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Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

SPARE TYRE and WHEEL WHICH SYSTEM DOES YOUR CAR HAVE?

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WHICH SPARE TYRE SYSTEM DOES YOUR CAR HAVE?

As a tyre retailer for 40 years, this is an increasing problem for the modern motorist. When the car manufacturers had to make their cars lighter. So that they could hit their emission targets. Considering many ways to lighten the weight of their cars to make them more emissions friendly. Including other different ways of doing without a SPARE TYRE and  wheel.

Today’s problem has been that the car makers did not come up with any universal and unified method of doing this. So different cars have differing systems for the replacement of your spare tyre. Consequently, the problem is that when you buy a car it is the last thing on your mind. Off course, to check out the spare wheel system for that particular model of car.

Space saver; flat tyre systems.

This was one of the first ideas to come from the car manufacturers. In theory the idea is not too bad. If you look into your boot you will see a very thin looking wheel.

With a thin looking car tyre that actually resembles a motor bike tyre. The wheels are usually painted a bright colour, bright red or bright blue, to distinguish the spare wheel from the wheels on the car. The space saver car SPARE TYRE is a different size to the rest of the tyres on the car, but is the same overall diameter (height) so that when it is fitted to the car then it keeps a balanced driver experience, when the wheel is being driven on. The space saver spare tyre is regulated to 50 MPH when used because the tyre is much thinner and can only carry the cars weight at a slower speed. Once the tyre is fitted it is important to get your original puncture fixed and return it to the car, this will not then restrict your speed.

Run Flat tyre system

The cars that are fitted with Bridgestone Run Flat Tyres  do not have a spare tyre at all. The technology is in the actual tyres. When you get a puncture in a run flat  the increased strength in the tyres structure. Consequently and supports the weight of the cars weight without having any air in. This is only a temporary fix. Thus, once again the car must not exceed 50 MPH. The other downside of the run flat tyres. Of course, is that because the tyre has been run on. Unfortunately, they are usually damaged beyond repair and a new one is required. The main advantage is.Subsequently, if you do get a puncture then you can just drive the car at 50 MPH. Importantly, in relative safety without the car deviating and the driver having to get out of the car and changing a wheel.

Emergency tyre repair kit spare tyre system

This is simply a can of tyre repair solution that you screw onto the tyres valve and it release a solution into the tyre a hopefully seals the hole that has caused the puncture. In my opinion this is the most unsatisfactory system. In the perfect scenario when you just have small nail or screw in the centre of your tyre, then the repair kit would probably work, but this is not the usual case.

Side wall damage

So in all my experience, most tyres succumb to side wall damage. Including, larger repairs that the emergency repair kit will not be able to cope with. The last car that I had with this system was a Nisan Juke. Because we travel to France a couple of times a year, we needed a spare tyre so we found an alloy wheel that fitted the studs and fitted a new spare tyre, you will also need a small jack and a wheel brace, because these are not supplied by the car manufacturers. This is an easy thing to do if you have a friendly tyre retailer and well worth the effort to cover yourself in case you have a dreaded puncture in the middle of nowhere.  

The main gist of this though is to make sure you know which spare tyre system that is provided with your car and familiarize with it. Some car owners are lucky enough to have the old fashioned spare wheel fitted complete with a jack and a wheel brace.

 

Heat Causes More Tyre blowouts puncture repairs

Flat Tyre-A Woman’s Guide to Changing their own Wheel?

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 Women Drivers do often change their flat tyre

Sometimes it may be great to play a damsel in distress. So, having a strong and well-toned man fix your flat tyre. Importantly,  I think every woman ought to know how to change to the spare wheel. After all, having your tyre blow is never something anyone plans. Of course, you may not have any ready eager boy scout waiting around to rescue you. There is no need to keep the wheel changing in a man’s domain. Times are changing and you should too. Time to empower yourself and get ready to tackle that flat tyre !

 1. First of all, if there is a place for you to move your car out of the way !

So, if there is a place to where you can get out of the way, then move your car there. Make sure oncoming traffic will be able to see you. Turn on your hazards and if you have an warning triangle. Then place where it will be clearly visible. Also make sure the place you move your vehicle to as flat and even as possible. Avoid soft ground and inclines. Whenever possible place some bricks, blocks or large rocks . Naturally, under your car to prevent your car from rolling backwards.

 2. If you have hubcaps, remove them.

These are the covers of your wheels. Check you manual on how to remove them. I highly suggest you look at this beforehand and not when you have already blown a tyre.

 3. Next you need to remove the wheel nuts.

These are the nuts or bolts that hold your wheel in place. You will need a wheel brace to do this. Of course the wheel brace comes in different shapes and sizes . Commonly known as a “Spider” . So, the spider wrench is the T shaped wrench. Of course, that should be together with all your other tools. The shape of the wrench makes for easy leverage. However, if your upper body strength is lacking the heft or muscle needed to loosen the lug nuts. Importantly, you may have to resort to step on the T-arm to obtain better leverage. Always remember, left to loosen and right to tighten.

 4. Now you need your car jack to raise your car.

Most cars have a flat plate behind the front wheels and just in front of the back ones for this purpose. Place the jack under the “jacking point” nearest to the tyre to be changed ! Raising the jack with the jack handle to meet the jacking point plate. Double check and make sure your car will be steady once it is raised. Safety is crucial whenever you are working with your car. Now raise your car about 15 cm of the ground. Don’t forget that when you re-fit an inflated spare wheel.Thus, will need room so make sure there is enough space for the spare to be placed on.

 5. by grabbing it with both hands, one on each side.

So after removing the wheel nuts!  Pull the flat wheel straight and off. Quickly,line up your spare with the bolts and slide it on. Replace the lug nuts but do not tighten them completely. When you have lowered your car, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in opposite pairs. Make sure these are as tight as possible ! Because you absolutely do not want your tyre to come off when you start driving away.

 6. It’s time to clean up and put things back in place.

Put all your tools together and place them back where they were stored. Always put them back in the same place so you know right where to find them in case of emergencies. Knowing where all of the tools are before you get into an emergency situation is suggested. Put your flat tyre where you spare one was and make sure to have it fixed right away.

7. Of course many cars dont have spares now !

many cars now run on run-flat tyres and do not have a spare wheel. In my opinion this is a great idea ! So when a puncture occurs then the driver can carry on driving the car. Albeit at a steady 50 mph ! Cars with runflats can then make their way to a tyre centre and have the problem attended to. Some cars only carry a can of air sealant and no spare wheel. This idea is save on the weight of the car and reduce emissions.

8.I would advise most ladies to join a motoring organisation

Although that you now know how to change your flat tyre ! I would strongly recommend that any motorists and not just ladies should join one of the road side assistance companies. So we all must have noticed how busy our roads are now getting. Especially, on the motorways. Recently, I had the dis-pleasure of having a tyre blowout on the M1 motorway.

Of course, it was dark and raining and was a very frightening experience. However it is a job that I have done all my life and quickly changed the wheel at the roadside. However it did open my mind to the thought that this would have been horrific for a lady driver to attempt this task. Simply it would be far better to join the “AA” “Green Flag” or the “RAC“. Naturally putting your mind at rest !

 A woman alone with her car and a flat tyre could be a signal for the less than honourable to take advantage of the situation. If you have no recourse but to change the tyre yourself, make sure you have some form of protection nearby like pepper spray. Also make sure to call a friend or relative to let them know what happened when your tyre blows so someone is aware of where you are and the situation you are in. This will at least give people you know the information of your whereabouts.

9, Having your tyres in good condition is one way to avoid a flat tyre.

While some causes like a puncture from a nail or other sharp object cannot be avoided. So, keeping your tyres well inflated. Along with careful driving will lessen the chances of your having to change a flat in the future.

And if you need new tyres ! Contact us on www.pellontyres.co.uk as we are independently owned tyre centres across the UK . Consequently, to help you find the right tyre for your need. Its knowledgeable and professional staff will be able to give you brand neutral car safety advice to help you make the right decision for your tyre needs. And if your car needs other types of auto service, they offer than as well.

• An open and honest approach with the customers

• A high standard of work and excellent value for money

• 12 month guarantee on parts and labour

• An open invitation to inspect, review and rate the garages of your choice to make the best informed decision for your needs

 Stay safe on the road ladies!