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HOW TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE IF TYRE BURSTS

There’s a slight difference in feel depending on which tyre bursts. If it’s any of the front tyres that burst, you will immediately feel the steering wobble and pull hard to one side, which is the side of the burst tyre. If it’s the rear tyre that bursts, the car will sway suddenly, violently shuddering.

In both these situations, especially at high speeds the best thing you can do is to AVOID BRAKING. In fact, in some cases, expert drivers recommend pressing the accelerator slightly to compensate for the sudden braking effect of a burst tyre (the sudden loss of pressure acts as if the brake has been slammed on that wheel alone and it tries to pull the vehicle sideways).

The most important thing is to maintain steering control, by holding on tightly to the steering wheel and gently steering the vehicle in the opposite direction from which it’s pulling to maintain control. Only after you’ve got full steering control, should you gently slow down, first by decelerating and then gently braking once you are at slow speeds. 

A front tyre burst is more likely to cause loss of steering control, and you need to fight with the wheel to regain control. A rear wheel blowout will tend to drag the car to one side from the rear, but is generally easier to control than a front wheel blow out.

If you are driving a vehicle with a high centre of gravity like an SUV or a van, be sure to get absolute steering control before even considering braking as they can tip over quite easily, due to the high sideways force created.

Pull over to the side of the road slowly – drive a little on the rim if needed till you are safely out of harms way on the highway, put on your hazard lights and then assess the situation. 

Preventing tyre blow outs

Checking your tyre pressure regularly is the safest way to prevent a tyre blow out. Once a week inspect the condition of your tyres to make sure there are no sidewall cracks, bulges or bald spots that could be trouble areas in a high speed run. When you drive at high speeds especially on concrete highways, the heat built up in the tyre increases its pressure and any weak spot on the tyre is a potential blowout point. 

Take breaks every 2 hours or so to let the tyres cool – don’t drive at high speed for too long. Maintain the correct tyre pressure. Under-inflating a tyre causes the tyre to flex more, and that weakens the side walls while building up heat. Over inflating a tyre causes the pressure to build up faster due to heat. Keep the optimum recommended pressure. 

Tubeless tyres are less prone to tyre blow outs because they run cooler than tube type tyres. In a tube type tyre there is some friction between the tube and the tyre wall which causes heat build up faster. Tube type tyres also lose air instantly in cases of a nail puncturing it, while tubeless tyres lose air gradually as the nail acts as a plug temporarily. Switch to tubeless tyres if you don't already have them. 

by  Roshun Povaiah

TOKUNBO TYRE(TIME BOMB): YOUR LIFE OR YOUR MONEY

When you have to deal with high gas prices, insurance, maintenance, parking fees, LASMA, police and everything else, keeping your vehicle on the road can be expensive. In today’s economy, it’s always nice to find a way to save a few kobo. This can be especially true when it comes to your vehicle. However, one thing you shouldn’t skimp on is replacement tyres. Many drivers are tempted to outfit their car or truck with used/tokunbo tyres in order to save a little money. Xpress tyre does not recommend buying tokunbo tyres. Driving on used tyres can lead to expensive repairs or dangerous accidents.

A family of three people died in this accident from tire failure in the picture above.  A picnic cooler, children's toys and sneakers were still found in the back seat.

Used/Tokunbo Tyre Sales

The main reason that used tyres are a bad idea is that they're dangerous. In spite of the fact that secondhand tyres may look okay, they could be five or more years old. Unlike fine wine, tyres don’t improve with age. Instead, they become worn and susceptible to malfunction or puncture. You usually can’t tell how much a tyre has aged just by looking at it. While a tyre might look fine on the outside, the rubber compounds inside may oxidize, causing the tyre to deteriorate from the inside out. In some cases, used-tyre dealers paint their products black in order to make them look new.

Unlike with the sale of new tyres, there's little quality control in the used-tyre industry. Used tyres may come from scrap heaps or salvage yards. They may not even get a safety inspection before they're sold again. It’s also important to note that used tyres are not subject to federal standards.  These standards were established so that people can use public roads safely.

So, while it may be tempting to try and save money by equipping your vehicle with a set of used tyres, consider the risks. Driving on unsafe tyres can lead to a blowout that could cause a serious accident. Don’t take chances when it comes to your vehicle or, more importantly, your own safety. Only purchase new tyres and get them installed by a professional. It’s also a good idea to have your tyres regularly inspected by a qualified professional at a dealership in order to make sure the tyres on your vehicle are safe and road ready.

Call us today on 07011311444 for the best tyres at the best price

TOYOTA PRADO VS LEXUS GX470

If you are a car lover like me, you would have noticed lately the increase in the number of Lexus GX 470 in Lagos particularly. Before now, Toyota Land cruiser Prado and 4runner dominated the SUV luxury world but we are starting to see a shift. So I took my search online to find out which is more preferably and guess what? There are so many comparison with different conclusions from both auto professionals and car users. Read some of the comment and pls feel free to add yours in the comment boxes below

Mark O,

I keep hearing that the 4runner and the GX470 is the same. Well, people it's not! You guys really need to sit in both to compare and it's not the same! It's Luxury vs. Economy. I can see as far as size and some of the parts, but there is no comparison. I am tired of people coming up to me at the gas station saying crap like you are just paying for the name. The 4runner is the same...IT"S NOT DAMN IT!!! The 4runner rides like a bumpy truck and the GX is smooth and quiet. The leather and interior alone should shut people up, but they just don't get it. Sorry guys I just need to vent when people has to be negative just because you have a nicer car……………

Adebowale J

Well, they do have different bodies and interiors. The GX470 body is taller and has a side-hing rear door. In contrast, the 4Runner has a traditional top-hinged rear hatch. The GX470 is significantly heavier.

But the frame, powertrain (engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, axles) and basic suspension design are the same.

One thing of interest to me that the both cars have in common is their tyre size. They both use a size 265/65R17. So if you drive any of this luxury car and you are wondering where you can get good tyres like Dunlop, Bridgestone, Toyo ….etc. Just give us a call on 07011311444 and we will have it delivered to your door step.

DANGER OF USED/TOKUNBO TYRES

One of the factors causing road traffic crashes in the last four years is the bursting of tyres, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC. Similarly, more Nigerians have died through the use of substandard tyres, popularly known as “tokunbo tyres” than other epidemics, like malaria, HIV, and diabetes. The corps marshal Osita Chidoka warned the motoring public to desist from purchasing second hand tyres because of the danger they pose lives, especially in the dry season. 

Also, the Director of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Dr. Joseph Odumodu has warned traders to remove the killer tyres or get them confiscated. Decrying the rate of road crashes as a result of tyre burst, the Kaduna state sector commander of FRSC, Mr. Olumide Olagunju, wondered why motorists should go for second hand  tyres when they have access to brand new tyres which are cheaper and safer. According to statistics from FRSC, from 2009 to the first quarter of this year, a total of 22,153 road accidents have been documented on the highways. Out of this 1,455 road accident were caused by weak, worn and expiring tyres.

In 2009 alone, 703 accidents on the highways resulted from tyre burst, representing 6.5 per cent of the total number of road accident that year. In 2010, it declined slightly to 246, representing 4.6 per cent of total road accident that year. In 2011, the level of road accidents from expired tyres went slightly higher to 399 documented cases representing the total road accidents. So far, 107 car accidents have been documented in the first quarter of this year due to “killer tyre burst,” representing 8.9 per cent of the total road accident figure. Vehicle tyres have a 4-year validity period from their date of manufacture. Thereafter, the tyre expires and may burst whilst in use. How to find out whether your tyre has expired?

Check for a stamp like in the picture above (3507). The first two numbers "35" tells you which week of the year it was manufactured and the last two number "07" tells you the year of manufacturing. So from the sample above, the tyre was manufactured the 35th week of year 2007. Check all your tyres for road safety purpose. Don't use expired tyres. They are likely to burst, especially when running in hot weather.

Ibrahim Paul Yushua,

Kafanchan, Kaduna state

DUNLOP TYRES 4 SALE. CALL 07011311444

HOW MANY DIE WHILE OVERTAKING

Overtaking other vehicles is one of the most dangerous driving manoeuvres. Many road crashes, some of them causing deaths, are the result of insufficient care when overtaking. There will be times when you toss up in your mind whether to overtake or not. If in any doubt, don’t!

No doubt

Overtaking always involves risk, whether you're on a multi-lane city motorway or a single lane country road.

So the number one rule is: if you have any doubts about the safety of overtaking, don't do it.

To the right

You must overtake on the right unless you and the vehicle you want to overtake are travelling in marked lanes on a multi-lane road or the vehicle you want to overtake is waiting to turn right and giving a right turn signal – in these cases you may overtake on the left side if it is safe.

Judging when it’s safe

This is the difficult bit, particularly for new drivers. Country roads can be tough: speeds are high and the road may be unfamiliar to you. As a new driver, it’s best to be extra-cautious about how much road you need to overtake. Forget about the line of traffic behind you and be patient.

Ask yourself: do I really need to overtake? Remember, as a Learner license holder, your maximum speed is restricted (80 km/h for Learners and 90 km/h for P1 drivers). And it doesn’t matter what license you have, you cannot go above the speed limit to overtake.

• You must not overtake unless you have a clear view of any approaching traffic and you can complete the manoeuvre safely with plenty of margin for error.
• Don’t begin to overtake when approaching a crest in the road, a curve or any other situation where your view of the road is limited. Remember that even on a straight stretch, a dip in the road can conceal an oncoming vehicle.
• On country roads, look out for signs indicating that there are overtaking lanes ahead. These offer a safer place to overtake but care is still required, particularly when traffic is heavy.
• Be sure to look carefully ahead at what is happening. A vehicle ahead of the one you want to overtake might be stopping or stopped at a pedestrian crossing, intersection or railway crossing. Also watch for vehicles waiting to turn right.
• If the road narrows ahead there might not be enough room to safely overtake.
• Check side streets and other lanes to ensure nothing will enter your space while overtaking.
• Don’t overtake a vehicle that is slowing down, it may be slowing to make a right turn into a street or driveway.

Crossing the line

You can't overtake across a solid (continuous) line, unless the line closest to you is broken. But remember, just because a line is broken it doesn't mean it’s safe to overtake. You have to judge the circumstances for yourself.

When you’re ready to overtake

• Check your mirrors.
• Signal that you’re going to change your position for long enough to give sufficient warning to others.
• Check your blind spots before turning your wheel to move out.
• Overtake and pull back into your lane with plenty of space between you and the other vehicle. You should be able to see the vehicle you have overtaken in your rear vision mirror before you change lanes to move in front of it. You must also check your blind spot to pull back in.
• If you're overtaking on a country road at night (a situation that requires extreme caution), then you need to think about your lights. You may find it necessary to put on your high beam when you draw level with the car you’re overtaking so you can get a good view of the road ahead.

Flashing

When you overtake another vehicle, you’re allowed to briefly flash your high beams immediately before starting to overtake.

If you're being overtaken

• Don't increase your speed. This will make the situation more risky for everyone on the road.
• Keep left and allow reasonable space for the overtaking vehicle to pass and move back into the lane.
• Keep within your lane.

Stay left

If you’re driving on a multi-lane road, you should stay in the left lane unless overtaking. If the speed limit is over 80 km/h or there is a ‘Keep left unless overtaking’ sign then you MUST keep left.

If there are three lanes and the left lane has many vehicles travelling at a slower speed than you, stay in the middle lane. After you have passed them, you should return to the left lane. The right lane is generally reserved for overtaking so move out of it as soon as it is safe.

Bikes of all kinds

Allow motorcycles as much space as a car when overtaking.

If you’re overtaking a bicycle rider, give them at least one metre of space to the side in a 50 km/h zone. If the speed limit is higher, you need to give the cyclist more space.

Dodgy overtakers

Country driving requires special care. The higher speed means that when things go wrong, it usually happens very quickly.

The FRSC has some good tips on avoiding dodgy overtaking behaviour by other drivers. They encourage drivers to look far ahead up the road. This will allow you to position the car correctly for the road conditions and alignment and to see potential problems before you have to deal with them.

An impatient driver in a line of oncoming traffic is a potential danger. The driver might be poking his or her car across the centreline, looking for the slimmest opportunity to overtake and potentially endangering everyone else on the road. If you see this, you should slow down, keep an eye on the dodgy driver as he or she approaches and move as far to the left as you safely can.

Mythbuster

Many people believe you are allowed to go above the speed limit to overtake as long as you drop back again after the manoeuvre. This isn’t true – you cannot break the speed limit at any time!

Large vehicles. 

Overtaking these is more difficult. You should

• Drop back. This will increase your ability to see ahead and should allow the driver of the large vehicle to see you in their mirrors. Getting too close to large vehicles, including agricultural vehicles such as a tractor with a trailer or other fixed equipment, will obscure your view of the road ahead and there may be another slow-moving vehicle in front
•  Make sure that you have enough room to complete your overtaking manoeuvre before committing yourself. It takes longer to pass a large vehicle. If in doubt do not overtake

Not assume you can follow a vehicle ahead which is overtaking a long vehicle. If a problem develops, they may abort overtaking and pull back in

Lastly, all of these rules may fail if your tyres are bad. So to protect yourself and loved once, buy original tyres. At Xpress tyres we offer competitive price for passenger car, suv, van and truck tyres by the leading names including dunlop, goodyear, michelin, pirelli, bridgestone, firestone and continental. sms ur size to +2347011311444