THOUGHTS ON TYRES.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 156, 28 October 1926, Page 7

THOUGHTS ON TYRES.

POINTS TO REMEMBER. Consider the pneumatic tyre from the human standpoint. Air is the “ soul ” of the tyre and its vitality is dependent upon the pressure. Any tyre that is “ underinflated ” or “ overinflated ” cannot he expected to give the same service or “ life ” as one that is properly inflated according- to the schedule laid dmvn by its manufacturers. Tyres that are “ underinflated ” are starved and tyres that are “ overinflated ” are overfed. Pneumatic tyres need only one diet, and that is air, and all users should see that their tyres are properly fed. NO SATISFACTORY SUBSTITUTE No satisfactory substitute for air has been discovered since the pneumatic tyre was invented. There is no better cushion than air, because air will “ flow ” with the shape of the tyre in motion, and the pressure will remain equal at all points at all times. The inner tube is merely an air container and any special type of tube that is thicker at any one point will hinder the comfortable running of the car. i Test your air pressure regularly, and at frequent intervals, and see that even pressure is maintained. No one can accurately test the air pressure of any tyre by mere guesswork ; 'this can only be done by using- a proper tyre gauge. The air pressure in rear tyres must be equal, the same with the pressure in front tyres, although the pressure in front tyres can often be slightly lower than the rear.

Rear tyres with unequal pressures will cause discomfort to passengers and give the car a tendency to skid in one direction. Front tyres with unequal pressure will interfere with the proper steering of the car. In testing the air pressure in your tyres be sure to see that your valve is not leaking. If it is, fit a new “ valve inside ” and see that your dust cap is properly screwed down. RESULT OF NEGLIGENCE. No taxi #r car can run properly on deflated tyres, and trouble caused by negligence always occurs at the most inopportune moment, causing extreme annoyance to everyone. With proper and daily attention to the tyres every driver should be practically immune from tyre trouble. Tyre cost is one of the most important items in the upkeep of any car or taxi, and a very great saving in the tyre bill can be effected by proper care. In inflating your tyres to the schedule recommended by the tyre manufacturers remember that the schedule for the various sizes and types was only finally agreed upon after years of actual experience under all sorts of road and driving conditions. See that your spare is always inflated to the maximum pressure you require for your back wheels. If a change is required for the rear then your spare is ready to fit immediately, but if you are using a slightly lower inflation on front wheels, and a change of front tyre is necessary, just deflate the spare to the required pressure to ensure even running of the car. Far too little attention is paid by car owners to their tyres, and if tyres were only treated as they should be car owners would save hundi*eds of thousands of pounds the world over.