Inspect tyres regularly, paying attention to:
Objects embedded in the tread
Remove all stones and other objects embedded in the tyre tread before driving.
Tread wear
Ensure tyres have adequate tread depth. If your tyres are worn to the tread-wear indicators they must be replaced. Tyre wear indicators are positioned at equal distances around the tyre and may be located by the symbol TWI in the very upper part of the sidewall in the shoulder area where that meets the start of the tread pattern.
Sidewall condition
If there are bulges and cuts, have the tyre examined by an Underwood Tyres specialist, as the damage may be more serious than it appears.
Note: Tyres showing wear on one side, or showing feathered edges to the tread pattern, are often indicative of mechanical maladjustment. The vehicle's steering, or suspension geometry may need to be checked, and the wheels aligned.
WARNING! All punctured or damaged tyres must be removed from the wheel for internal and external examination to ensure there is no hidden secondary damage which may later cause tyre failure. Puncture repairs must meet Australian standards.
Manufacturers' recommendations (G-Z)
Prior to repair, Underwood Tyres & Wheels will conduct a thorough examination to ensure the suitability of conducting a repair to a run flat tyre, in accordance to the Australian Tyre Standard, the tyre manufacturer's recommendations and any damage likely to be caused by the tyre running under-inflated
Goodyear - Minor repairs to Goodyear EMT or ROF run flat tyres may be repaired in accordance to the Australian Tyre Repair Standard.
Hankook - Minor repairs are permitted in accordance to the Australian Tyre Repair Standard.
Michelin - Michelin ZP (Zero Pressure) run flat tyres may be repaired in accordance to the Australian Tyre Repair Standard but hailed to only one repair. In the event of more than one penetration the tyre must be replaced.
Pirelli - In accordance to Pirelli's technical recommendations their run flat tyres cannot be repaired after being punctured and must be replaced.
Tyre Performance and Wear
Throughout the life of a tyre, its performance gradually decreases, compromising your safety particularly when driving in the wet. In these conditions, the tyre's ability to provide adequate grip when accelerating, cornering and braking reduces to unacceptable levels at the minirnum tread depth of 1.6mm.
For these reasons, most manufacturers recommend replacing worn tyres at a minimum tread depth of 3mm.
Repairs to Self Sealing Tyres
Repairs to Seal Inside Tyres may be made in accordance to the Australian Tyre Standard.
Following a penetration, during the repair procedure it will be necessary to remove the internal sealant in the area of the penetration equal to the size of the repair patch to expose the impermeable butyl liner.
The removal of the sealant will mean that the patched area will lose its special technical characteristics of a Seal Inside tyre.
Standard Repairs
- Punctured tyres to be repaired, must always be removed from the wheel for inspection
- Underwood Tyres & Wheels will ensure that your tyre is repaired according to the Australian Tyre Repair Standard
- Any penetration causing a hole in the tread area not exceeding 6mm diameter may be repaired
- If the penetration is greater than 6mm or is localised either in the sidewall, shoulder or bead area of the tyre then it is unrepairable and must be replaced to ensure that your safety is not compromised