Now you’ve taken the plunge, let’s get into the process.
Each level has 3 modules. You can read them in turn (click the link at the bottom of each page to move on) or choose your own order (by using the navigation at the top of each page)
At the end of each level there is a short ‘quiz’ for you to test your knowledge. If you wish to graduate the full program, you must take (and pass) all of the tests. Don’t worry, if you’ve read the modules, the quiz will be a breeze.
How much you want to read is entirely up to you. If you want just the basic understanding, you can stop at the end of level 1. However, level 2 contains some really useful information to make the most of your tyres, so we’d recommend you stick with it.
ENJOY!
A brief introduction
At first sight a tyre is just black and round with a hole in the middle. Look a bit more deeply, however, and you'll see quite a different story. The tyre is a complex piece of technology, consisting of numerous different components using a wide variety of raw materials, as the functions your tyres need to do are fairly complex.
The Tyre fulfils many functions:
Supports the weight of the vehicle.
Handling of the vehicle (cornering, steering etc.).
Transmits the power (accelerating & braking).
Although it looks quite simple, a tyre is a complex combination of many materials able to perform a variety of functions. Its sophisticated architecture is the result of a highly-specialized manufacturing process.
These technological advances help your tyre connect you with the road while you drive. They help provide grip, transmit acceleration and braking force, while cushioning your ride and accurately guiding your vehicle.
Basic tyre functions
Reading the tyre
The language of the tyre is alien to most people. It's buried in mysterious numbers, letters, symbols and codes found on the side of each tyre. Actually, they contain a lot of useful and important information about the capabilities of each tyre.
So if you don't know your tyre section width from your speed symbol, or if you do and you want to expand your knowledge, here's the important stuff that's helpful when it comes to choosing the right tyre for you.
TYRE SIZE
There is a string of numbers combined with a letter on the sidewall of a tyre. These indicate the size and the dimensions of a tyre
255/55 R18
In this example:
255: - Tyre width in millimetres
55 - Tyre aspect ratio. Ratio of height to section width. Here Height / Section = 55%
R - Construction = Radial
18 - Internal diameter in inches/wheel size
LOAD INDEX
The load index is a code showing the maximum load a tyre can carry. In this example a load index of 105, means that this tyre has a maximum load of 925 kg per tyre.
SPEED INDEX
The speed symbol indicates the maximum speed of use under service conditions specified by the tyre manufacturer. So in this example the tyre has the symbol V, which means a maximum speed of 149 mph
What's next?
Now move on to the next module to read about some key safety checks:-
