HOW TO GET THE MOST SERVICE FROM TYRES

Shannon News, 21 December 1928, Page 4

HOW TO GET THE MOST SERVICE FROM TYRES

Repair Tread Cuts Promptly

Dirt and moisture may get in between the rubber troau and fabric carcase of the casing through small cuts in the tread made by a sharp stone, piece of glns3, iron or tin, a tram switch-point, etc. The flexing action of the tyre enlarges the original cut. and dirt and moisture chafe and otherwise weaken the carcase, causing prer mature failure. Such tread cuts ought to be repaired promptly by a reliable : vulcaniscr. Keep Brakes Properly Adjusted. i Brakes should be evenly adjusted so ;that when pressure is applied it will be lequal on all wheels. If one wheel sexerts more breaking power than another there is an additional effort made ;by that tyre in stopping the car which wears the tread rubber away more Iquickly than on the other. Sudden and severe use of the brakes, causing the 'tyres to slide and scrape, also wears away the tread more rapidly than is normal. See That Tyres Are Properly Applied. When mounting tyres on thq rim, lake care in properly fitting the tube, yalve, flap, etc., so there may be no pinching of the tube with a resultant leak and a flat tyre. The inside of tho easing should be free from dirt and foreign matter. The inner tube should be placed inside the casing, partially inflated and without twist or wrinkles. Particular care should be taken to pioperly fit the flap over the tube without wrinkling. Tighten all valve parts to prevent leakage and see that the lock nut and valve cap are proper ly in place. Drive Carefully.

Much can be added to the life of the average tyres if l'easonable care is taken to avoid bad holes and ruts which may bring about fabric breaks and sidewall -wear, especially if the tyre is not properly inflated. Bumping into curbs while turning or parking can and should be avoided. Sudden stopping, which often slides and scrapes the tyres, will cause thorn to wear out sooner than if a little care were exercised. If, in addition to the careless practices mentioned, there is added the element of speeding the b&d effect of each of the practices is magnified. Careful, normal driving will pay a; good return in the form of maximum service from your tyres: . Maintain the Proper Inflation. Inflate your tyres every week to the minimum pressure recommended for your size tyre, and make certain that tHe pressure does not drop more than tllree pounds below that minimum before re-inflation. \ If it is allowed to drop more than that, even for a comparatively short time, rapid tread wear and fabric breaks arc sure’ to result. Steering will be more difficult and “shimmy” difficulty is more likely’ to occur. Remove “Plats” Immediately and Have Them Properly Repaired.

Casings which are ran flat for a short distance are so badly injured they often cannot be repaired. The same condition will result if ft casing is used for a considerable distance at an extremely low pressure. When a tyre goes flat, stop the car immediately and remove the tyre so that the cord fabric will not become torn and separated. The cause for the flat tyre should be determined and properly remedied. | In cases where immediate repairs are not possible, the casing may be run for 'a short distance with a temporary or loose boot, but if its use is continued too long the inside of the casing will be so badly chafed that it can never be satisfactorily repaired. Keep Wheels in Correct Alignment. Misaligned or wobbly wheels are responsible for abnormal tread wear. A tyre which does not run true drags with a side motion as it revolves and the rubber is worn away very rapidly. When there is any evidence of rapid tread -wear have your car thoroughly inspected to learn if it is caused by a bent axle, spindle or steering knuckle, a broken spring, a loose bearing, improper toe-in or camber, a rim unevenly placed on the wheel, or something else which prevents the wheels from tracking properly.