Mud specialist

Press, 15 March 1982, Page 12

Mud specialist

Reidrubber has created just the tyre for all off-the-road enthusiasts — the XT tread pattern range for four-wheel-drive vehicles, which is proving popular not only in New Zealand but also in Australia. The difference between the XT and other standard four-wheel-drive tyres is the Reidrubber directional tread. That is the lugs point in one direction and are not staggered. The XT is a very efficient self-cleaning tyre proving especially reliable in muddy conditions and over rocky terrain.

The large lugs assist in freeing dirt, stones and clay from the tyres lessening the chance of wheelspin. They also prove excellent over rocky ground in dragging a vehicle up and over ledges. XT tyres are ideal for the rallying enthusiast when climbing: or descending a steep section where there is just a enough moisture to clog the tread. This is not only . potentially dangerous but iit also, chews up the

track for those who follow behind. The extra grip can mean added convenience for the building contractor who often faces a bare clay hillside. Reidrubber • produce both 14in and 16in tyres for cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles plus a 20in XT for heavy trucks. There are several different section widths within each of these sizes ranging from 600 to 750 in the 16in category to 825 to 1000 for the truck tyres.

It is not often wise to mix drinks, and the same certainly applies with radial-ply and cross-ply tyres. As a general rule, these should never be mixed. If it is absolutely essential, radials should be fitted to the rear, with cross-plies on the front but this is still not recommended. The two different types of tyres should never be fitted on the same axle. If you have a mixture of steel belt

and textile radials, put the steel-belted tyres on the back wheels. Driving hazards multiply with the arrival of the winter months, with wet roads and reduced visibility taking their toll on inattentive drivers. With New Zealand’s wet climate, hydroplaning on smooth highways is a problem that can — and does — lead to serious accidents. Hydroplaning occurs when water forms a wedge between your tyres and the road surface and can lead to complete loss of control. Causes are heavy rain, smooth road surfaces and worn tyres but hydroplaning can occur with tyres in good condition too.

There usually needs to be between 2.5 and 10mm of water-on the road for hydroplaning to occur. The higher the speed of the vehicle, the more likely a vehicle will hydroplane.

‘You can lessen the likelihood of this happening by .reducing speed in heavy rain conditions, .increasing tyre pressure and making sure your tyres are in excellent conditon.