Dad: Hey Son, do you know I went 365 days without having a single incident of a flat tire.
Son: Oh, really?
Dad: Yeah, it was a ‘Goodyear’
All jokes aside, tyres are one of the most important components of any vehicle. Tyres provide the only connection between the vehicle and the road; without them, it would be impossible to drive.
As part of ‘Tyre Safety Month’, this two-part blog guide provides the 10 must-know facts about tyres, how to protect them and how they can protect you when maintained correctly. We have also included a fun knowledge-based factsheet that highlights some of the most thought-provoking information you wouldn’t have known about tyres.
1. This first blog explains the writing on your tyres (known as tyre markings). You should always familiarise yourself with the following tyre markings below when you wish to purchase new tyres. We will cover tyre sidewall markings, tyre labelling, DOT Code, run-flat tyres, Tyre (Wheel) balancing, and an infographic explaining six interesting facts about tyres.
2. Tyre Sidewall Markings
Tyre sidewalls contain all the necessary information you need to know about the tyres you are using. Please see the guide below to what all the numbers and letters mean.
3. Tyre Labelling
Ever since 2012, all new tyres must be labelled to provide essential information on fuel efficiency, wet grip, and external noise. All these labels are explained below.
Fuel efficiency - This is categorised as the rolling resistance of the tyre. The rolling resistance is the amount of energy a tyre uses over a distance, which influences how much fuel your car applies. By reducing your cars’ rolling resistance of a tyre, you in turn consume less fuel.
Wet grip - Wet grip is categorised as the tyres’ ability to stick to roads in wet and damp conditions. Wet grip is important because it improves the braking distance of the vehicle. The new EU tyre labels have now introduced additional information on tyre performance in snow and damp conditions.
External noise - This is the categorisation of how much noise your tyre generates while in motion (this does not mean the noise heard inside the vehicle). Tyres with good noise rating have a lower impact on the environment. The EU tyre labelling has three categories for noise consumption: A, B, or C. ‘A’ being the lowest noise level and ‘C’ being the highest noise level.
4. Dot Code
Each tyre has an imprinted Department of Transport Code (DOT for short). The DOT code includes numbers and letters which indicate the place and date of the tyres manufacture. Since the year 2000, the code is made up as follows (see image below as a guide):
1 - 3 letters spelled ‘DOT’
2 - 2 groups of 3 to 4 characters used to identify where the tyre comes from (manufacturer and plant code).
3 - 4 numbers indicating the week and year the tyre was manufactured, for example, the code which ends with 2614 tells us the week of production (26) and the year 2014.
Although there is no evidence or data to support the removal of tyres after several years, it is important to keep in mind that like any other part of a car tyres may need to be replaced. Continental Tyres advise that tyres older than ten years should be replaced or serviced with new tyres.
5. Run-Flat Tyres
Run flat tyres are tyres with reinforced sidewalls that continue driving even with a puncture although, this is only for a limited amount of time or distance. If you get a puncture, you only have a 50-mile range limit, otherwise, you risk damaging the wheel itself. Run flats often come as part of the car when it leaves the factory. If you see that you do not have a spare wheel, it is usually a big indicator that your car is already fitted with run flats. If you purchase a second-hand car with no spare wheel, it is important to know whether you need to have one in case of an emergency.
Run flat tyre comparison – Kwik-Fit (2021)
Other advantages of run flat tyres include:
1 - Strengthened sidewalls to help keep your car under control in the event of a puncture.
2 - No need for a tyre change at the side of a road.
If you are not sure your vehicle is using run flats, pop into your closest Richmond Service Centre for more information.
6. Tyre (Wheel) Balancing
Wheel balancing is used to help ensure that the weight of the wheel is even when it turns (not to be confused with wheel alignment). A wheel that has not been balanced properly can result in premature wearing of the tyres, suspension, and steering components of the car. Drivers may not be able to always sense any imbalance at low speeds but once they get to high speeds, this may become noticeable due to discomfort holding the steering wheel and harsh vibration. Wheel balancing is included with all tyre services available at your local Richmond Service Centre.