and indicators need to work correctly, including the hazard lights. Check that the headlamps dip to the correct angle and are not loose.
8. Seats and seatbelts
Ensure all seats are secure in the upright position. It is compulsory for seatbelts to be fitted in the front and back of a car. They must be the correct type and in good, working condition.
9. Steering, suspension and horn
All three need to be in good condition and work correctly. Make sure the horn is the right type for the vehicle. Ensure the wheels are correctly aligned and the car tyre pressures are correct, as these can affect the vehicle’s steering.
10. Registration Plate and Vehicle Identification Number
The registration plate needs to be in the correct format, legible and in good condition. Every car used after the 1st August 1980 must have its vehicle identification number clearly displayed.
At Merityre.co.uk we have a '10% OFF your next MOT' voucher that can be downloaded from our website.
Friday 20 March 2009
Best Car Tyres
Popular motoring magazine Auto Express have published their top 16 car tyres.
After a series of simple assessments in the wet and the dry the car tyres that came out on top were:
1. Goodyear Hydragrip
2. Vredestein Sportrac3
3. Continental Contipremium- Contact 2
4. Michelin Primacy HP
5. Bridgestone Turanza ER300
6. Uniroyal Rainsport 1
7. Toyo Proxes T1R
8. Dunlop Fastresponse
9. BFGoodrich G-Force Profiler
10. Maxxis Victra MA-Z1
11. Kumho Ecsta Sport KU31
12. Fulda Carat Progresso
13. Matador Aquila Evo
14. Hankook Ventus Prime K105
15. Yokohama C.Drive
16. Pirelli P7
For more advice about which car tyre is best for you then ask our experts at Merityre.co.uk.
After a series of simple assessments in the wet and the dry the car tyres that came out on top were:
1. Goodyear Hydragrip
2. Vredestein Sportrac3
3. Continental Contipremium- Contact 2
4. Michelin Primacy HP
5. Bridgestone Turanza ER300
6. Uniroyal Rainsport 1
7. Toyo Proxes T1R
8. Dunlop Fastresponse
9. BFGoodrich G-Force Profiler
10. Maxxis Victra MA-Z1
11. Kumho Ecsta Sport KU31
12. Fulda Carat Progresso
13. Matador Aquila Evo
14. Hankook Ventus Prime K105
15. Yokohama C.Drive
16. Pirelli P7
For more advice about which car tyre is best for you then ask our experts at Merityre.co.uk.
Basic Legal Requirements for Car Tyres
Check car tyres regularly for any signs of wear. This is important as they are the only point of contact between a car and the road. Any deterioration of the tread or damage to the sidewalls may be risking an accident.
The basic legal requirements for car tyres are:
a) Tread Depth must be a minimum of 1.6mm. This applies to the entire circumference of the tyre. A bald patch on a tyre, where the tread depth is below the minimum requirement, is against the law. Check a tyre after a skid or emergency braking as this is when bald patches can occur.
b) Tyres must be inflated to the correct pressure. Consult the vehicle manufacturer's handbook to find the recommended pressure. Not only is this a legal requirement, it improves the vehicle's handling and reduces fuel consumption.
c) All four car tyres must be compatible and in good condition. If a car tyre needs replacing it will need to be in the same condition as the others otherwise all four will need to be changed.
View are website at Merityre.co.uk for handy hints about car tyres.
The basic legal requirements for car tyres are:
a) Tread Depth must be a minimum of 1.6mm. This applies to the entire circumference of the tyre. A bald patch on a tyre, where the tread depth is below the minimum requirement, is against the law. Check a tyre after a skid or emergency braking as this is when bald patches can occur.
b) Tyres must be inflated to the correct pressure. Consult the vehicle manufacturer's handbook to find the recommended pressure. Not only is this a legal requirement, it improves the vehicle's handling and reduces fuel consumption.
c) All four car tyres must be compatible and in good condition. If a car tyre needs replacing it will need to be in the same condition as the others otherwise all four will need to be changed.
View are website at Merityre.co.uk for handy hints about car tyres.
7 Factors That Affect The Rate Of Car Tyre Wear
Factors that can affect the rate of car tyre wear include:
1. Make of Car Tyres
Every car tyre is designed differently to meet specific criteria. Long life tyres are made from a harder rubber compound. This can increase the noise when driving. A softer tyre compound will be quieter but will wear out faster. A car tyre specialist such as Merityre can offer advice on the different types of car tyre.
2. Position of Car Tyre
Front tyres wear out faster than back tyres, especially if the car is front wheel drive. The extra wear is caused by the movement through steering. On a four wheel drive vehicle the front car tyres should exceed 20,000 miles. This is half the expected life of the back tyres.
3. Weight of Vehicle
The heavier the vehicle the faster the car tyres wear.
4. Tyre Pressure
A car tyre that is inflated below its recommended pressure will wear faster because of its higher operating temperature and the extra flexing of the rubber. Over inflation can also increase wear due to the decreased size of the contact area between the tyre and the road.
5. Speed
Driving at high speeds increases the car tyre temperature and accelerates the wear.
6. Car Tyre Alignment
Incorrect alignment of car tyres causes uneven and increased wear.
7. Driving Style
Aggressive cornering, accelerating and braking excessively are all causes of car tyre wear.
One factor that is unavoidable is time. Tyres deteriorate naturally over time due to the effects of the weather. Car tyres on vehicles kept outside will degrade faster than those kept in a garage. Cracking due to sunlight exposure usually becomes evident on car tyres that are five years or older. When this happens, as with any signs of wear, replace the car tyre immediately.
Visit our Special Offers at Merityre.co.uk to see how much you can save off your next car tyres.
1. Make of Car Tyres
Every car tyre is designed differently to meet specific criteria. Long life tyres are made from a harder rubber compound. This can increase the noise when driving. A softer tyre compound will be quieter but will wear out faster. A car tyre specialist such as Merityre can offer advice on the different types of car tyre.
2. Position of Car Tyre
Front tyres wear out faster than back tyres, especially if the car is front wheel drive. The extra wear is caused by the movement through steering. On a four wheel drive vehicle the front car tyres should exceed 20,000 miles. This is half the expected life of the back tyres.
3. Weight of Vehicle
The heavier the vehicle the faster the car tyres wear.
4. Tyre Pressure
A car tyre that is inflated below its recommended pressure will wear faster because of its higher operating temperature and the extra flexing of the rubber. Over inflation can also increase wear due to the decreased size of the contact area between the tyre and the road.
5. Speed
Driving at high speeds increases the car tyre temperature and accelerates the wear.
6. Car Tyre Alignment
Incorrect alignment of car tyres causes uneven and increased wear.
7. Driving Style
Aggressive cornering, accelerating and braking excessively are all causes of car tyre wear.
One factor that is unavoidable is time. Tyres deteriorate naturally over time due to the effects of the weather. Car tyres on vehicles kept outside will degrade faster than those kept in a garage. Cracking due to sunlight exposure usually becomes evident on car tyres that are five years or older. When this happens, as with any signs of wear, replace the car tyre immediately.
Visit our Special Offers at Merityre.co.uk to see how much you can save off your next car tyres.
Ten Creative Ideas for Reusing Old Car Tyres at Home
There are ways we can reuse car tyres at home rather than sending them to specialist disposal companies. Here are 10 great ideas:
1. Raised Beds
Car tyres are ideal for creating a raised bed for planting flowers, herbs or vegetables. A single tyre works well for lettuce and herbs. Use two or three tyres to grow potatoes.
Paint the car tyre bright colours to create a wonderful display when planting flowers.
2. Resoling Shoes
Use the rubber from the car tyre to resole shoes. It is very hard wearing.
Alternatively add a piece of leather and create a pair of sandals or flip flops.
3. Car Tyre Swing
Most people have memories of playing on a tyre swing when they were young.
Just use some strong rope and securely attach the car tyre to a sturdy tree branch for hours of fun.
4. Boat Bumper
Boat owners can attach the car tyres to the boat's sides, to act as protective bumpers. Very useful when docking a boat.
5. Children's Playground
Rather than spending a fortune on equipment from a garden centre, use a little imagination, some old wooden planks and a few car tyres to create a great adventure playground for the children.
6. Forcing Rhubarb
Forcing Rhubarb (growing rhubarb in dark conditions) has been practised since the early 19th century. It produces vibrant pink rhubarb that is far more delicate in flavour than the usual variety.
Place two or three car tyres around the plant just before it starts emerging from the ground. Cover the tyres with a piece of wood to create a warm, dark environment. From December to the end of March you will be enjoying succulent and sweet early rhubarb.
7. Sand Pits
Large tractor tyres are perfect for making a sandpit for the children. Just buy the special sand from a garden centre and fill the tyre.
8. Mini Greenhouse
Cover the car tyre with a piece of clear polythene to create a mini greenhouse or propagator. The thick rubber wall of the tyre is excellent insulation for creating a warm environment to germinate seeds.
9. Table
Place a flat piece of wood on top of two or three tyres for an easy to assemble table, suitable for the indoors or outside. Paint the tyres for a better effect.
10. Composter or Wormery
Three or four tyres stacked together create a simple composter. The warm environment created by the car tyres will make short work of composting kitchen waste and grass clipping. Access the compost by removing one tyre at a time from the top.
Car tyres maybe essential when driving a vehicle but they are also extremely useful around the home and garden.
Merityre.co.uk are a leading UK independent supplier of car tyres. Visit their website for free vouchers, including 10% off your next MOT, free wheel alignment check and free locking wheel nuts.
1. Raised Beds
Car tyres are ideal for creating a raised bed for planting flowers, herbs or vegetables. A single tyre works well for lettuce and herbs. Use two or three tyres to grow potatoes.
Paint the car tyre bright colours to create a wonderful display when planting flowers.
2. Resoling Shoes
Use the rubber from the car tyre to resole shoes. It is very hard wearing.
Alternatively add a piece of leather and create a pair of sandals or flip flops.
3. Car Tyre Swing
Most people have memories of playing on a tyre swing when they were young.
Just use some strong rope and securely attach the car tyre to a sturdy tree branch for hours of fun.
4. Boat Bumper
Boat owners can attach the car tyres to the boat's sides, to act as protective bumpers. Very useful when docking a boat.
5. Children's Playground
Rather than spending a fortune on equipment from a garden centre, use a little imagination, some old wooden planks and a few car tyres to create a great adventure playground for the children.
6. Forcing Rhubarb
Forcing Rhubarb (growing rhubarb in dark conditions) has been practised since the early 19th century. It produces vibrant pink rhubarb that is far more delicate in flavour than the usual variety.
Place two or three car tyres around the plant just before it starts emerging from the ground. Cover the tyres with a piece of wood to create a warm, dark environment. From December to the end of March you will be enjoying succulent and sweet early rhubarb.
7. Sand Pits
Large tractor tyres are perfect for making a sandpit for the children. Just buy the special sand from a garden centre and fill the tyre.
8. Mini Greenhouse
Cover the car tyre with a piece of clear polythene to create a mini greenhouse or propagator. The thick rubber wall of the tyre is excellent insulation for creating a warm environment to germinate seeds.
9. Table
Place a flat piece of wood on top of two or three tyres for an easy to assemble table, suitable for the indoors or outside. Paint the tyres for a better effect.
10. Composter or Wormery
Three or four tyres stacked together create a simple composter. The warm environment created by the car tyres will make short work of composting kitchen waste and grass clipping. Access the compost by removing one tyre at a time from the top.
Car tyres maybe essential when driving a vehicle but they are also extremely useful around the home and garden.
Merityre.co.uk are a leading UK independent supplier of car tyres. Visit their website for free vouchers, including 10% off your next MOT, free wheel alignment check and free locking wheel nuts.
Check Tyre Pressures to Save Fuel
Car tyres inflated to their correct tyre pressure can save the motorists up to 10% on their fuel bill. But a survey by TyreSafe reveals many are ignoring this advice.
The survey coincides with the start of Tyre Safety Month; a campaign to highlight the dangers of driving without the correct tyre pressures.
Maintaining the car manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure can:
1) Increase safety by improving the vehicle's braking, steering and accelerating performance.
2) Prolongs the life of car tyres.
3) Save money by reducing fuel consumption. Under inflated tyres have a larger contact patch with the road surface, which increases drag and causes the car engine to work harder.
4) Have a positive environmental impact by reducing the number of tyres that need to be disposed of and reduce harmful gas emissions from the car engine.
TyreSafe's advice is to check air pressures at least once a month and always before a long journey. Motorists should use the manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure. This can be found in the vehicle's handbook or on a plate inside the fuel filler flap.
While checking air pressure conduct a visual inspection of the car tyre to ensure it is in good condition. Look for cracks or unusual bulges. Stones lodged in the tyre tread should be removed. If in any doubt about the tyre's condition consult a specialist such as Merityre for a free car tyre check.
It's a legal requirement to maintain a tread depth of a minimum 1.6mm in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width and over the whole circumference of the tyre. Most tyres have a tread wear indicator. Look for a horizontal bar of rubber located between the tread patterns, at a depth of 2mm. When the height of the tread wears down to the height of this bar it is time to replace the car tyres.
Other tips suggested by TyreSafe include:
1) Check the pressures when the car tyres are cold.
2) Adjust the car tyres pressure when travelling with increased weight from passengers or a heavy load. Towing a trailer or caravan will also require the pressures to be increased. The vehicle's handbook will advise on the correct tyre pressure required.
3) Don't forget to check the pressure of the spare tyre.
4) Ensure the pressure gauge used is reliable and accurate.
5) Always replace the dirt free valve cap.
Rob Beddis, TyreSafe chairman, says; 'By taking just a few minutes every month to check the pressure of each tyre and adjust it to the recommended level, significant improvements to road safety will be made and motorists could also save money through reducing fuel consumption.'
For more information about the TyreSafe campaign visit their website at http://www.tyresafe.org/.
The survey coincides with the start of Tyre Safety Month; a campaign to highlight the dangers of driving without the correct tyre pressures.
Maintaining the car manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure can:
1) Increase safety by improving the vehicle's braking, steering and accelerating performance.
2) Prolongs the life of car tyres.
3) Save money by reducing fuel consumption. Under inflated tyres have a larger contact patch with the road surface, which increases drag and causes the car engine to work harder.
4) Have a positive environmental impact by reducing the number of tyres that need to be disposed of and reduce harmful gas emissions from the car engine.
TyreSafe's advice is to check air pressures at least once a month and always before a long journey. Motorists should use the manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure. This can be found in the vehicle's handbook or on a plate inside the fuel filler flap.
While checking air pressure conduct a visual inspection of the car tyre to ensure it is in good condition. Look for cracks or unusual bulges. Stones lodged in the tyre tread should be removed. If in any doubt about the tyre's condition consult a specialist such as Merityre for a free car tyre check.
It's a legal requirement to maintain a tread depth of a minimum 1.6mm in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width and over the whole circumference of the tyre. Most tyres have a tread wear indicator. Look for a horizontal bar of rubber located between the tread patterns, at a depth of 2mm. When the height of the tread wears down to the height of this bar it is time to replace the car tyres.
Other tips suggested by TyreSafe include:
1) Check the pressures when the car tyres are cold.
2) Adjust the car tyres pressure when travelling with increased weight from passengers or a heavy load. Towing a trailer or caravan will also require the pressures to be increased. The vehicle's handbook will advise on the correct tyre pressure required.
3) Don't forget to check the pressure of the spare tyre.
4) Ensure the pressure gauge used is reliable and accurate.
5) Always replace the dirt free valve cap.
Rob Beddis, TyreSafe chairman, says; 'By taking just a few minutes every month to check the pressure of each tyre and adjust it to the recommended level, significant improvements to road safety will be made and motorists could also save money through reducing fuel consumption.'
For more information about the TyreSafe campaign visit their website at http://www.tyresafe.org/.
Five Facts About Car Tyres
- There are several different types of car tyres, not just budget or expensive. The type of tyre you choose depends on factors such as the vehicle's make, the desired performance, how you drive your car and the driving conditions.
Five different tyre classifications are:
a) All Weather
b) Wet Weather
c) All Terrain
d) Mud
e) Performance
A wet weather tyre will handle the harsher conditions of winter better than a performance tyre, which is suited to summer driving.
The tyre types differ in the rubber compound used (soft or hard) and the tread patterns. These can affect driving in terms of grip, performance, tyre noise and wear. For instance All Terrain tyres have large tread block patterns that are very noisy on normal roads but have great grip when driving off road.
If in doubt about which type of car tyre is best for you then contact us at Merityre for advice.
2. Over 40 million car tyres are disposed of by tyre retailers, garages and vehicle dismantlers every year. Responsible companies pay for the tyres to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly fashion.
A 2006 EU directive banned the disposal of almost all tyres in landfill sites. Many are re-used after having new tread applied. Others are shredded and used in carpet underlay or for road re-surfacing. An emerging market is energy recovery. It is hoped that tyres could partially replace coal as a fuel source for many industries.
Car tyres can be re-used at home in the garden. Ideas include as a raised bed for planting flowers or herbs, a basic composter, as part of a children's playground or the old favourite- a car tyre swing.
3. Car tyres inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by 10%.
Under inflated tyres increase the rolling resistance on the road and if one tyre is a different pressure to the others an imbalance is created. It makes the car engine work harder, using more fuel.
4. The legal minimum tread depth for a car tyre is 1.6mm. This applies to the entire circumference of the tyre. Most tyres have a tread wear indicator built into them. It is a horizontal bar of rubber located between the tread patterns, at a depth of 2mm. When the height of the tread wears down to the height of this bar it is time to consider replacing your car tyres.
5. New car tyres need running in. A new car tyre is formed in a mould which is lined with a non stick coating. The coating is needed to be able to remove the tyre from the mould. It creates a wonderful shiny appearance on a new tyre but also reduces grip. It can take up to 500 miles to scrub the coating from the tyre. During this time it is advised to take extra care when driving fast, on corners or bends and driving in the wet.
Visit our website at Merityre.co.uk for free vouchers, including 10% off your next MOT, free wheel alignment check and free locking wheel nuts.
Five Ways Your Driving Style Can Reduce Car Tyre Wear
It is not just fuel consumption that your driving style has an impact on. The rate of tyre wear can be directly linked to the way your car is driven.
Here are five ways your driving style and habits can reduce car tyre wear:
1. Careful cornering
Aggressive cornering will cause extra wear on your car tyres. If you corner harder one way than you do the other way, then expect to get uneven wear on your car tyres. It also puts unnecessary stress on key components of your car's steering and suspension mechanism, helping to wear them out faster too.
2. Gradual acceleration
Accelerating hard from a standing start will put extra wear on your car tyres, especially the front tyres, which wear out faster than the back ones in any case. It also puts strain on your car's drive shaft and gearbox, as well as several other components. All of these parts are expensive to replace.
3. Keep to the speed limits
Driving regularly at high speed will help to wear out your car tyres faster than if you travel at a more reasonable speed. At high speeds the temperature of tyres increases. This wears out car tyres faster.
4. Avoid hard braking
Braking hard places the entire load onto the front tyres, which helps to accelerate wear. It also wears out brake pads faster and puts all kinds of stresses on the whole car. Of course you will need to brake hard in an emergency; that's what the brakes are for, but remember to go easy when you don't have to.
5. Maintain recommended car tyre pressures
A car tyre that is inflated below its recommended pressure will wear faster because of its higher operating temperature and the extra flexing of the rubber. Over inflation can also increase wear due to the decreased size of the contact area between the tyre and the road.
Driving with unequal pressures in your car tyres will lead to increased wear. It can be potentially dangerous as the balance of the car is upset and cornering with unevenly pressurised tyres can lead to unpredictable results.
Visit us at Merityre. Our tyre specialists will be able to inspect your tyres to ensure their road worthiness and provide advice on how to adjust your driving style based on their wear.
Here are five ways your driving style and habits can reduce car tyre wear:
1. Careful cornering
Aggressive cornering will cause extra wear on your car tyres. If you corner harder one way than you do the other way, then expect to get uneven wear on your car tyres. It also puts unnecessary stress on key components of your car's steering and suspension mechanism, helping to wear them out faster too.
2. Gradual acceleration
Accelerating hard from a standing start will put extra wear on your car tyres, especially the front tyres, which wear out faster than the back ones in any case. It also puts strain on your car's drive shaft and gearbox, as well as several other components. All of these parts are expensive to replace.
3. Keep to the speed limits
Driving regularly at high speed will help to wear out your car tyres faster than if you travel at a more reasonable speed. At high speeds the temperature of tyres increases. This wears out car tyres faster.
4. Avoid hard braking
Braking hard places the entire load onto the front tyres, which helps to accelerate wear. It also wears out brake pads faster and puts all kinds of stresses on the whole car. Of course you will need to brake hard in an emergency; that's what the brakes are for, but remember to go easy when you don't have to.
5. Maintain recommended car tyre pressures
A car tyre that is inflated below its recommended pressure will wear faster because of its higher operating temperature and the extra flexing of the rubber. Over inflation can also increase wear due to the decreased size of the contact area between the tyre and the road.
Driving with unequal pressures in your car tyres will lead to increased wear. It can be potentially dangerous as the balance of the car is upset and cornering with unevenly pressurised tyres can lead to unpredictable results.
Visit us at Merityre. Our tyre specialists will be able to inspect your tyres to ensure their road worthiness and provide advice on how to adjust your driving style based on their wear.
Five Important Winter Car Care Checks
1) The condition of your car tyres is particularly important. They are the only contact that your car has with the road. Your car tyres will have to work extra hard when the road is wet or icy, to give maximum traction and control.
Car tyres should have a good tread and as little wear as possible. Think about changing to winter car tyres when conditions demand it.
The alignment of your wheels is another thing you should consider as part of your winter car care checks. Wheels that are out of alignment will create unnecessary wear on your car tyres, which will cause extra steering problems when driving on wet or icy roads.
2) You should regularly check the engine coolant level. Add the correct mixture of anti-freeze before you need it to protect your engine from possible frost damage. Add the proper proportions of anti-freeze to the windscreen washer as well. This allows you to wash your screen even when temperature falls below freezing.
Check the engine oil levels on a weekly basis using the dipstick. It is important to maintain the oil level between the minimum and maximum marks indicated. The best time to check the oil level is when the engine is cold.
3) The pressures of your car tyres are important. Maintaining the recommended pressure improves a car tyre's performance in difficult driving conditions.
Remember to check the spare tyre's pressure and tread depth. Make sure that it is a similar condition to the other tyres or is adequate to use for a short period of time, until the damaged tyre can be repaired or replaced.
4) Your car lights are important, especially in winter when there is reduced daylight and much of your driving will require the lights to be used. Check that all bulbs are working properly. It is best to carry spares, as well as the tools to replace them. Have the alignment of your lights checked at a garage to give yourself the maximum vision possible, and to prevent blinding other drivers.
5) Check the condition of your windscreen wipers. Make sure they clean the screen adequately to allow a clear view of the road. If in doubt then replace them; it is not expensive to do.
If you are not comfortable doing the checks yourself, a local car garage will be able help. They will inspect the car to make sure everything is in good working order, ready to endure the adverse weather condition and the darker nights that the winter season brings.
As an extra precaution there are some items that are useful to carry in your boot at all times. A reflective jacket, shovel, tow rope, jump leads, water and extra screen wash will help in most situations. And a warm coat, gloves, boots and some biscuits will certainly be appreciated if your car breaks down in an isolated location.
Call in to Merityre and we will check your car tyres for free.
Car tyres should have a good tread and as little wear as possible. Think about changing to winter car tyres when conditions demand it.
The alignment of your wheels is another thing you should consider as part of your winter car care checks. Wheels that are out of alignment will create unnecessary wear on your car tyres, which will cause extra steering problems when driving on wet or icy roads.
2) You should regularly check the engine coolant level. Add the correct mixture of anti-freeze before you need it to protect your engine from possible frost damage. Add the proper proportions of anti-freeze to the windscreen washer as well. This allows you to wash your screen even when temperature falls below freezing.
Check the engine oil levels on a weekly basis using the dipstick. It is important to maintain the oil level between the minimum and maximum marks indicated. The best time to check the oil level is when the engine is cold.
3) The pressures of your car tyres are important. Maintaining the recommended pressure improves a car tyre's performance in difficult driving conditions.
Remember to check the spare tyre's pressure and tread depth. Make sure that it is a similar condition to the other tyres or is adequate to use for a short period of time, until the damaged tyre can be repaired or replaced.
4) Your car lights are important, especially in winter when there is reduced daylight and much of your driving will require the lights to be used. Check that all bulbs are working properly. It is best to carry spares, as well as the tools to replace them. Have the alignment of your lights checked at a garage to give yourself the maximum vision possible, and to prevent blinding other drivers.
5) Check the condition of your windscreen wipers. Make sure they clean the screen adequately to allow a clear view of the road. If in doubt then replace them; it is not expensive to do.
If you are not comfortable doing the checks yourself, a local car garage will be able help. They will inspect the car to make sure everything is in good working order, ready to endure the adverse weather condition and the darker nights that the winter season brings.
As an extra precaution there are some items that are useful to carry in your boot at all times. A reflective jacket, shovel, tow rope, jump leads, water and extra screen wash will help in most situations. And a warm coat, gloves, boots and some biscuits will certainly be appreciated if your car breaks down in an isolated location.
Call in to Merityre and we will check your car tyres for free.
Top 5 Classic James Bond Cars
The latest Bond car for the film "Quantum of Solace" is the Aston Martin DBS. Low-profile 20inch car tyres, smooth lines and curves, flared wheel arches and an overstated front grill; it is the epitomy of British cool with which to save the world.
The Aston Martin's 6.0-litre V12 engine has a distinctive throaty roar that is capable of 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 191mph.
This has to rate as one of Bond's best looking cars but to compare I have compiled a list of 5 other classic Bond cars:
1) Recently voted the most iconic car of all time, the Aston Martin DB5 appeared in 'Thunderball', 'Goldfinger' and more recently 'Casino Royal'.
It was originally introduced in 1963. Its film debut was in the 1964 Goldfinger, starring alongside Sean Connery. Its distinctive silver livery, streamlined bodywork and large front grill was new for its time.
However the aesthetically pleasing body hid a vast array of lethal surprises to confound even the most troublesome of Bond's enemies. You may remember a scene in Goldfinger where one rear brake light spurted oil onto the road. And the other released triple-spiked nails to burst the car tyres of the pursuing villains.
Other clever features devised by Q included a revolving licence plate, an exhaust that expelled smoke-screen canisters and wheel hubs that revealed knives to slash car tyres.
2) The white Lotus Elite used by Roger Moore in 1977 'The Spy Who Loved Me' surprised everyone with its ability to be driven underwater.
In an attempt to escape a pursuing helicopter the Lotus was driven off a pier into the sea. At the time you would have thought this was the end for the car. But with typical Bond creativity the car tyres retract and it was transformed into an operational submarine, complete with fins and a periscope. The persistent helicopter soon meets its demise with a missile fired from the car beneath the water.
3) The 1987 film 'The Living Daylights' saw a return to the Aston Martin. This Aston Martin V8 had a powerful engine to compliment its macho looks. It used a fuel injection system that replaced carburetion. Due to the compact nature of this new technology the car could be designed with a flat bonnet, unlike the curved bonnets of its predecessors.
As with any Bond car there were a number of clever additions including self retractable spikes in the car tyres for extra grip on icy surfaces, lasers behind the front hubcaps and missile launchers behind the headlights.
4) It was bold move not to use a British manufactured car in the 1999 'The World Is Not Enough' but BMW Z8 soon won over the Bond fan. Its retro styling and red leather interior was backed up by a 400-horsepower V8 engine that had a top speed of 158mph.
Hidden accessories included missile launchers in the side vents and a windscreen that displayed important data. The car could be operated remotely using the key chain.
5) The Aston Martin was back in the 2002 'Die Another Day' starring Pierce Brosnan. This time it was the V12 Vanquish, sometimes referred to as 'a DB9 on steroids'.
The classic styled V12 nearly met its match when confronted with the villain's Jaguar XKR. But the front mounted Gatling gun, rocket launchers in the doors and bombs in the boot soon put paid to that.
Two other clever features, which eventually won the battle for Bond, were the car's ability to become invisible and the spikes hidden in the car tyres. The latter helped the car drive up an ice wall to avoid the fast approaching enemy, causing the Jaguar to have a unceremonious demise at the bottom of a lake.
As wonderful as the Bond cars are, thankfully features like spikes in car tyres have not become common place on our modern vehicles. If they ever do be sure to consult a specialist before changing a punctured car tyre.
Visit our website at Merityre.co.uk to join our discount club and receive a fabulous 5% extra discount off future purchases from their massive range of top brand car tyres, alloy wheels, batteries and exhausts.
The Aston Martin's 6.0-litre V12 engine has a distinctive throaty roar that is capable of 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 191mph.
This has to rate as one of Bond's best looking cars but to compare I have compiled a list of 5 other classic Bond cars:
1) Recently voted the most iconic car of all time, the Aston Martin DB5 appeared in 'Thunderball', 'Goldfinger' and more recently 'Casino Royal'.
It was originally introduced in 1963. Its film debut was in the 1964 Goldfinger, starring alongside Sean Connery. Its distinctive silver livery, streamlined bodywork and large front grill was new for its time.
However the aesthetically pleasing body hid a vast array of lethal surprises to confound even the most troublesome of Bond's enemies. You may remember a scene in Goldfinger where one rear brake light spurted oil onto the road. And the other released triple-spiked nails to burst the car tyres of the pursuing villains.
Other clever features devised by Q included a revolving licence plate, an exhaust that expelled smoke-screen canisters and wheel hubs that revealed knives to slash car tyres.
2) The white Lotus Elite used by Roger Moore in 1977 'The Spy Who Loved Me' surprised everyone with its ability to be driven underwater.
In an attempt to escape a pursuing helicopter the Lotus was driven off a pier into the sea. At the time you would have thought this was the end for the car. But with typical Bond creativity the car tyres retract and it was transformed into an operational submarine, complete with fins and a periscope. The persistent helicopter soon meets its demise with a missile fired from the car beneath the water.
3) The 1987 film 'The Living Daylights' saw a return to the Aston Martin. This Aston Martin V8 had a powerful engine to compliment its macho looks. It used a fuel injection system that replaced carburetion. Due to the compact nature of this new technology the car could be designed with a flat bonnet, unlike the curved bonnets of its predecessors.
As with any Bond car there were a number of clever additions including self retractable spikes in the car tyres for extra grip on icy surfaces, lasers behind the front hubcaps and missile launchers behind the headlights.
4) It was bold move not to use a British manufactured car in the 1999 'The World Is Not Enough' but BMW Z8 soon won over the Bond fan. Its retro styling and red leather interior was backed up by a 400-horsepower V8 engine that had a top speed of 158mph.
Hidden accessories included missile launchers in the side vents and a windscreen that displayed important data. The car could be operated remotely using the key chain.
5) The Aston Martin was back in the 2002 'Die Another Day' starring Pierce Brosnan. This time it was the V12 Vanquish, sometimes referred to as 'a DB9 on steroids'.
The classic styled V12 nearly met its match when confronted with the villain's Jaguar XKR. But the front mounted Gatling gun, rocket launchers in the doors and bombs in the boot soon put paid to that.
Two other clever features, which eventually won the battle for Bond, were the car's ability to become invisible and the spikes hidden in the car tyres. The latter helped the car drive up an ice wall to avoid the fast approaching enemy, causing the Jaguar to have a unceremonious demise at the bottom of a lake.
As wonderful as the Bond cars are, thankfully features like spikes in car tyres have not become common place on our modern vehicles. If they ever do be sure to consult a specialist before changing a punctured car tyre.
Visit our website at Merityre.co.uk to join our discount club and receive a fabulous 5% extra discount off future purchases from their massive range of top brand car tyres, alloy wheels, batteries and exhausts.
Five Different Types of Car Tyres
1) Standard/ All Season Tyre
Your car was probably driven out of the factory on all season tyres. It is an average tyre that is suitable for all year round use. It works equally well in the wet and the dry.
The tread block pattern is designed not to be noisy when used on standard roads but enables adequate water dispersion to provide grip in wet conditions.
The rubber used is a harder compound to extend the tyre's life. This can comprise on handling and cornering but for the majority of drivers it is not noticeable.
2) Performance Tyre
Also known as summer tyres, performance tyres are designed for provide excellent grip in the dry. Often used on fast cars or for a driver whose style requires increased handling performance. They can be used all year round if you live in a region with a warm climate and little rain.
A soft rubber compound is used which decreases the lifespan of the tyre but provides enhanced grip.
It is important that the car tyres are kept in excellent condition. Driving in the wet is hard enough with these tyres but if there is any sign of wear it is virtually impossible to get good grip.
3) Winter Tyre
Winter car tyres are designed to cope with the poor weather and difficult driving conditions that the winter season brings. They can handle snow and ice. Winter tyres can have small metal studs embedded into the tread for extra grip in extreme conditions.
The tread block pattern on winter car tyres is larger and more pronounced than on standard tyres. This improves grip but also increases the tyres' operating noise.
These tyres cannot be used all year round because in dry conditions they wear out extremely quickly and damage the road surface.
4) All Terrain Tyre
All terrain tyres provide good grip on loose surfaces such as dirt and sand. Often used by off road vehicles, they can be used on standard roads but are very noisy.
Like the winter tyre the tread block pattern is large to improve grip. The tyre's sidewalls are stiffer to cope with uneven surfaces and unexpected potholes.
Mud tyres are an extreme type of all terrain tyres, designed to be used in mud and dirt. They have very large tread block patterns that are only suitable for driving on that type of terrain.
5) Run Flat Tyres
Run flat tyres are a relatively new concept but are now becoming more common on new cars. They are designed to minimise the loss of handling that occurs after a puncture.
The car tyre can operate without air to enable the vehicle to continue to be driven. However this is only suitable for a short distance and at a reduced speed, until the tyre can be safely changed.
For further advice consult Merityre.co.uk. We will provide you with impartial advice on the best tyres for your vehicle.
Your car was probably driven out of the factory on all season tyres. It is an average tyre that is suitable for all year round use. It works equally well in the wet and the dry.
The tread block pattern is designed not to be noisy when used on standard roads but enables adequate water dispersion to provide grip in wet conditions.
The rubber used is a harder compound to extend the tyre's life. This can comprise on handling and cornering but for the majority of drivers it is not noticeable.
2) Performance Tyre
Also known as summer tyres, performance tyres are designed for provide excellent grip in the dry. Often used on fast cars or for a driver whose style requires increased handling performance. They can be used all year round if you live in a region with a warm climate and little rain.
A soft rubber compound is used which decreases the lifespan of the tyre but provides enhanced grip.
It is important that the car tyres are kept in excellent condition. Driving in the wet is hard enough with these tyres but if there is any sign of wear it is virtually impossible to get good grip.
3) Winter Tyre
Winter car tyres are designed to cope with the poor weather and difficult driving conditions that the winter season brings. They can handle snow and ice. Winter tyres can have small metal studs embedded into the tread for extra grip in extreme conditions.
The tread block pattern on winter car tyres is larger and more pronounced than on standard tyres. This improves grip but also increases the tyres' operating noise.
These tyres cannot be used all year round because in dry conditions they wear out extremely quickly and damage the road surface.
4) All Terrain Tyre
All terrain tyres provide good grip on loose surfaces such as dirt and sand. Often used by off road vehicles, they can be used on standard roads but are very noisy.
Like the winter tyre the tread block pattern is large to improve grip. The tyre's sidewalls are stiffer to cope with uneven surfaces and unexpected potholes.
Mud tyres are an extreme type of all terrain tyres, designed to be used in mud and dirt. They have very large tread block patterns that are only suitable for driving on that type of terrain.
5) Run Flat Tyres
Run flat tyres are a relatively new concept but are now becoming more common on new cars. They are designed to minimise the loss of handling that occurs after a puncture.
The car tyre can operate without air to enable the vehicle to continue to be driven. However this is only suitable for a short distance and at a reduced speed, until the tyre can be safely changed.
For further advice consult Merityre.co.uk. We will provide you with impartial advice on the best tyres for your vehicle.
Three Essential Car Tyre Safety Checks
Three essential winter car tyre checks include:
1) Check the Tread Depth
Tread depth must be a minimum of 1.6mm. This is the legal minimum and applies to the entire circumference of the tyre.
Most tyres have a wear indicator built into the tread. Look for a horizontal bar of rubber located between the tread patterns, at a depth of 2mm. When the height of the tread wears down to the height of this bar it is time to replace your car tyres.
In the wet conditions that winter brings it is good advice to change your tyres well before they reach this limit. A tyre's grip deteriorates more rapidly in the second half of its tread life and in the wet stopping distances is significantly increased.
If you notice unusual wear on your car tyre, such as excess wear on one edge, it may be a result of your wheels being incorrectly aligned. Consult your local garage or a tyre specialist to check your vehicle's tracking.
2) Check Tyre Pressure
A car tyre that is inflated below its recommended pressure will wear faster because of its higher operating temperature and the extra flexing of the rubber. This causes deterioration of the tyre casing and rapid wear of the tread shoulders.
Over inflation can also increase wear due to the decreased size of the contact area between the car tyre and the road. This accelerates the wear in the centre of the tread, an area importantant for protecting the tyre against impact damage.
Driving with unequal pressures in your car tyres will lead to unusual and accelerated wear. It can be potentially dangerous as the balance of the car is upset and cornering with unevenly pressurised tyres can lead to unpredictable results.
3) Check Condition of Tyres
Remove any stones and other objects embedded in a car tyre's tread. If you find a nail do not remove it as the tyre will rapidly deflate. Instead take the tyre to a specialist who may be able to repair the puncture.
Check for any unusual bulges or lumps as these are often a sign of internal damage.
Inspect the tread and sidewall rubber for sign of cracking. Crazing and cracking due to weather exposure usually becomes evident on car tyres that are more than five years old. However tyres on vehicles that are parked outside will degrade faster than those kept in a garage.
At the first sign of cracking change the car tyre rather than risking a blowout when the vehicle is in motion.
Car tyres should be checked at least once a month. Regular inspection becomes more important the longer the tyre is in use.
Pop into a Merityre garage at any time for a FREE winter car tyre check. We are a leading UK independent supplier of car tyres.
Visit Merityre.co.uk to join our discount club and receive a fabulous 5% extra discount off future purchases from our massive range of top brand car tyres, alloy wheels, batteries and exhausts.
How to Change a Car Tyre
1) Find a safe place to stop, on flat ground. If it's dark look for somewhere with adequate lighting. Park as far away from traffic as possible and put your hazard lights on.
2) Turn the engine off, pull the handbrake on and put the car into first gear or 'park' if it's an automatic.
3) Find the tools for the job. These will include a jack, wheel wrench and the spare tyre. All are usually located in the boot of a car.
4) Remove the hubcap or plastic wheel cover using the flat end of the wheel wrench or a screw driver.
5) Loosen the wheel nuts by turning half a turn in an anti clockwise direction. Do NOT remove them. That happens at a later stage.
Tight wheel nuts can be the hardest part of changing a car tyre. If the wheel nuts are proving stubborn use a metal tube to extend the wheel wrench's handle and provide extra leverage. Alternatively place one foot on the handle of the wheel wrench and carefully use your body weight until the nut is loosened.
Many cars have a locking wheel nut to prevent theft. This requires a special attachment which is often found in a car's glove compartment.
6) Consult the vehicle's handbook to find where to place the jack. This is important because if it's put in the wrong place the car could slip off the jack and cause serious injury.
Look for a reinforced lip on the underside of the vehicle close to the wheel arch.
When the jack is securely attached raise the car until there is enough room to remove the punctured tyre and replace it with the fully inflated spare.
7) Now continue to remove all of the wheel nuts and place them somewhere safe nearby- not near an open drain! Remove the punctured car tyre and replace with the spare tyre.
8) Replace and tighten the wheel nuts. Don't try to hard to tighten them until the car is off the jack.
9) Slowly lower the car down off the jack. Now tighten the nuts again. Remember to return the jack and the wheel wrench to the boot of the car.
10) Replace the hubcap or plastic wheel cover and continue with your journey.
If in any doubt about your tyre changing ability, call into to your local branch of Merityre. We provide a free check for all your car tyres.
Visit our website at Merityre.co.uk to join our discount club and receive a fabulous 5% extra discount off future purchases from our massive range of top brand car tyres, alloy wheels, batteries and exhausts.
2) Turn the engine off, pull the handbrake on and put the car into first gear or 'park' if it's an automatic.
3) Find the tools for the job. These will include a jack, wheel wrench and the spare tyre. All are usually located in the boot of a car.
4) Remove the hubcap or plastic wheel cover using the flat end of the wheel wrench or a screw driver.
5) Loosen the wheel nuts by turning half a turn in an anti clockwise direction. Do NOT remove them. That happens at a later stage.
Tight wheel nuts can be the hardest part of changing a car tyre. If the wheel nuts are proving stubborn use a metal tube to extend the wheel wrench's handle and provide extra leverage. Alternatively place one foot on the handle of the wheel wrench and carefully use your body weight until the nut is loosened.
Many cars have a locking wheel nut to prevent theft. This requires a special attachment which is often found in a car's glove compartment.
6) Consult the vehicle's handbook to find where to place the jack. This is important because if it's put in the wrong place the car could slip off the jack and cause serious injury.
Look for a reinforced lip on the underside of the vehicle close to the wheel arch.
When the jack is securely attached raise the car until there is enough room to remove the punctured tyre and replace it with the fully inflated spare.
7) Now continue to remove all of the wheel nuts and place them somewhere safe nearby- not near an open drain! Remove the punctured car tyre and replace with the spare tyre.
8) Replace and tighten the wheel nuts. Don't try to hard to tighten them until the car is off the jack.
9) Slowly lower the car down off the jack. Now tighten the nuts again. Remember to return the jack and the wheel wrench to the boot of the car.
10) Replace the hubcap or plastic wheel cover and continue with your journey.
If in any doubt about your tyre changing ability, call into to your local branch of Merityre. We provide a free check for all your car tyres.
Visit our website at Merityre.co.uk to join our discount club and receive a fabulous 5% extra discount off future purchases from our massive range of top brand car tyres, alloy wheels, batteries and exhausts.
Ten Ways to Reduce Your Motoring Costs
Here are ten suggestions:
1. Don't use your car for short trips
An obvious point to start with but probably the simplest way to save money. Even if it's a chilly morning, put a thick coat on and walk to the newsagents at the end of your road. A cold car engine uses far more fuel travelling short distances than it does on a long journey.
2. Research before buying car insurance
Rather than just renewing your old policy shop around to see what money you can save. Price comparison websites make this very easy to do and you will be amazed how much the quotes can vary.
3. Drive with care
Sudden acceleration and sharp braking will increase fuel consumption. The wear to your car tyres will also be increased, hastening the time when they need to be replaced.
4. Switch off the air conditioning
Use air conditioning only when really necessary. It can increase fuel consumption by 11%.
5. Use higher gears
Fuel economy can be improved by up to 20% if you are driving in fifth rather than third. Be careful not to accelerate too quickly into fifth as this will ruin all the benefit of driving in this gear.
6. Close windows and remove roof rack
If you are reading this article in winter, keeping your windows closed will not be an issue. But you may have left a roof rack on after a weekend away. This needs to be removed. Open windows and items such as roof racks adversely affect the aerodynamics of a car, increasing fuel consumption.
7. Plan journey before setting out
Extra journey miles, increased fuel consumption and driver frustration are all a result of not knowing the best route to your destination before setting out on a journey.
If you are planning a long trip try to use the motorways; there will be less stopping and starting which will improve the car's fuel economy and reduce wear on your car tyres.
Always plan the shortest route. It may not be the most scenic but it will be the most cost effective.
8. Keep to the speed limit
It has been proven that driving at the speed limit significantly reduces fuel consumption, especially on the motorways. The difference between 70mph and 80mph is considerable. In some cars it can be up to 5 miles per gallon.
9. Car sharing
Consider sharing a car on your commute to work or if travelling to an out of town retail park. Not only will this reduce your motoring costs, it's also a lot more fun having someone to chat to.
10. Check car tyre pressures
By spending an extra 5 minutes at the petrol station checking your car tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, fuel economy can be improved by 10%.
Soft car tyres increase the rolling resistance on the road, making the car engine work harder and using more fuel. If one car tyre is a different pressure to the rest then there is an imbalance which will also increase fuel consumption.
By maintaining correct car tyre pressures money can be save in other ways including:
a) Increasing the life of the car tyres; under-inflated tyres wear out faster.
b) Improving a car’s performance, especially braking and road handling.
c) Avoiding a fine of up to £2,500 if you are caught with unroadworthy car tyres.
For more advice contact your local Merityre branch.
1. Don't use your car for short trips
An obvious point to start with but probably the simplest way to save money. Even if it's a chilly morning, put a thick coat on and walk to the newsagents at the end of your road. A cold car engine uses far more fuel travelling short distances than it does on a long journey.
2. Research before buying car insurance
Rather than just renewing your old policy shop around to see what money you can save. Price comparison websites make this very easy to do and you will be amazed how much the quotes can vary.
3. Drive with care
Sudden acceleration and sharp braking will increase fuel consumption. The wear to your car tyres will also be increased, hastening the time when they need to be replaced.
4. Switch off the air conditioning
Use air conditioning only when really necessary. It can increase fuel consumption by 11%.
5. Use higher gears
Fuel economy can be improved by up to 20% if you are driving in fifth rather than third. Be careful not to accelerate too quickly into fifth as this will ruin all the benefit of driving in this gear.
6. Close windows and remove roof rack
If you are reading this article in winter, keeping your windows closed will not be an issue. But you may have left a roof rack on after a weekend away. This needs to be removed. Open windows and items such as roof racks adversely affect the aerodynamics of a car, increasing fuel consumption.
7. Plan journey before setting out
Extra journey miles, increased fuel consumption and driver frustration are all a result of not knowing the best route to your destination before setting out on a journey.
If you are planning a long trip try to use the motorways; there will be less stopping and starting which will improve the car's fuel economy and reduce wear on your car tyres.
Always plan the shortest route. It may not be the most scenic but it will be the most cost effective.
8. Keep to the speed limit
It has been proven that driving at the speed limit significantly reduces fuel consumption, especially on the motorways. The difference between 70mph and 80mph is considerable. In some cars it can be up to 5 miles per gallon.
9. Car sharing
Consider sharing a car on your commute to work or if travelling to an out of town retail park. Not only will this reduce your motoring costs, it's also a lot more fun having someone to chat to.
10. Check car tyre pressures
By spending an extra 5 minutes at the petrol station checking your car tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, fuel economy can be improved by 10%.
Soft car tyres increase the rolling resistance on the road, making the car engine work harder and using more fuel. If one car tyre is a different pressure to the rest then there is an imbalance which will also increase fuel consumption.
By maintaining correct car tyre pressures money can be save in other ways including:
a) Increasing the life of the car tyres; under-inflated tyres wear out faster.
b) Improving a car’s performance, especially braking and road handling.
c) Avoiding a fine of up to £2,500 if you are caught with unroadworthy car tyres.
For more advice contact your local Merityre branch.
Three Reasons Why You Should Change To Cold Weather Tyres This Winter
Although the ideal situation is to have two sets of car tyres, 'summer' and 'winter', cost can prevent this. Today's cold weather tyres have been developed to deliver the best possible performance and safety during colder months but with no significant downside if they are used during the summer months. Cold weather car tyres are just as quiet and comfortable as normal tyres.
Three reasons to change are:
1) Safety
Probably the best reason for changing your car tyres. Did you know that the number of accidents caused by wet road conditions increases in winter by 267%.
The changes in weather conditions in the UK can be extreme. In the summer it is not unusual to have temperatures in the high 20's. And then winter brings freezing temperatures and wet weather.
As its name suggests, a cold weather car tyre is designed to cope with the cold and wet weather of winter. The tread compound contains more natural rubber than a standard tyre, which prevents it hardening when the air temperature falls below 7C. This means grip is improved with cold weather car tyres and you'll experience significantly shorter stopping distances.
2) Performance
With the extra grip that a cold weather tyre provides you'll experience better driving performance.
Cold weather car tyres improve braking, cornering and acceleration. It gives you more confidence as a driver that your car is performing to its best ability on poor road surfaces.
Think of cold weather tyres as a pair of shoes. On an icy morning you wouldn’t go out in a pair of smooth, leather soled shoes, but would probably opt for the extra grip that a pair of trainers can provide. The same is for a tyre; your car's shoes!
3) Economy
Cold weather car tyres can save you money in two ways; by improving fuel economy and by reducing car tyre wear.
Fuel economy is improved by the improved performance of your car. Without the extra grip that a cold weather car tyre provides, the engine has to work harder and fuel consumption is increased.
The wear on normal tyres increases in the difficult driving conditions that winter brings. With cold weather car tyres this wear is significantly reduced and mileage can be improved by up to 20%.
Contact us at Merityre for more advice about cold weather tyres. Our website at http://www.merityre.co.uk/ has the details.
Choosing the Right Car Tyres for Your Vehicle
Five factors to consider:
1) Car Tyre Size
A good policy is to choose the same size car tyres as the ones that the car was manufactured with. If you are unsure of the vehicle manufacturer's recommended car tyre size, check the owner's manual or look for the information on the tyre placard (usually located inside the fuel flap, on the car door or in the glove box).
Changing car tyre size can improve a vehicle's handling and performance but be aware of the Government regulations before doing this. A car tyre specialist can provide advice on this matter.
2) Driving Habits
Certain car tyre brands are quieter than others, which is an important factor if you spend much of your time driving up and down motorways.
Driving on county lanes where the road surface can be muddy or slippery will require car tyres that can provide extra grip. This is usually determined by the tyre manufacturer's choice of tread pattern.
Or you may be a city driver who constantly has to brake and accelerate. Some car tyres are better suited to this style of driving than others because of the type of rubber compound used in their production.
3) Price
The saying "you get what you pay for" is true with a car tyre. But if you use your car infrequently don't buy the top of the range car tyres as economy tyres will be more than suitable for your needs.
If you use your car every day, spending extra on better quality tyres may prove more economical as they shouldn't wear out as fast as a budget tyre.
4) Car Tyre Type
Car tyres don't only differ by brand and price; there are different types of car tyres produced for a variety of purposes. Five common types are:
a) Standard/ All Season Tyre
An average tyre that is suitable for all year round use. It works equally well in the wet and the dry.
b) Performance Tyre
Designed to provide excellent grip in the dry. Often used on fast cars or for drivers whose style requires improved handling performance.
c) Winter Tyre
Winter car tyres are designed to cope with poor weather and difficult driving conditions. The tread block pattern on winter car tyres is larger and more pronounced than on standard tyres.
d) All Terrain Tyre
All terrain tyres provide good grip on loose surfaces such as dirt and sand. Often used by off road vehicles, they can be used on standard roads but are very noisy.
e) Run Flat Tyres
Run flat tyres are a relatively new concept but are becoming more common on new cars. They are designed to operate without air to enable the vehicle to continue being driven when it has a puncture.
5) Weather Conditions
The UK weather conditions can be very changeable. Summer can have temperatures in the high 20's. And then winter brings freezing temperatures, icy conditions and wet weather.
Cold weather car tyres are becoming a popular choice as they are designed to cope with the cold and wet weather of winter but with no significant downside if used during the summer months.
Standard or performance car tyres are suitable in countries with a warm and dry climate all year round.
Contact us at Merityre.co.uk for more advice.
How to Drive in Heavy Rain & Floods
Even today's modern road surfaces struggle to cope with a heavy downpour and standing water is a potential hazard. Try to avoid standing water and slow down. If you don't there is a high risk of the car aqua planning.
Aqua planning occurs when the car tyre's tread pattern is unable to disperse enough water to maintain a point of contact between the tyre and the road. This makes the vehicle uncontrollable with the loss of steering, grip and a sensation of driving on ice. It can be a very frightening event as I'm sure anyone who has experienced it will agree. The best advice when it happens is to hold your steering wheel lightly and lift off the accelerator until your car tyres regain their grip.
If you're unlucky enough to break down in heavy rain, stay with your car but check you are not in a location that is at risk of flash flooding. Your engine may have been affected by the water and in many cases the car will restart when it has had a chance to 'dry out'. If you have called for assistance do not prop the bonnet open until help arrives. This will cause the electrics to become rain-soaked and the car will be even harder to restart.
The rain may be so heavy that you experience a flooded road. The AA provides some good advice about how to deal with this:
1. Do not drive through flooded water unless you know how deep it is.
2. Stay in the middle of the road. This is known as the crown of the road and should be where the flood water is shallowest.
3. Drive slowly to avoid creating a bow wave, which can cause neighbouring houses to be flooded.
4. Pass one vehicle at a time through flood water. Allow the oncoming traffic to pass first.
5. Do not risk driving through fast moving water as your car can easily be swept away.
6. Driving at speed through a flood can cause expensive damage. Even a small quantity of water sucked into the engine through the air intake will cause serious damage.
7. As you drive through the flood water, keep the engine revving by slipping the clutch. This prevents water in the exhaust which may stall the engine.
8. Test your brakes as soon as you leave the water.
Car tyres in good condition will be able to cope with most wet driving surfaces. But with heavy rain or a sudden downpour extra care must be taken to avoid a possible accident or injury.
Call in to your nearest Merityre garage for a FREE car tyre check.
Ten Top Car Tyre Tips
- Regularly check car tyre pressures. By spending an extra 5 minutes at the petrol station checking your car tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, fuel economy can be improved by 10%.
A car tyre that is inflated below its recommended pressure will wear faster because of its higher operating temperature and the extra flexing of the rubber. This causes deterioration of the tyre casing and rapid wear of the tread shoulders.
Over inflation can also increase wear due to the decreased size of the contact area between the car tyre and the road. It accelerates the wear in the centre of the tread, an area important for protecting the tyre against impact damage.
2. Always carry a spare. It is not a legal requirement but you'll be thankful you have one when a tyre gets a puncture in a remote location. If using a compact spare tyre remember not to exceed 50 mph and replace it at the earliest opportunity.
3. Check the car tyres for any unusual bulges or lumps as these are often a sign of internal damage. Inspect the tread and sidewall rubber for any signs of cracking as this can cause a tyre blow-out.
4. Keep the tyre valves clean and always remember to replace the dust cap.
5. Avoid driving over of potholes in the road. The extra flexing of the rubber will hasten the tyres deterioration.
6. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in a car tyre's tread. If you find a nail do not remove it as the tyre will rapidly deflate. Instead take the tyre to a specialist who may be able to repair the puncture.
7. Keep the car in a garage if possible. Weather exposure causes crazing and cracking on the car tyres of vehicles kept outside.
8. Take care when using a pressure washer as it can cause damage to a tyre's sidewall. Only use at a safe distance.
9. Try to replace all four tyres at the same time. If this is not possible replace either the two front or the two back tyres together. It will prevent uneven wear which can affect the vehicle's handling.
10. Consult a car tyre specialis, like Merityre, before replacing a tyre. They will advise on the right choice of tyre according to your car's make, your budget and your driving circumstances.
For more advice, contact Merityre
Five Important Visual Checks When Buying a Second Hand Car
1. Correct Tyre Pressure Regularly check your car tyres are not under or over inflated. Under inflation causes greater flexing of the rubber, increasing the operating temperature and reducing the tyre's lifespan. The wear on the edge or shoulder of the tyre is increased and damage can be caused to the vehicle's suspension when driving over a pothole. Under inflation also results in poor fuel economy. Increased rolling resistance makes a car engine work harder and uses more fuel. Over inflation is equally bad by increasing the wear in the centre of a car tyre's tread; an area important for protecting the tyre against impact damage. To find the recommended tyre pressure check the owner's manual or look for a plaque on the inside of the fuel flap.
2. Balance and Alignment Whenever your car tyres are repaired or replaced make sure they are correctly balanced when remounted on your car. If not this will cause vibrations, increasing tyre wear, damaging suspension and leading to driver fatigue. Correct alignment is necessary to have the steering, suspension, wheel components and car tyres all working in harmony to achieve the optimum performance from your vehicle. It doesn't cost much for your local garage or car tyre specialist to check the vehicle's balance or alignment. Without it the resulting cost of repair will be far greater.
3. Inspection A visual inspection once a month does not take long and is important to maintain your car tyres in a safe condition. Check the tread depth. Most tyres have a tread wear indicator built into them. Look for a horizontal bar of rubber located between the tread patterns, at a depth of 2mm. When the height of the tread wears down to the height of this bar it is time to replace your car tyres. Check the car tyres for any unusual bulges or lumps as these are often a sign of internal damage. Inspect the tread and sidewall rubber for any signs of cracking. If found change the tyre as soon as possible as cracking can cause a blow-out. Remove any stones and other objects stuck in a car tyre's tread. If a nail is found embedded in the rubber, do not remove as the tyre will rapidly deflate. Instead take the tyre to a specialist who may be able to repair the puncture.
4. Repairs Don't risk driving on a car tyre that is losing pressure. Take it to a specialist who will give the tyre a complete inspection and make the decision whether it can be repaired or replaced. Driving on a flat tyre for even a short distance will damage it beyond repair. Never try repairing a car tyre yourself. This should be handled by a trained professional.
5. Tyre Rotation The weight of a vehicle is not evenly distributed on all of the car tyres. By regularly rotating the tyres their lifespan is extended and uneven car tyre wear is avoided. Get an instant online tyre quote now or contact your nearest fitting centre to see how much you can save with Merityre car tyres specialist!
2. Balance and Alignment Whenever your car tyres are repaired or replaced make sure they are correctly balanced when remounted on your car. If not this will cause vibrations, increasing tyre wear, damaging suspension and leading to driver fatigue. Correct alignment is necessary to have the steering, suspension, wheel components and car tyres all working in harmony to achieve the optimum performance from your vehicle. It doesn't cost much for your local garage or car tyre specialist to check the vehicle's balance or alignment. Without it the resulting cost of repair will be far greater.
3. Inspection A visual inspection once a month does not take long and is important to maintain your car tyres in a safe condition. Check the tread depth. Most tyres have a tread wear indicator built into them. Look for a horizontal bar of rubber located between the tread patterns, at a depth of 2mm. When the height of the tread wears down to the height of this bar it is time to replace your car tyres. Check the car tyres for any unusual bulges or lumps as these are often a sign of internal damage. Inspect the tread and sidewall rubber for any signs of cracking. If found change the tyre as soon as possible as cracking can cause a blow-out. Remove any stones and other objects stuck in a car tyre's tread. If a nail is found embedded in the rubber, do not remove as the tyre will rapidly deflate. Instead take the tyre to a specialist who may be able to repair the puncture.
4. Repairs Don't risk driving on a car tyre that is losing pressure. Take it to a specialist who will give the tyre a complete inspection and make the decision whether it can be repaired or replaced. Driving on a flat tyre for even a short distance will damage it beyond repair. Never try repairing a car tyre yourself. This should be handled by a trained professional.
5. Tyre Rotation The weight of a vehicle is not evenly distributed on all of the car tyres. By regularly rotating the tyres their lifespan is extended and uneven car tyre wear is avoided. Get an instant online tyre quote now or contact your nearest fitting centre to see how much you can save with Merityre car tyres specialist!
Five Tips to Keep your Car Tyres in Good Condition
1. Correct Tyre Pressure Regularly check your car tyres are not under or over inflated. Under inflation causes greater flexing of the rubber, increasing the operating temperature and reducing the tyre's lifespan. The wear on the edge or shoulder of the tyre is increased and damage can be caused to the vehicle's suspension when driving over a pothole. Under inflation also results in poor fuel economy. Increased rolling resistance makes a car engine work harder and uses more fuel. Over inflation is equally bad by increasing the wear in the centre of a car tyre's tread; an area important for protecting the tyre against impact damage. To find the recommended tyre pressure check the owner's manual or look for a plaque on the inside of the fuel flap.
2. Balance and Alignment Whenever your car tyres are repaired or replaced make sure they are correctly balanced when remounted on your car. If not this will cause vibrations, increasing tyre wear, damaging suspension and leading to driver fatigue. Correct alignment is necessary to have the steering, suspension, wheel components and car tyres all working in harmony to achieve the optimum performance from your vehicle. It doesn't cost much for your local garage or car tyre specialist to check the vehicle's balance or alignment. Without it the resulting cost of repair will be far greater.
3. Inspection A visual inspection once a month does not take long and is important to maintain your car tyres in a safe condition. Check the tread depth. Most tyres have a tread wear indicator built into them. Look for a horizontal bar of rubber located between the tread patterns, at a depth of 2mm. When the height of the tread wears down to the height of this bar it is time to replace your car tyres. Check the car tyres for any unusual bulges or lumps as these are often a sign of internal damage. Inspect the tread and sidewall rubber for any signs of cracking. If found change the tyre as soon as possible as cracking can cause a blow-out. Remove any stones and other objects stuck in a car tyre's tread. If a nail is found embedded in the rubber, do not remove as the tyre will rapidly deflate. Instead take the tyre to a specialist who may be able to repair the puncture.
4. Repairs Don't risk driving on a car tyre that is losing pressure. Take it to a specialist who will give the tyre a complete inspection and make the decision whether it can be repaired or replaced. Driving on a flat tyre for even a short distance will damage it beyond repair. Never try repairing a car tyre yourself. This should be handled by a trained professional.
5. Tyre Rotation The weight of a vehicle is not evenly distributed on all of the car tyres. By regularly rotating the tyres their lifespan is extended and uneven car tyre wear is avoided. Get an instant online tyre quote now or contact your nearest fitting centre to see how much you can save with Merityre car tyres specialist!
2. Balance and Alignment Whenever your car tyres are repaired or replaced make sure they are correctly balanced when remounted on your car. If not this will cause vibrations, increasing tyre wear, damaging suspension and leading to driver fatigue. Correct alignment is necessary to have the steering, suspension, wheel components and car tyres all working in harmony to achieve the optimum performance from your vehicle. It doesn't cost much for your local garage or car tyre specialist to check the vehicle's balance or alignment. Without it the resulting cost of repair will be far greater.
3. Inspection A visual inspection once a month does not take long and is important to maintain your car tyres in a safe condition. Check the tread depth. Most tyres have a tread wear indicator built into them. Look for a horizontal bar of rubber located between the tread patterns, at a depth of 2mm. When the height of the tread wears down to the height of this bar it is time to replace your car tyres. Check the car tyres for any unusual bulges or lumps as these are often a sign of internal damage. Inspect the tread and sidewall rubber for any signs of cracking. If found change the tyre as soon as possible as cracking can cause a blow-out. Remove any stones and other objects stuck in a car tyre's tread. If a nail is found embedded in the rubber, do not remove as the tyre will rapidly deflate. Instead take the tyre to a specialist who may be able to repair the puncture.
4. Repairs Don't risk driving on a car tyre that is losing pressure. Take it to a specialist who will give the tyre a complete inspection and make the decision whether it can be repaired or replaced. Driving on a flat tyre for even a short distance will damage it beyond repair. Never try repairing a car tyre yourself. This should be handled by a trained professional.
5. Tyre Rotation The weight of a vehicle is not evenly distributed on all of the car tyres. By regularly rotating the tyres their lifespan is extended and uneven car tyre wear is avoided. Get an instant online tyre quote now or contact your nearest fitting centre to see how much you can save with Merityre car tyres specialist!
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