The Tyre explained Tyre Pressures - important? What is the Tyre Section, Profile, Rim? What is the Load and Speed rating? What are Runflat Tyres? The importance of Wheel Alignment Are part worn tyres safe? How do I read my tyre size? What are winter tyres? Tyre Safety Advice

THE TYRE EXPLAINED...

TYPES OF TYRE
Radial ply tyres are now the most common tyres in use on British roads representing more than 90%. Some radial ply tyres now have a run flat capability known as Self Supporting Run Flat (SST) tyres which are becoming more common particularly when fitted as an original equipment.

Older diagonal (cross-) ply tyres are now very rarely seen and have effectively been replaced by radial ply tyres. Radial ply tyres may be either steel or textile braced and are identified in the size marking by the letter “R” and often the word Radial”.

Self Supporting Run Flat (SST) tyres are designed to provide a limited run on period following a puncture. These areidentified by the letters “RF” in the size marking. To be categorised as a run flat tyre, the minimum distance they must achieve in a run flat condition is 50 miles (80 km) at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) and at a minimum of 80% of their maximum load capacity. It is essential the vehicle is equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system to enable use of run flat tyres.

DIRECTIONAL AND ASYMMETRIC PATTERNED TYRES
Some tyres have patterns where their direction of rotation is important to achieve their full performance. These are known as ‘Directional’ pattern tyres and the direction of rotation is marked on the tyre’s sidewall. Additionally some tyres have patterns which are different on the inner half of the tread than compared to the outer half. These tyres, known as ‘Asymmetric’, have their sidewalls marked ‘Outside’ and/or ‘Inside’ or similar wording. It is important with both these tyre types to observe the fitting markings on the tyre sidewall.

KEEP THE PRESSURE CORRECT
Recommended tyre inflation pressures for your vehicle can be found in the vehicle handbook and/or on a placard mounted on the vehicle. In the absence of either of these please call us and we will give you free advice on the correct tyre pressure. Correct pressures are related to loads, speeds and vehicle handling and are vital for maximum safety, braking, grip and good tyre life.

Prolonged under-inflation causes excessive flexideterioration of the casing and rapid wear of the tread shoulders. The vehicle will also consume more fuel. Over-inflation results in an uncomfortable ride, a reduced area of contact with the road, accelerated wear on the tread centre and makes the tyre more susceptible to impact damage.

Inflation pressure should be checked at least every two weeks and only when the tyre is cold, since there is an increase in pressure when the tyre has warmed up after being run.

TYRE ‘LOAD’ AND ‘SPEED’ MARKINGS
With few exceptions, tyres new or retreaded are required by law to carry indications of the tyre’s load carrying and speed capabilities e.g. 205/55R16 91V. These are moulded on the sidewall as a service description comprising a Load Index (e.g. ‘91’ in table 1) for load carrying capacity and a Speed Symbol (e.g. ‘V’ in table 2) for speed capability. It is strongly recommended to always fit tyres that have a speed capability and load index at least equal to or higher than those originally specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

TYRE SERVICE LIFE AND AGEING
The tyre industry has long recognised the consumer’s role in the regular care and maintenance of their tyres. The point at which a tyre is replaced is a decision for which the owner of the tyre is responsible. The tyre owner should consider factors to include service conditions, maintenance history, storage conditions, visual inspections, and dynamic performance. The consumer should consult a tyre service professional with any questions about tyre service life.

Tyres are designed and built to provide many thousands of miles of excellent service. For maximum benefit, tyres must be maintained properly to avoid tyre damage and abuse that may result in tyre disablement. The service life of a tyre is a cumulative function of the storage, stowing, rotation and service conditions, which a tyre is subjected to throughout its life (load, speed, inflation pressure, road hazard injury, etc.). Since service conditions vary widely, accurately predicting the service life of any specific tyre in chronological time is not possible.

Tyres should be removed from service for numerous reasons, including tread worn down to minimum depth, damage or abuse (punctures, cuts, impacts, cracks, bulges, under inflation, overloading, etc). For these reasons tyres, including spares, must be inspected routinely, i.e., at least once a month.

There is no known technical data that supports a specific tyre age for removal from service. However, in the interests of safety a number of vehicle and tyre manufacturers recommend that tyres (including spare tyres) that were manufactured more than a certain number of years previously be replaced with new tyres, even when they appear to be usable from their external appearance and the tread may not have reached the minimum wear out depth. It is recommended that any such instruction be followed. Consumers should note that most tyres would have to be removed for tread wear-out or other causes before any prescribed age is reached. A stated removal period in no way reduces the consumer’s responsibility to replace tyres as needed.

The chronological age of any tyre can be found on the tyre sidewall by examining the characters following the symbol "DOT". For tyres manufactured after the year 1999, the last four numbers identify the date of manufacture of the tyre to the nearest week. The first two of these four numbers identify the week of manufacture (which range from "01" to "52"). The last two numbers identify the year of manufacture (e.g., a tyre with the information "DOT XXXXXX2703” was manufactured in the 27th week of 2003). For tyres manufactured prior to the year 2000, three numbers instead of four indicate the date of manufacture. Also, during the early 1990’s, a triangle was added ( ) to the end of the character string to distinguish a tyre built in the 1990’s from previous decades (e.g., a tyre with the information "DOT XXXXXX274 was manufactured in the 27th week of 1994).

How do I know if my tyres are Trading Standards approved?
Check your tyre for an "E" Number. E.g. E4 0213760. This is an ECE type approval mark and number that shows if the tyre has been tested and passed as high quality by the European regulatory authorities. All tyres sold by Magowan Tyres carry this mark and are therefore of the highest quality.

We carry over 200,000 tyres in stock, exclusive quality brands, and a huge range of braking products ensuring we are almost certain to have the part you need at a price that's right.

AWARD WINNING DEPOT
Our premises are state of the art, incorporating all of the latest technologies that ensures business is conducted efficiently and to a high level of customer satisfaction. Our retail depots are based in Carrickfergus and Mallusk, the latter also being the home of the head office and the wholesale division. The Mallusk depot is today recognised in the tyre industry as one of the finest custom-built independent facilities in Europe. You will find reception areas unlike any other, where you can enjoy a complimentary cup of tea/coffee or soup, whilst watching television, browsing the web, reading a complimentary newspaper, or continue your office work utilising our fast and free broadband access.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
We have supplied and fitted tyres for thousands of satisfied customers, many of whom have bought tyres from us again and again. We really value your feedback, so if you have any suggestions on how we can improve any aspect of our service please feel free to contact us and we will always respond and ensure you 100% satisfaction. That's a promise!

COMMITMENT TO HONEST ADVICE
This company is totally committed to provide honest and accurate advice that is in the best interest of the customer. We will back this, with good quality work and a friendly efficient service at a price that represents excellent value. Only this way can we expect to continue winning your support as a loyal customer.