Tick, click, scrape, screech, hum, rattle, clunk- it sounds like a bad song title, but if you hear any of these noises in your car- listen up! 

Any unusual noise coming from your car is usually a warning sign that something isn’t right. One of these noises in your car could mean any one of a hundred things. Dangerously worn brake pads, a blockage in your exhaust system,  a worn out drive belt, low oil or power steering fluid, unaligned tyres- and anything in between.

Get it checked out early, there is a big difference between some preventative maintenance and a costly repair bill. 

What to do

Pay close attention to what happens before and when your car starts making the sound.  Is it only when you start driving, or when the car warms up? Does the noise come front the front or back- which side? Try to give your mechanic as much information as possible to work with. Service intervals are generally longer now then they used to be so it’s important not to ignore potential problems.

Have you ever taken a child to the doctor only for them to make a miraculous recovery in the waiting room? Frustratingly, cars sometimes do the same thing, so be able to describe the noise accurately. 

Most importantly, don’t let the noises continue without having an expert take a look at your vehicle. In reality, we’re all driving around in 2 tonne torpedoes, so we have a responsibility to keep on top of the maintenance!

If you think the noise might be tyre related, chances are TyreAware can help. Call in for a free tyre safety check, or book here to have quality new tyres fitted at our shop in Ballinderreen. 

The post What is that weird noise? appeared first on Tyreaware.

Wheels rarely give too many problems, but they should still be checked for excessive corrosion. TyreAware also recommends periodic checking for tightness of the nuts, bolts, and hardware.

Be Trailer Tyre Aware

Tyre failure can be a headache for boat owners. Incorrect tyre pressure is a common cause of tyre failure, especially with smaller 9.0- and 10.0-inch tyres. Some of these smaller diameter tyres are designed to be inflated to up to 60psi — around double the pressure you would normally run in a car’s tyres. 

Older tyres are also prone to failure. Signs of age include splitting and cracking of the outer rubber surface, as well as flat spots (caused by the trailer sitting idle and under-inflated for long periods), and excessive tread wear.

Wheel grin and bear it

To check for faulty or worn wheel bearings, jack up one side of the trailer, grasp a wheel in two hands, and twist it from side to side. Any movement or free-play could indicate the bearings need replacing. The wheel should spin very quietly. 

Hot wheels?

You may be looking forward to getting on the water as soon as you reach the shore. However, you should give your bearings some time to cool off before you dip the wheels and trailer into the water. If you dip the wheels into the water almost immediately, the bearings will contract suddenly and lead to the absorption of salt water and dirt.  

Most importantly

Thoroughly rinse your trailer wheels with fresh water after use to avoid corrosion. YouTube has some handy videos on the subject, find them here. 

Feel free to bring your boat trailer wheels to TyreAware in Ballinderreen for a free tyre health check. Trailer wheels, lawnmowers, go-carts and more…we’ve fixed them all.

To arrange fitting of quality new tyres, call us on 087 3522920, or book online here. 

The post Looking after your boat trailer wheels appeared first on Tyreaware.

With the cost of living rising at an unnerving rate, we’re all looking for ways to cut back. Here’s our take on how your tyres and driving habits might be a good place to start.

Tyres account for up to 20-30% of your car’s fuel consumption (S.E.A.I.) so choosing the right ones can significantly reduce your spend at the pumps. 

All new tyres sold in Ireland come with an EU tyre label to help you make an informed choice. Tyres are rated in three categories, Fuel Efficiency, Wet Grip and Noise. Fuel efficiency is rated on a scale from A to F, with an A-rating being the best result. These tyres require less energy to roll, and therefore burn less fuel. We’re always happy to go over the options with you and find something to suit your needs (and your budget).

Tyre pressure and fuel economy

Tyres naturally lose air at a rate of up to 2PSI every month, so it’s essential to check them regularly. The lower the air pressure inside the tyre, the larger its ‘footprint’ or contact area with the road. With that, the friction between the rubber and the road- known as the rolling resistance- rises. As rolling resistance increases, more power is needed to keep the vehicle moving. More force is needed to overcome this friction at slower speeds or if you are driving in conditions that mean you stop and start at regular frequencies.

Low tyre pressure also impacts your vehicle’s handling and increases the risk of tyre blowouts. Estimates vary and various factors affect your miles per gallon, but underinflated tyres could be increasing your fuel consumption from anywhere between 3% and 10%. Of course this extra fuel being used has a big impact on our environment too. Just under 20 lbs of carbon dioxide is released into the air for every gallon of fuel burned. 

Your driving habits and fuel economy 

Your car isn’t the only factor in improving fuel economy; you have a big part to play as well. Adopting bad driving habits, such as speeding and excessive acceleration at high revs, will almost certainly affect your fuel consumption. If your vehicle comes with cruise control, using it will help to maintain a constant speed and make the best use of your fuel. Sudden braking will also have a detrimental effect on your MPG, make sure you leave adequate space between yourself and the vehicle in front so you’re not hitting the brake pedal too often. 

Many newer cars automatically turn off when stationary in neutral. If yours doesn’t, turn off your engine when you’ve stopped for a minute or so to save fuel.

Weight is another major factor in how much petrol your car uses. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel will be needed to keep it moving. This is especially true when driving in stop-start traffic, something that can be quite common when driving in busy city areas or on motorways.

It’s easy to get into the habit of using your car as a storage space, with golf clubs or the stroller sitting in the boot of your car. However, on average, an extra 50kg of weight in the car will increase fuel consumption by 1-2%. Therefore, it’s best to only carry the essential things you need. So, it might be time to start decluttering your car, and leave those extra items at home if you don’t intend on using them.

Wheel alignment 

Correct wheel alignment has several benefits, the most important being safety. Having an alignment check annually helps your tyres to wear evenly and last longer, adding up to 12,000 miles to the life of your tyre. Even the smallest weight imbalance can lead to uneven tyre wear (not to mention a nasty vibration through the steering wheel), tyre balancing is essential as it ensures the tyre spins evenly around the axle.

Having even tyre wear around the circumference of the tyre reduces rolling resistance with the road, ensuring your car is only burning the fuel it absolutely needs to. 

Call in to TyreAware in Ballinderreen for a free tyre safety check.

You can book in for wheel alignment by calling 087 3522920 or using our handy online booking system.

Have you seen the rest of our online blog section? We have loads of top tips and informative articles. Check it out here: https://tyreaware.ie/blog/

The post Fuel economy and your tyres appeared first on Tyreaware.

Usually, you can drive for a maximum of 80km at a top speed of 80kmph on a punctured run flat. Which allows you to get home or to a tyre centre to assess the damage. You avoid having to replace your wheel at the roadside (which can be difficult and dangerous) or call roadside assistance. With no need to carry a spare wheel, you get more boot space, greater fuel efficiency and mileage. Run flats also make it easier to control your vehicle in the event of a puncture, reducing the risk of an accident.

If your car has run flats and your TPMS warns that you’re losing tyre pressure, it’s vital that you stick to the speed limit and mileage specified by the manufacturer (found in your vehicle handbook). Then change your tyres as soon as possible.

While they may look fine to the untrained eye, it’s essential that you get to a tyre centre and have them checked out. If you don’t, there’s a danger you’ll damage the wheel itself, which is far more costly than replacing your tyre.

Can I fit run flats onto an older vehicle (retrofit)?

Consider these points before changing to run flat tyres on a vehicle previously fitted with ‘normal’ tyres :

• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
  Run flats must only be installed on a car which has a TPMS/tyre pressure monitoring system. TPMS alerts the driver to a puncture so they are aware that they have a limited time to replace their tyre, and so they drive within the limits of their deflated tyre.
• Vehicle Suspension
  You should also note that you may need some changes made to your vehicle’s suspension. Because of their stiffer construction, run flat tyres contribute to a vehicle’s suspension when fitted as original equipment.

Can you repair a puncture in a run flat?

Unfortunately not. Due to the way in which a run flat tyre is reinforced to be usable when punctured, it’s not recommended to repair them following a puncture or any other sort of damage. The reason for this is that the sidewall is very thick, making it difficult to examine for damage.

Once you drive on a damaged run flat tyre, you compromise the structure that supports the weight of the car. 

Any other disadvantages?

Some drivers feel cars with run-flat tyres are slightly less enjoyable to drive. Or aren’t as good at soaking up potholes and broken tarmac as cars fitted with conventional tyres. The suspension is less effective because the stiffer sidewalls are less adept at absorbing bumps. They also add ‘unsprung’ weight (mass not supported by the car’s suspension).

On average, run flat tyres are 10-25% more expensive than regular tyres. However, they can save you money in the long run, by removing the need to buy and carry a spare, or having to rely on calling for roadside assistance in the event of a puncture.

Call us to talk about it

Many car makers are now fitting run flat tyres as original equipment. If your vehicle uses them and you need replacements, you can call TyreAware on 087 3522920 for a quick quote. We supply tyres for most makes and models, with a wide range in stock from major brands to suit all budgets.

The post Run Flat Tyres appeared first on Tyreaware.

For our example we’ll use a Nissan Qashqai Diesel, driving 30,000km per year (35% urban, 65% highway).

Fitted with old “F energy rated” tyres this car’s fuel consumption is 6.9 ltr/100kms. 

If upgraded to “B energy rated” tyres- it would save €210 (€1.62/ltr) in fuel over the year, reducing the fuel consumption to 6.5ltr/100kms. That’s 130 litres of fuel!

This means a CO2 emissions reduction of 342Kg CO2.

To sequester that amount of extra CO2, you’d need to plant 12 trees every year. Not to mention the time and money it takes to fill up at the pumps. 

We’re all trying to find ways to be more environmentally friendly, by upgrading to a better rated tyre you can not only do your bit and enjoy a safer drive, but save time and money too. 

Tyre retailers are legally obliged to display labels for each tyre showing their various ratings, energy efficiency, safety, noise production etc. We’re always happy to go through it with you to find the best option for your budget. 

At the time of publishing (Nov. 2021), TyreAware can offer a set of 4 new tyres with a “B energy rating” in tyre size 215/60 R17 from as low as €380, with a budget alternative for €320. 

Call 087 3522920 to book or chat about your options.

Sources:

https://www.encon.be/en/calculation-co2-offsetting-trees

TyreAware.org fuel savings calculator

Have you seen the rest of our online blog section? We have loads of top tips and informative articles. Check it out here: https://tyreaware.ie/blog/

The post How your tyres affect your time, money and the environment. appeared first on Tyreaware.

TyreAware is serious about road safety and passionately believes that second-hand tyres are an uneconomical tyre option.

For example:

A part worn 195/65X15 tyre costing €35 with a tread thickness of 4.0mm, has 2.4mm of useable tread before it reaches the minimum legal depth of 1.6mm. This works outs at €14.58 per useable mm.

A new budget brand 195/65X 15 tyre costing €70 has 8mm of tread, giving 6.4mm of usable tread. This works out at €10.93 per mm.

A new premium brand 195/65X 15 tyre costing €80 has 8mm of tread, giving 6.4mm of usable tread. This works out at €12.50 per mm.

Part-worn tyres cost you more in the long run.

Please note, while we have used the legal tread depth of 1.6mm here, we strongly recommend replacing your tyres at 3mm tread depth.

The post Why we don’t sell second-hand tyres appeared first on Tyreaware.

• Get your lights checked. Make sure they’re clean, replace bulbs that are discoloured or not working. Are
  they correctly adjusted? Uneven headlights are dangerous for both you and oncoming traffic.
• Windscreen. Clean your windscreen both inside and out, to avoid glare at night. Also check that your wipers are up to the job. They are vital for your safety and inexpensive to replace.
• Have an emergency kit in the boot. A torch, hi-vis vest, a hazard warning triangle to warn other road users,
  jump leads, a tow rope, and gloves. Breaking down is never fun but breaking down on a dark road is a lot
  worse!
• Who you gonna call? This one may seem obvious but always have your mobile phone fully charged before
  you go on a journey, especially in the dark.

Safe motoring!

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These trips and holidays help to create lasting memories, so why not get the kids to make albums or scrapbooks to record the journeys.

Gather souvenirs from places you visit- a card from a restaurant, fliers from attractions, shells, crayon rubbings, interesting stones etc. Budding artists can draw pictures along the way and take a photo to add to the collection (selfie, anyone)?

Bring a freezer bag with safety scissors, a glue stick or tape and some crayons and coloured paper. Euro shops are great for picking up these sorts of things without breaking the bank.

Have a secret stash of car only toys–  a shoebox can double as storage and a play area on the lid. You could even draw a little road on it for backseat drivers or a castle for your princesses. Having a soccer ball in the
boot is always a good idea to help burn off some of that pent-up energy.

Prizes for games
A trip to the euro shop can be an excellent idea before you go, wrap up a few inexpensive toys or stationery to use as rewards or prizes for games, eye spy, spot a white horse, a pink car etc. Challenge the kids to keep quiet for 5 whole minutes to win a prize.

Mom or Dad’s phone
If, like ours, your little ones usually want your phone rather than the countless toys surrounding them, have a new game or app downloaded and ready to go, set them a time limit with the phone and enjoy the peace and
quiet.

Audiobooks can be a great way to introduce a bit of learning or just simple entertainment in the car. Everyone can listen together or individually if you can get away with it!

A whiteboard can be one of the best and simplest things. Kids can draw on them, play noughts and crosses, hangman, write each other notes etc. Don’t forget to give them a tissue to wipe it with.

Car Counting or even tractor spotting – Pick a colour or a type and the first to see 10 of them wins. If you’re in a city they could search for restaurants, men with beards, umbrellas, the list goes on and on!

Name Game – Think of any celebrity, sports star etc, let’s say Katy Perry, it can be anyone. You say “Katy Perry” the next person must quickly say a celebrity’s name that starts with the first letter of the last name of the
previous star, like maybe Paul Mescal.

Scavenger Hunt – No family road trip is complete without a scavenger hunt. You’ll be surprised at how excited your kids suddenly are to see a billboard or a water tower. Think of about 10 or 15 things they need to spot.

Restaurant entertainment bag- Put crayons, pencils, and colouring books or paper and some plastic animals, cars, or blocks in a large freezer bag that you can take into restaurants with you to make wait time go faster.

Involve the kids in decision making – of course you’ve chosen the destination, but the children might like to decide on other important things like what snacks to bring, what should we listen to in the car etc.

Stretch the legs! If possible, stop for a few minutes every 2 hours, this will keep the driver alert and (hopefully) head off any travel sickness and irritability. It’s a good chance to grab a coffee and a bathroom break too. Really try to allow time for this, it can be a lifesaver.

Pack plenty of healthy snacks for the journey, even adults get cranky when they are hungry. Water in individual bottles, low sugar juices or even smoothies, milky drinks are in our experience best avoided in case of spillage. Foodwise, fruit would be top of our list, also cheese portions, crisps, homemade cookies and the good old sandwich (even get the kids involved the day before preparing these), don’t forget a bag to gather up the rubbish.

Think ahead in case somebody gets car sick or headaches- pack remedies for common sicknesses, a plastic bag or two in case of nausea, baby wipes and a bottle of Calpol or whatever you use for your family.

Finally, please check that your car (especially tyres) is roadworthy and safe, or better yet, call in and let us check for you.

The post Top tips for happier family car journeys appeared first on Tyreaware.

Incorrectly inflated tyres lead to:

• Reduced fuel efficiency: When tyres are under-inflated, their rolling resistance increases. This means it takes more energy or fuel to make them turn. Think about how difficult it is to ride your bicycle with under-inflated tyres!

• Increased safety risks: Incorrectly inflated tyres affect vehicle handling, cornering, acceleration, braking, and wet grip. Under-inflated tyres are more likely to suffer from a dangerous blowout.

• Increased tyre wear: When a tyre is under-inflated, its contact patch with the road is concentrated towards the outer edges of the tread. This leads to rapid wear on the shoulders and reduced tyre life.

• Overinflated tyres also wear unevenly, have less grip on the road and can affect braking ability.

We recommend checking your tyre pressure once a month, or call in to TyreAware in Ballinderreen and we’ll do it for you.

The post Why we recommend regular tyre pressure checks appeared first on Tyreaware.

The tyres can’t grip the road, this causes a lack of traction which means the driver loses control and is unable to steer, brake or accelerate.

How do you know if you’re aquaplaning?

When driving on a wet road you might:

• Hear your engine suddenly become louder
• Feel like you’ve dropped the clutch down the gears while driving at speed, causing the revs to increase
• Feel the steering become light
• Experience the back end of the car drifting from side to side – known as “fishtailing”

What to do if you find yourself aquaplaning:

• Don’t hit the brakes hard
  Gently ease off the accelerator
• Hold the steering wheel straight
• Switch off cruise control mode if you have it on
• When the car begins to gain control, you can begin to brake to bring your speed down.
• The better condition your tyres are in, the better your car will cope with wet conditions. Please check your
  tread depth regularly or call in to us in Ballinderreen where we’ll happily check for you.

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