Martin Norway, Author at Car And Tire Blog

Winter is approaching

For us in the Nordics, we all know what that means… The weather will gradually get colder, the days will get shorter. For us car drivers it also means that we will need to plan when to change our tyres from our summer tyres to winter tyres. It is important not to wait until the snow comes, but carefully plan and be prepared for the winter weather, by having winter tyres on your car before the winter weather arrives. So Start planing when to change to winter tyres already today!

Don’t get caught by surprise

There are a few things that you can do to avoid being caught by surprise. One is to already now start looking through your calendar. Try to find a suitable timing for changing tyres. It is good practice to put all your key dates into the calendar, before you decide. These dates can be certain holidays, school holidays, special events, dates from when it is allowed to drive with studded tyres and especially events where it is crucial that you have your car in driving condition. Once that is done and you have selected the date, then unless you are changing tyres yourself, I would already advise you to call the service station and book a time for the actual change. By being out in good time, should ensure that you get the time that you want.

Change to winter tyres-what type?

Most people would already have a set waiting from last season, but if it is your first season or your tyres were too worn out to survive to this season. Then you need to purchase a new set of tyres. For winter tyres, the quality is of utmost importance. This is not the time nor the season where you want to try to save a few euros. In winter you will need all the support you can to manage in winter conditions. Ability to quickly manoeuvre or braking fast and having a short braking distance can be very critical for your safety.

Make sure that you change to winter tyres, tyres that are approved for winter conditions. They will have a snowflake symbol. This guarantees that they have been tested for driving in winter conditions.

You have the option to go for a studded or a non-studded tyre.

With this information your should be able to have the right tyres on your vehicle before the snow hits, to ensure that you will be ready and stay safe!

Keep checking those tyres!

It is recommended to check your tyres very frequently. It can be stated, that you can’t check them often enough. The question remains how often should they be checked. I would say that when you stop at the petrol station to fill up your car, then should try to check the tyres. Petrol stations tend to be well lit and you have the necessary equipment there to care for the tyres, if there are any problems.

Checking the tyre pressure — Inflating the tyres at a petrol station

Do a quick visual check for any bulging of the tyre, and defects on the sidewall and check the tread depth. This can be done very quickly. Often tears or bulges come from hitting the curb while trying to park your car. So be careful when you park your car.

Check the air pressure in the tyres and top up with air if needed. The correct pressure ensures that you get the best performance from your tyres. It also reduces the rolling resistance, which saves you money on petrol. You will also have even wear and the tyres will last longer. Safety aspects are also improved as you will have shorter braking distance and better control over your car while driving. When driving on wet roads it is important that your tyres are able to push away sufficient amount of water to avoid aquaplaning.

Smart tyres-Is this the future?

Having smart tyres on your car, is for sure the direction the technology is taking us. Smart tyres will be able to communicate with cars in a way that the driver will have all the information at his or her disposal at all times. Italian tyre manufacturer, Pirelli, is launching a new tyre named, Connesso, which is Italian for connected. Smart tyres is a more intelligent system than the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that new cars nowadays use.

Smart tyres have both sensors and chips in the tyres. These are used to read and process tyre data. The smart tyres even have sensors in the tyre tread. The chip can communicate via Bluetooth to various device. Bluetooth’s advantage is that you can use a smartphone or a tablet to access the data. You will now be able to know tread wear, total milage, load on the wheel and other relevant data. Only a few selected sports cars are currently using system. The cars can use the data received to ensure optimal car performance. A lot of predictions can be made through a special algorithm to ensure that you get the most in terms of performance from your car. As data will be synced with the cloud, you can access it from anywhere. For this technology to become main stream, will most likely take a decade, but thinking how important the tyres are for performance and driving safety, I am sure this is the direction we will go. After making TPMS mandatory, I see this as the next natural step for the future.

Collected data will ensure that you don’t have uneven wear on your tyres due to misalignment or low tyre pressure. Ability to read data continuously from your tyres, makes sure that the wear of the tyres is evenly distributed among the four tyres. This will make sure that you get the most out of your tyres and you will save you money in the long run. Smart tyres also make you stay safer on the road while driving.

How TPMS is helping us stay safer

As of November 2014 all new cars in the EU must have some sort of tyre surveillance system (TPMS). There are basically two different types available and it depends on how they measure tyre pressure, you have indirect and direct TPMS. Both systems are in place to improve our safety on the road, so use TPMS to stay safer.

Safety while driving — TPMS keeps you safer

Direct TPMS

For the direct TPMS, there are sensors that measure the tyre pressure from within the tyre. You can also measure the spare tyre. This then requires that you have sensors mounted in all your wheels. This is a great system, as you can see which tyre is loosing pressure. In some cases even see the actual tyre pressure.

Indirect TPMS

The indirect TPMS measures the difference in wheel rotation through the ABS-system. Early systems could not differentiate between the tyres, but would only indicate that you had an underinflated tyre. New systems can detect which tyre is under-inflated.

Direct vs Indirect

Direct TMPS is a far superior system than indirect MPS, as it is more exact, more details and faster to get a warning signal in case of problems. . The indirect is however a cheaper system, as you don’t need sensors for all you wheels, which in a lot of cases would be 9 sensors. This is to cover a set of summer tyres a set of winter tyres and your spare tyre. You also have problems with the sensors getting damaged, running out of battery or other unexpected problems. The simplicity of the indirect might however make it the dominant system on the market as car manufactures adopt the new technology. If you have a flat tyre and you are using direct TPMS you can not repair the tyre with a instant repair spray can, as this can damage the sensors. This is important to remember.

Run flat technology

It can add a lot of value if your tyres have run flat technology, as you might not otherwise notice that you have a flat, but with TPMS you would get a notice that your tyre has problem.

This is important as you can drive with run-flat tyres, but not more than 70-80 km and not faster than 80km/h. It is more so that you can safely get to a tyre shop to have the tyres repaired and not left stranded on some deserted highway or in a place where it is difficult to change tyres. When you use run flat tyres, it is extremely important that you have a TPMS on your car. With run flat tyres you might not notice that you have a problem and keep driving at your normal speed. This can lead to that the tyre explodes and can easily cause accidents.

TPMS to stay safer

There is still a need to do a visual inspection at least monthly to check that the tyres are free from any visual damages. It is important to check the sidewalls for any bulging or cuts. Check also if the tread pattern looks ok. You can still have uneven wear resulting from that the wheels are not correctly aligned.

The reasoning behind why it is has become mandatory is due to the importance of having correctly inflated tyres. Your driving safety is dependent on having correct tyre pressure, both maneuverability and braking distance is dependent on it. The risk of having your tyres destruct due to excessive hear build up, ply separation and potential explosion is prevented by having proper tyre pressure. Then you have personal benefits in terms of longer tyre life, lower fuel consumption.

So use your TPMS, but also remember that you need to do visual checks to stay safe on the roads.

Nokia Tyres launches new Tractor Tyre

Nokian Tractor King – Revolutionary from surface to core

Nokian Tyres have launched a new tractor tyre, Nokian Tractor King. Nokian Tractor King is a new no-compromise tractor tyre for the heaviest of machinery and the most difficult terrain in forestry, earthmoving and road construction. The design from all-new tread pattern to fortified carcass is nothing short of revolutionary in a tractor tyre.

The demands set for an ultimate tractor tyre have grown difficult to meet since machine weights, horsepower and road speeds have all increased. For safe and sustainable forestry, earthmoving and road construction Nokian Tyres now presents the new Nokian Tractor King. With the supreme durability and traction of this tyre the horsepower of tractors can be transferred to the ground like never before, pushing the boundaries of what can be done with a tractor.

Peace of mind in all conditions

Nokian Tractor King is revolutionary from surface to core. It essentially has the carcass of a heavy-duty earthmoving tyre, complete with steel belts, extra cord layers and Aramid-reinforced sidewalls. This combined with strong rubber compound makes it extremely resistant against cuts and punctures of forestry, earthmoving and road construction work.

New design from all-new tread pattern to fortified carcass — From surface to core

Many lugged tyres suffer from vibration problems, worsening with speed and tyre wear. Nokian Tractor King offers smooth ride on high speeds as well.Its durability, wear-resistance and environmentally friendly production process make it a sustainable choice for modern forestry, giving the driver peace of mind in all conditions.

Main features

50% more tractive edges

Compared to conventional lug pattern. All-new tread pattern gives grip on all terrains from sticky clay to loose sand.

Maximum speed 65 km/h

Economical kilometres. Innovative, wear-resistant tread design for comfortable, cost-efficient mileage.

High load capacity 320 kPa

Durability for toughest conditions. Revolutionary core and sidewall design for top-class puncture-resistance.

Innovations for daily work

With over 120-year experience Nokian Tyres makes forestry work all over the world safer and more sustainable. From game-changing ideas to the tested and trusted products, in the very core of Nokian Heavy Tyres business is knowing the world where tyres operate in. Driven by real life, Nokian Tyres constantly aims to exceed all previous achievements. So, in the end of the day, the work gets done safely and efficiently. Technology and service leadership come from experience and innovation, from deeply valuing the daily work.

Presented at Euroforest 2018 by Nokian Tyres:

Foresty – broad selection of premium and replacement tyres for CTL machines, skidders and forestry tractors
Agriculture – Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI for tractors and Nokian CT flotation tyres for trailers
Trucks and buses – New Nokian E-Truck Trailer designed for Central European medium and regional haul transport, and premium all-season drive axle tyre Nokian Hakka Truck Drive
Passenger cars – SUV/ 4×4 summer tyres Nokian Rockproof and Nokian Rotiiva AT

For more information visit: www.nokianheavytyres.com

Importance of Tyres in F1

For the Formula 1 teams to be able to secure their wins, they need to ensure that they have the right tyres for the conditions that prevail at the day of the race. Head of the Mercedes team, Toto Wolff, believes tyres have become the single most important factor in the F1 title fight between Mercedes and Ferrari.

For those following F1, will know how important the tyres are and how often the dreams are crushed because of the tyres. The teams will optimise their strategies based on how many pit stops are needed for change of tyres. We often see tyres blow or not enough grip due to worn out tyres. So proper tyre management and maintenance is key for performance.

Tyres for the Race

All cars have 3 different compounds of slick tyres for each race and 2 wet threaded tyres. The slicks have different hardness, the harder have less grip but are more durable and the soft have great grip but wear out quickly. It is the same supplier for all the tyres for all the cars participating. How you manage your tyres and when to make the stops to change tyres are critical for the success of the race.

General Tyres

For our normal cars we are not able to change tyres that frequently, so we are more dependent on our initial choice. Selecting the correct tyre is important both for the safety as well as the performance. We need tyres that are good both for dry condition as well as rainy conditions. If you have winter conditions, then you of course also need a tyre that is available to handle those circumstances. You do however have the possibility to change tyres between the seasons. So make the best of this, to ensure that you have the correct tyre for the season you will face.

Winter Tyre giant strengthens its summer tyre expertise

Nokian Tyres will add a new test centre in Spain in addition to the two test centres that they have in Finland. They will now be able to test and develop even better tyres for the summer seasons, through summer tyre testing capabilities. Nokian Tyres have previously tested summer tyres in both in South Africa and in Southern Europe. With this centre, they will be able to further enhance the development to continuously improve the performance of the tyres.

Tyre Testing

The new centre will be finished in 2020 and will have 10 different tracks for summer tyre testing. The two test centres that they have in Finland in Nokia and Ivalo are great for testing summer tyres in Nordic summer conditions. Winter tyre testing will be done in extreme snow and ice conditions. When it comes to winter tyres, Nokian Tyres is the world leader. By adding this centre it will be able to cover all seasons and weather climates.

Adding research and development facilities shows that Nokian Tyres is committed to continuously develop betted and safer tyres for all weather conditions. They produce tyres for both cars, electric cars, SUVs and trucks. Even tyres for big trucks and heavy tyres for heavy duty machines are produced by Nokia Tyres.

Importance of Testing

You will only be able to improve the rubber compounds and the tread design by continuous testing. They will need to test rolling resistance, wet grip, brake distance and tyre wear. They will test how they perform at high speeds and how they can take corners.

If you will invest in a set of Nokian Tyres summer tyres, you will know that you will get a tyre from a producer with a lot of commitment in producing great tyres for every season. If you want optimal performance from your tyre during the summer, you need to invest in a dedicated summer tyre.

How summer heat will impact your car

There are few items to make sure the you acknowledge during the summer when it comes to your car and your to your safety. Take measurements to ensure that your car and your summer tyres are able to take the heat. There has been some reports lately in social media accord to a UK magazine , that you should avoid filling up your tank during hot weathers, as the car might explode. This is of course not correct, the tank has been designed to handle any gasoline vapour.

Windshield

The windshield can crack if it is exposed to direct sunlight on scorching days. This is due to the fact that the glas will expand, which can cause cracking. So a good tip is to try to park in the shade, which should anyways be preferable once you get back into your car.

Sun and Heat Effects on Summer Tyres

The heat has a negative effect on tyres. The tyre pressure increases with increased heat, which can lead to higher wear. You also have the impact that the tyre starts to dry out, due to oils in the rubber will evaporate. Optimally you should have a dedicated summer tyre for optimal performance during this period and under no circumstances should you drive on winter tyres during the summer period.

Effect of sunlight on tyres — Summer tyre

Direct sunlight causes the UV to break down the tyre, so try to park in the shade and also do not store your winter tyres out in the sun. They should be stored safely in a dark cool place.

Impact on the interior

Leather seating is negatively affected by direct sunlight as well as heat, as the leather dries out. To prevent this, use leather conditioner on a regular basis.

The dashboard tends to be exposed to direct sunlight, to ensure that it doesn’t change colour, make sure to also use appropriate interior cleaning products.

Batteries and heat

The batteries last shorter time in hot conditions. It has been reported that approximately 15% of the breakdowns during the summers are due to battery problems. To avoid this make sure that that you enough distilled water in the battery.

Conclusion

For when you are not driving, it is always best to keep the car out of the sun and preferable park it in a garage. The tyres are affected by the heat and as being a big part of the car’s safety. It is always important to keep the tyres in good condition. Check that you have sufficient tread depth and your tyre pressure is correct as per the car manual.