PATVORA TYRE SAFETY INITIATIVE

PATVORA TYRE SAFETY INITIATIVE

In Nigeria it is common place knowledge that a significant number of road crashes occur due to bad tyres, yet tyres remain a highly neglected vehicle component in terms of road safety.

The PATVORA tyre safety initiative is a new dimension in road safety awareness. The principal objective is to reduce road casualties by improving tyre safety awareness.

This site is a comprehensive source of relevant information on tyres for all road users. The site intends to punch home the importance of tyre safety to motorists through campaigns and exposing the dangers associated with the use of bad tyres.

Through collaboration with tyre manufacturers, distributors, retailers and other organisations that share the same vision on road safety, the PATVORA Organisation intends to raise the level of tyre awareness to new heights by organising tyre awareness seminars for drivers, fund radio/TV advertising campaigns and organise other tyre related campaigns. In addition, the PATVORA Tyre Safety Initiative will provide tyre safety clinics that will enable PATVORA volunteers offer roadside tyre checks during holidays and weekends to motorists on major highways. The tyre safety clinics will provide advice to motorists and distribute information leaflets on tyre safety.

The creation of this site was inspired by the fact that in Nigeria approximately 80% of motorists are unaware of what constitutes illegal or unsafe tyres and that many lives are lost to road crashes as a result of bad tyres. The associated costs in terms of damaged property run into $millions.

Now, before you think about turning the page, consider the statement of John Akanya, the Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria. “In the year 2004, poor tyre safety awareness and maintenance led to over thirty four thousand motor-related fatalities and many injuries in Nigeria” P.M news.

If nothing else motivates you to learn about safe tyres, read that last sentence again and then move on!

Anyone who visits this site can inform others using the send to a friend link. The PATVORA Tyre Safety Initiative relies on public support. Everyone who supports this initiative is ultimately helping to make our roads a safer place.

If you wish to contribute to our efforts, then please contact i nfo@patvora.org or call Ken on 080 23232328 to discuss how you can get involved.

ABOUT TYRES

Tyres are such an important and integral part of road safety. They are your only point of contact with the road surface. You cannot neglect the condition of your tyres. If you do, you could endanger not only yourself and your passengers, but also other road users.
Today’s passenger vehicles have a lot of safety features, from seat belts to anti-lock brakes and airbags. But one of the most important safety features on your car is something that you might not think about very much—your tyres. In many ways, tyres are the foundation of auto safety. They not only cushion the ride, they also play a key role in your ability to control, maneuver and stop your car. But to do all that, your tyres have to be in good shape—which means that you shouldn’t take them for granted. By taking proper care of your tyres, you can do your part to help your tyres keep you and your family safe.

Types of tyres

There are many tyre brands in the Nigerian market. The list includes Michelin tyres, Dunlop tyres, Pirelli tyres, Continental tyres, Avon tyres, Vrederstein tyres, Firestone tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Nexen tyres, Falken tyres, BF Goodrich tyre, Cooper tyres, Toyo tyres, Yokohama tyres, Goodyear tyres, Uniroyale tyres and many more.

TYRE MAINTENANCE:

Tyre technology has made tremendous advances over the years, and tyres are reliable, effective and long-lasting. But they still need a little regular care and maintenance to stay that way. By understanding a few basic concepts, and devoting a few minutes a month to tyre care, you can get the most out of your tyres.

The best way to avoid the inconvenience of a bad tyre is to not have one in the first place. You can’t always avoid potholes, nails and other road hazards. But you can do something about the maintenance and inspection of your tyres and if you take good care of your tyres, they should serve you well for a long time. Tyre maintenance requires that you check your tyres at least once a month.

Why should you check your tyres?

Tyre performance especially braking in the wet, deteriorates the tread dramatically below 2mm. Worn tyres significantly impede the performance of your car. A worn tyre reduces the effectiveness of braking, steering, and acceleration, all of which are vital in staying safe. A few minutes put aside to check your tyre will enhance the safety of your family, passengers, other roads users and yourself.

What should you check?

1. Check overall condition of tyres, including inner and outer side-walls.

2. Check tyre tread depth.

3. Check all tyre pressures.

4. Check signs of irregular wear, i.e. alignment.

5. Check and examine the spare tyre.

To help people remember the key points in tyre maintenance, experts recommend that you “play your PART.”

The Big 4 stands for:

· PRESSURE

· ALIGNMENT

· ROTATION

· TREAD

Keep the Pressure On

One of the simplest - and most important - things you can do to keep your tyres in good shape is to make sure that they are properly inflated. You must check your tyres’ air pressure regularly, because tyres normally lose pressure over time. If one of your tyres has lost two pounds per square inch (psi) or more of air pressure, look for signs of punctures, valve leakage or damage that may account for the air loss. Also, a rapid drop in temperature can cause your tyres to lose pressure. Expect to lose one or two psi when the thermometer dips by 10° F. An under-inflated tyre might not seem like a big problem, but it can have a big impact in terms of safety and reliability.

Driving on any tyre that does not have the correct inflation pressure is dangerous and underinflation is the leading cause of tyre failure. Underinflation can make it harder to steer and stop your vehicle, result in loss of vehicle control, cause sudden tyre destruction, and lead to serious injury or death. As important as tyre inflation is, however, many people seem to ignore it. Tyres that have been run even short distances while severely underinflated may be damaged beyond repair, and should be checked by a professional.

The Proper Pressure

Experts say that you must check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before going on a long trip. Also, make it a habit to check your tyres every time you fill up your fuel tank. Ideally, tyre pressure should be measured when tyres are cold - that is, when you have driven less than 2 kilometers. Otherwise, your tyres may have heated up, increasing the air pressure inside them by several pounds. This is normal. Never "bleed" or reduce the air pressure in a hot tyre.

There is no universal "right" pressure for all tyres. The proper inflation level will depend on what tyres you have and it may even be different for your front and back tyres. To find the correct pressure for your tyres, look at the tyre information placard that’s mounted inside the frame of the driver’s door, in the glove box or inside the fuel door. You can also get that information in your vehicle owner’s manual and from your tyre dealer.

It’s important to be accurate in filling your tyres. Don’t try to "eyeball" the pressure - a tyre can lose half its pressure without looking flat. Instead, use a reliable tyre pressure gauge. It’s also a good idea to have your own gauge, because you can’t always count on the gauge on the air hose at the petrol station.

Wheel Alignment

Is your tyre evenly worn across the surface? If not then it could be due to over or under inflation. (Please see Tyre Pressure Section above). If it is only worn on one edge it could be as a result of poor wheel alignment. If this is the case you need to have a professional mechanic check on your Tracking.

Wheel Balancing

An unbalanced wheel does not just simply mean an annoying shake it can cause actual mechanical damage.

Rotation: Taking Turns

Finally, you can slow down uneven tread wear by rotating your tyres-which simply means moving them around so that they "trade places" on your vehicle in a systematic way. Rotation is important because each tyre on a car carries a different amount of weight, making them wear at different rates. By rotating them, you basically even out those differences. Your owner’s manual will tell you how often to rotate your tyres, but as a rule of thumb, it should be done every 8,000 to 10,000 km. You might want to rotate them sooner if you see signs of uneven wear. Misalignment and other mechanical problems can also cause such wear, so check with your mechanic to determine the cause.

There are various patterns for rotating tyres. A common one for front-wheel drive vehicles involves moving the tyres in a criss-cross fashion, with the left front tyre trading places with the right rear, and right front trading with the left rear. If you have a full-size spare, you can include it in your rotation pattern-but don’t do so with a small "temporary use" spare, because those are meant only for low-speed, short-distance emergency use.

Mind Your Tread

Another critical part of your tyre is the tread, which gives you the traction to stop and hold the road on curves. Tyre tread also funnels water out from under the tyre, which helps to reduce "hydroplaning," where a car actually rides up on a layer of water and becomes dangerously difficult to steer or stop. About one out of every 5 cars on the road in Nigeria has at least one worn out or bald tyre. There are several things you can do to stay out of that group, and help the tread last longer on your tyres. For starters, make sure that your tyre dealer balances your tyres when installing them. Balancing involves placing small weights on the rim to counteract heavy spots, or slight variations in weight, in the wheel. If a tyre is not balanced, it will shimmy as you drive and your tread will wear down quickly.

You must also make sure that your car’s suspension is properly aligned. Otherwise, your tyres will ride at an angle and wear unevenly, and you may experience handling problems. A car can become misaligned gradually over time, or suddenly when you hit a bump or pothole. Have a mechanic check your alignment periodically, as suggested in your owner’s manual. Also, have it checked if you notice anything unusual, such as pulling to one side or vibrating. This could be a sign of tyre trouble, such as impending tread/belt separation.

Treat Your Tyres Right

You may not realize it, but the way you drive can have a lot to do with how long your tyres will last and how well they perform. As you head down the road, there are a number of things to keep in mind:

Take it easy. Avoid hard cornering, rapid accelerations and abrupt braking and stopping. They put a lot of stress on your tyres. Smooth, safe driving is better for your tyres and for you, too.

Avoid potholes and other hazards. Obviously, it’s best not to hit potholes or objects in the road. But if you can’t avoid them, remember that the faster you are going when you hit something, the greater the impact on your tyres, so slow down as much as you can without endangering yourself or others.

If you can’t avoid a pothole, don’t apply the brakes when you hit it. Instead, apply them as you approach the hole, and release them just before striking it. This slows you down, but allows the tyre to roll as it hits, softening the impact. If you hit an object or hole, have your tyres checked by a professional. Such collisions can cause internal tyre damage that you can’t see but which can cause problems later on. Sometimes, a tyre can be severely damaged and travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometers before failing. A vibration or rough ride may be a sign of such damage and that it is time for a replacement.

SAFETY TIPS

Getting stuck—and unstuck.

If you find yourself stuck in mud or wet grass, don’t spin your tyres rapidly, and never spin them if a drive wheel is off the ground. Doing so can actually cause a tyre to explode and seriously injure someone, because if one drive wheel is stuck, and the other is free to spin, all the engine’s power goes to the free wheel. If you’re in mud, turn off the vehicle, apply the brakes and shovel mud away from the tyres and vehicle. Try sand and gravel to get more traction. If that doesn’t work, gently rock the vehicle back and forth using forward and reverse gears. Keep people away from your tyres and the vehicle as you rock.

Traction tips.

In rainy weather, some drivers might let a little air out of their tyres, thinking it will give them more traction. That’s a very bad idea. In reality, it actually reduces traction. It also impairs your ability to control the vehicle, increases the possibility of tyre failure due to underinflation and increases tyre wear.

Watch out for overloading.

Driving on an overloaded tyre is hazardous. When your car is carrying too much, the weight can create excessive heat inside your tyres and that can cause sudden tyre failure. Never exceed the maximum load rating of your tyres, which you can find on the sidewall of the tyre, in the owner’s manual or on the vehicle placard. When you replace a tyre, make sure the new one has a load-carrying capacity equal to or greater than the tyres that originally came with your vehicle.

It’s also important to treat your tyres right when you’re not using them. If you store tyres, keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, heat and ozone. Allow air to circulate around all sides to avoid moisture damage. Keep tyres away from grease, gasoline and other substances that can deteriorate the rubber. Store them upright if you can, but if you have to stack tyres on their sides, be careful not to pile them too high: The weight of the stack could deform and damage the bottom tyres, rendering them unusable.

If you need to get a new tyre, make sure you’re getting the right one. As a rule, all four tyres should be the same size, have the same speed rating and load index, and be the same construction type (radial or non-radial). But there are exceptions. The vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations or your tyre dealer can help you determine which tyres are right for your car and your specific driving needs.

TYRE CARE FOR SAFE DRIVING

In addition to performing regular maintenance, you must also keep an eye out for potential problems that might affect your tyres. Regular inspections can help you prevent tyre trouble, and keep you rolling safely down the road. When inspecting your tyres, look for:

Trouble makers.

Check for small stones, pieces of glass, bits of metal and other foreign objects that might be wedged into the tread, and carefully pick them out. They can cause serious problems if they are pushed farther into your tyre as you drive.

Damaged areas. Cracks, cuts, splits, punctures, holes and bulges in the tread or on the sides of the tyre can indicate serious problems, and the tyre may need to be replaced.

Valve caps. Those little caps on your tyre’s valve stem keep moisture and dirt out, so make sure they are on all your tyres. Also, when you have a tyre replaced, have a new valve stem assembly installed at the same time.

Spare Tyre

Even if you never use your spare, it is vital that you check it is in good condition. Check the pressure and the tyre treads periodically. It is better to discover any problems in a safe and comfortable environment, i.e. at home, than by the roadside.

Many cars have small “temporary use only” spare tyres. These are designed for limited use, and you shouldn’t exceed 60kmh when you’re using one. You can drive on a temporary spare for some time, but not indefinitely—restrictions for the spare will usually be printed on the tyre, or you can find them in the owner’s manual.

Damaged tyres

Driving on a damaged tyre can be dangerous. During tyre inspection, If you see something you’re not sure about, have it examined by your tyre dealer. Any time you see damage to a tyre, don’t drive on it—use a spare if you need to go somewhere. Also, pay attention to the “feel” of your tyres as you drive. A rough ride may indicate tyre damage or excessive wear. If you notice vibrations or other disturbances while driving, and/or you suspect possible damage to your tyre or vehicle, immediately reduce speed, drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road and stop, and inspect your tyres. If a tyre is damaged, deflate it and replace it with your spare. If you do not see any tyre damage and cannot identify the source of the vibration, have the vehicle towed to a mechanic or tyre dealer for a thorough inspection.

If a flat is due to a small puncture in the tread area (not more than 1.4” or 6mm in diameter), a tyre can probably be repaired. This should be done using a “combination plug and patch” method, in which the hole is plugged and the interior of the tyre is repaired and sealed.

Always have a trained tyre professional perform because safe tyre repair requires proper training and specialized equipment.

Experts recommend that you have a mechanic check your vehicle after you have a flat tyre to be sure there is no other damage to your vehicle from the event.

IF YOUR TYRE IS DISABLED

Tyres today are highly reliable and durable but they’re not invulnerable. Like anything else in your car, they can be damaged by lack of maintenance or accidents, such as running over nails or into holes. And that means that tyre failures, flat tyres sometime happen.

Like many other unexpected events drivers might encounter, blowouts and tread separations should be handled with calm and common sense because when the driver knows what to do, they should be controllable. Remember, as the driver, you must always act responsibly not only for your own safety, but for the safety of your passengers and others sharing the road with you.

If you get a flat tyre or tread separation when you’re driving, experts recommend that you:

· Keep both hands firmly on the wheel.

· Keep your eyes on the road.

· Do not move the steering wheel except for small adjustments that may be necessary to continue in your same lane of travel.

· Remove your foot from the accelerator.

· Do not apply the brakes.

· Allow your vehicle to coast and slow without braking.

· Identify where you can safely stop the vehicle outside the flow of traffic.

· When your speed is low enough and conditions permit, drive carefully out of the travel lanes.

· Park the vehicle. Turn on your emergency flashers. Have your passengers get out and stand a safe distance away.

· Summon help.

Tackle changing a tyre only if you can do so without placing yourself or others in danger. The point is to ensure the safety of you and your passengers before worrying about the tyre. If you are driving on a flat tyre, there’s a good chance that it’s already ruined, so take the time you need, even if you have to drive slowly (with your hazard lights flashing) for some distance to find a safe stopping place.

Once you are safely parked, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for jacking up the car and changing the tyre. It’s a good idea to read through those instructions and familiarize yourself with the process when you get the vehicle. It’s a lot easier to do that in your own driveway than at an unfamiliar highway rest stop or parking lot.