IML: Tyres

I sent the following last year to the list re tyres. Most people do not show enough concern re the condition of their tyres. A quick glance every now and again to see if it has tread or if it is looking like it could do with some more air in it and that's it until it's time for registration.

During the time I have been reading the post's re tyres and the longevity of them etc etc, I have not read much re safety issues directly. I would hope that the basis of the discussion has evolved from a safety angle i.e.; how long do we keep our tyres before they become a safety issue. Well I hope that this is the root thought and it's not a monetary reason.

In my profession there are many times when I will have to drive at very high speeds in a variety of traffic conditions. As we all know the higher the speed then the more pressure is placed on the tyres. When cornering, braking etc the likelihood of a tyre failure rockets upward. We use the latest vehicles which are replaced approximately every six months. When we receive them new they are fitted with a "Police Pak" which includes the very best tyres filled with nitrogen. Apparently there is minimal leakage with the nitrogen and it gives a smoother ride.

When I am working I don't have to worry about wether the tyre will hold up as I take a sharp corner at speed or bake heavily etc etc, but I do see the consequences of people not having decent tyres on their vehicles. Road carnage is a terrible sight to come across. The human body is remarkable in the way it can take punishment, however it does have limits. Having said that I have seen people die as a result of crashing at 30k's and people survive at 200k's. Unfortunately I have attended many deaths as a result of road accidents and here is the scary part, many of those people would be alive today had they had decent tyres on their vehicles. I have seen every conceivable condition of tyre from totally bald with the wires protruding from them to "as new" looking but with a baldish spot in one area due to a previous high speed skid. I have seen what looked like new tyres however on closer examination I saw cracks along the walls which have caused a blow out. A tyre may appear to the naked eye as OK. It may even have plenty of tread however when put under severe testing such as emergency braking, a sudden swerve etc this is when the true nature of the tyre's condition may be revealed.

I just want to share with you all what I do with my own vehicles. I buy very good quality tyres every 2 years - yes 2 years. I inspect them weekly and make sure that they contain the correct air pressure. Regardless of how they "look" after 2 years they are changed - and I wont go near a retread. Some may say "that is too soon - don't waste your money". To that I say this. There is literally only a few square inches keeping us on the road, carrying the weight of the vehicle, turning corners, braking, accelerating not to mention steering - only a few square inches. In my veh I have my 8, 10,17 year old girls and my beautiful wife not to mention other peoples children sometimes. We are not going to be laying in a wreck when some Cop says "They might have had a chance if only the tyres were sound".

I might spend $600 every 2 years $300 per year $6 per week 85 cents per day to ensure that my family will never have to worry about whether the tyres will give way. What price for the safety of our loved ones - 85 cents per day. Less than the cost of a can of drink. A tyres condition should not be judged solely on how it looks.

Stay Safe

Larry Blomberg
1960 LeBaron Sedan