CARE OF TIRES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1941, Page 3

CARE OF TIRES

PRECAUTIONS FOR MOTORISTS. SOME IMPORTANT FACTORS. i “It is only natural that motorists : should strive to be as economical as ■ possible with all motoring costs, and- ■ this applies particularly to tires, and it is in this connection that a note of warning is in season,” says the latest • road safety message of the Wairarapa Automobile Association. “Motorists should not take undue risks in trying to get more miles from badly worn tires than safety dictates. Indeed, many tires which look good are quite the reverse, and many drivers are not aware of the simple causes of tire damage. Even an apparently slight blow on the edge of the curbing may injure the cotton cords of which tire casings are made, or upset the alignment of the front wheels. Many instances have been noted of carelessness by motorists in regard to tire con -1 cussion with kerbs when they are drawing their vehicles into the side of a street. There is little doubt that in most instances where inspection has revealed misalignment of the front! wheels, concussion or a side blow has 1 been the cause of the irregularity. Such misalignment, even if it amounts to j only one-tenth of an inch, has the same] effect on the treads of tires as if the driver deliberately placed a front; wheel at right angles to the chassis and’ kept it spinning in that position for | nine yards in every mile travelled. This i is the startling way in which the tire! technician describes the effect of misalignment. I

“Motorists should take every care to avoid crashing the front tires into curbings or other obstacles, and if, inadvertently, a front wheel is given a severe knock it is a wise plan to check over the alignment or have it done by a service station. Not only may steering be affected, but there is also the question of costly wear of the tires as well. Proper alignment and proper tires are safety factors which cannot be disregarded. Make absolutely sure that | your tires are above suspicion. If there! is the slightest doubt you will be tak- 1 ing an unwarranted risk. Effective, dependable tires contribute to safety.’’