MOTRIO BLOG
Car suspension is a critical part of your vehicle, ensuring that your tires remain in contact with the road and your wheels stay aligned. The primary goal of car suspension is to provide a smooth and safe ride.
That is why it is extremely important to know the symptoms of car suspension problems, how they can be resolved, and how they can be prevented. In this article, we will explore all these topics so you will always be prepared if your car suspension suddenly fails you.
Symptoms of Bad Suspension
There are several telltale signs when diagnosing car suspension problems. One of the most common bad suspension symptoms, for example, is realising that one corner of tour car seems to be a lot lower than the other.
Another common bad suspension symptom that might go unnoticed is if your shock absorbers are extremely greasy or oily. If by looking at you shock absorbers, you see that they look too oily then there is a good probability that they are leaking fluid and therefore will not work optimally.
Car Suspension Creaking
A squeaking car suspension can be a warning sing that something is wrong with your vehicle. This could be caused by worn out components that are rubbing together due to insufficient lubrication or deteriorated parts. If a car suspension is creaking it is crucial that you address the issue immediately. Ignoring these sounds can potentially lead to more problems such as uneven tire wear and a failure of the entire suspension system.
Excessive Bouncing or Swerving
The most obvious sign that there are suspension problems is the unnecessary swerving of your vehicle. If you notice that your car pulls from one side to the other when driving, then there probably is a car suspension problem.
Also, since one of the main roles of the suspension is to ensure a smooth ride, if you start to feel more and more bumps, that is a clear sign that your car suspension needs to be checked.
What Causes Car Suspension Problems
Knowing what is causing your car suspension problems is crucial to take preventative measures against this issue. Apart for the regular wear and tear of car suspensions, which can’t be avoided, many of what causes car suspension problems can easily be solved by being more careful and mindful. For example, a common reason for car suspension breakdown is simply neglecting regular maintenance. Often drivers do not remember or do feel that regular maintenance is necessary and that is when car suspension problems they could be prevented occur.
Another instance of an avoidable problem is driving habits. Driving habits have a very serious impact on possible car suspension problems, aggressive driving for example can affect the overall integrity of the car. Driving too fast, speeding over bumps or suddenly braking can accelerate the wear and tear of a car and ultimately lead to car suspension problems.
Solutions for Car Suspension Problems
Since your car suspension is an essential part of what keeps you and others safe on the road, it is crucial to know what to do when you encounter car suspension problems. Driving with a worn suspension can cause serious damage to your car and present significant safety risks.
If any part of your suspension fails or if you start noticing bad suspension symptoms, you need to take immediate action. The first step is to take your car to a service centre, where it can be diagnosed, and the necessary components can be determined for replacement or repair. Once a licensed expert has evaluated the problem and fixed it, it is important to take preventive action, as discussed in the previous paragraph, to ensure the problem does not happen again.
A car air conditioning system is crucial for comfort especially during the summer months, when dealing with hotter weather. This is why, car regassing is an important part of your vehicle regular maintenance.
In this article we will detail what is car regassing, why is it needed and how to tell if your car needs regassing.
Signs Your Car Needs Regassing
There are many signs that your car needs regassing its aircon, with the most obvious being reduced performance in your air conditioning system. If the air blowing from the vents in your car is not as cold as it used to be, it might be due to the car’s refrigerant levels.
Another sign could be unusual noises or bad odours coming from the vents. In the first case, if your car needs regassing the aircon, you might hear strange noises such as bubbling or hissing when the aircon is on. As for the bad odours, if the refrigerant levels are low, it is likely that the air vents will emit a foul smell, which can be caused by the buildup of bacteria or even mould.
Why Regular Regassing is Important
Regular car aircon recharge is very important to maintain your car’s air conditioning system in optimal condition. Ensuring that the refrigerant levels are adequate will help the aircon system operate more efficiently.
Also, if you run an aircon system with low refrigerant levels, the car’s compressor might be overworked, potentially causing very costly damage to your vehicle. Finally, having a properly functioning air conditioning system will consume less energy, which can help with fuel consumption.
Benefits of Professional Regassing
Even though some car owners might consider attempting a DIY regassing, it is always recommended to seek professional help. Professional air con recharge, such as that offered by MOTRIO service centres, ensures that the job is done correctly and safely.
By going to a professional service centre for your car regassing needs, you can be assured that trained technicians will diagnose your vehicle, identifying all the issues with your aircon, such as leaks, checking for worn-out components, and ensuring that the system is working correctly.
Moreover, through a professional inspection, your aircon will be fully checked, helping identify all potential issues before they become a major problem. Additionally, professional service centres are equipped with the right tools to handle refrigerants safely. Using makeshift tools and improper handling of refrigerants can be dangerous and environmentally harmful.
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Your Car’s Aircon System
To keep your car’s aircon in good shape and avoid the need for car regassing, there are a few maintenance tips you can follow.
First of all, even in the cooler months, you should run your aircon for a few minutes every week to maintain the system’s seals and prevent them from drying out. Also, always remember to clean or replace the cabin air filter, as a clogged air filter will significantly impact airflow and cooling efficiency.
Finally, the best way to maintain a healthy vehicle and avoid having to regas your car is to have regular checks and inspections by professionals, such as those at MOTRIO service centres, to identify potential issues early and keep your car running smoothly.
According to a UK research, in 2016 1 out of 9 in all road deaths was caused due to poor weather conditions, specifically due to not slowing down on wet roads.
Wet roads and driving in the rain can be extremely dangerous even for the most skilled driver. Due to the reduced visibility and the risk of hydroplaning it is crucial that every driver knows what they should do when driving in the rain, what the most common issues they might face are and how to handle and prevent them.
Car Maintenance for Rainy Weather
If you find yourself stuck driving in heavy rain with a car issue that needs to be checked, you should never be caught unprepared. Proper car maintenance is vital to make sure your vehicle is safe to travel on less then optimal weather. Before leaving, you should always make sure your car is in perfect shape and ready to face the wet roads.
Whilst you’re on the road, if your car stops or breaks down for an unknown reason and needs to be checked immediately, you should always have the location of a trusted service centre. Knowing where to go for help in case of a car malfunction can provide a peace of mind when travelling and quick assistance.
Key issues when driving in the rain
To ensure safety when driving in the rain, it is important to know the most common issues you might face in stormy weather. The weather can change from bright sunshine to rain in a matter of seconds, so it's best to be prepared.
Generally, when driving in the rain, the main issues are compromised visibility and wet, slippery roads. These key factors could ultimately lead to an accident, as all other drivers will be faced with the same challenges. Therefore, the most important thing to do when driving in the rain is to be careful when driving in rain and to stop if deemed necessary.
Checking Wiper Blades
Your most trusted companion when driving in heavy rain is undoubtedly your wiper blades. These are essential for ensuring you can see the full extent of the road, even during a downpour, which is why they should always be checked if you are expecting rain.
Common problems with wiper blades include them not moving properly due to a failed wiper motor, which can impair your visibility. It is advisable to always check that the fluid is correctly spraying from the nozzles, as wiper blade fluid can sometimes get stuck due to clogged nozzles or can simply be missing due to an empty reservoir. Wiper blades can also become torn or deteriorated due to poor car maintenance or simply over time; in this case, you will notice smearing or shuttering blades. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your wiper blades is crucial for safe driving in rainy conditions. In general, it’s advisable to change wiper blades every 6-12 months.
Inspecting Brake System
Bad weather conditions can impact the brake system in ways that might damage your vehicle and put you at risk. For example, moisture from driving in the rain can enter the brake system, specifically the area between the brake rotors and pads, which, if not removed promptly, could lead to rusting.
Moisture can cause several more issues; when driving on wet roads, moisture and rust can prevent you from braking quickly by reducing the friction between brake pads and rotors. This issue could result in not being able to stop when necessary, making your vehicle a danger to you and the rest of the road users. Proper maintenance and preventive measures are essential to ensure your brake system remains effective in all weather conditions.
Essential Tips for Driving in Rain
There is no “how to drive in heavy rain guide”, however being prepared for wet weather conditions is essential, especially in the UK, where it rains 133 days out of 365. When you find yourself driving in rain or during a heavy storm, you should always adjust your speed. In harsh weather conditions, it is very easy to lose control, even for the most experienced driver. Driving slower will reduce your chances of swerving outside your lane and help maintain control.
As mentioned above, humidity can damage brakes and reduce their effectiveness, which is why, especially in the rain, you should always leave more space between your car and the vehicle in front of you to allow for longer braking distances.
Finally, the most important advice of all is to regulate your speed and stop if you are driving under very heavy rain that is making it unsafe for you to continue.
The MOT test, or Ministry of Transport test, is an essential part of vehicle ownership in the UK, ensuring that all the UK registered vehicles are safe and meet the necessary environmental requirements.
A well-maintained vehicle is essential for safety, and one of the key ways to ensure this is through the regular MOT test.
Importance of a MOT Test
The MOT test is a legally required inspection in the UK, aimed at maintaining road safety and reducing accidents caused by vehicle defects as much as possible.
During an MOT test, all potential issues with components such as brakes, lights, steering, and suspension are checked to ensure complete safety when you drive.
Being a legal requirement in the UK means that if you drive without an MOT test certificate, it may result in a fine, penalty, or even your vehicle being impounded. Additionally, without an MOT test certificate, it is often impossible to obtain vehicle insurance.
How to check your MOT Test status
If you buy a new car, the MOT test should be done by its third year of registration and then annually after that.
The first thing to do when checking your MOT test status is to take note of your vehicle registration number and the last 11 digits of your vehicle’s V5C logbook. The V5C logbook is the vehicle registration document issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK.
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can check the status of the MOT test using the online tool provided by the UK government. After completing the questionnaire, you will be able to see your MOT test history, including its expiry date and the date of your current certification, if you have one.
Where to get the MOT Test Certificate
To have your car tested for an MOT inspection, you will need to visit an authorized MOT centre. These locations, such as the Motrio service centres, are regulated and approved by the DVSA and are fully equipped to carry out the inspection and issue the MOT test certificate.
Once your car passes the test, you will instantly receive an MOT test certificate as proof of your vehicle's safety and current condition. This document will be required in case of accidents, when obtaining or renewing insurance, and when selling the vehicle.
MOT Test Checklist
To prepare for the MOT test, it's useful to be aware of the key areas that will be inspected and have an MOT test checklist to consult if needed:
· Brakes: The brakes are one of the most important parts of your car. The MOT test will check their condition and functionality, including the brake pads and handbrake.
· Lights: During an MOT test, all lights must be working correctly and will be checked. The test also checks the alignment of the headlights to ensure they are not dangerous to other drivers.
· Tyres and Wheels: The condition and tyre depth are checked, ensuring that your tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and are free of cuts or any other damage.
· Suspension and Steering: The wear and tear of the suspension and steering systems are checked, including components such as shock absorbers, to ensure the steering is responsive.
· Exhaust and Emissions: The exhaust system must be free from leaks, and the vehicle must meet environmental standards to pass the MOT test.
· Bodywork: The structure of the vehicle is checked for any signs of damage or corrosion.
What to do if your Vehicle Fails the MOT Test
If your car does not pass the MOT test, you will be given a VT30 certificate, which details all the reasons why your car has failed the test. To be able to drive your vehicle legally, you will need to fix all of these issues.
Depending on the severity of the issues, you may be allowed to drive your car from one place to a repair shop or to another MOT test centre. If your vehicle fails the MOT test or if your certificate has expired, it is illegal to drive the vehicle anywhere except to a pre-booked repair or test.
Has a warning light lit up on the dashboard of your car, and you have no idea what it means? Don’t panic! Here is a handy and comprehensive guide to recognising car warning lights and icons.
New cars are keeping up to pace with technology, and today warning lights feature more and more new functions to warn us not only that the vehicle is working as intended but also that something is not working as it should. This is why it is crucial to have at least a basic knowledge of the type of warning lights installed in the vehicle’s ignition system.
A warning light should never be underestimated, but it should not be a cause for fright; they can help us to immediately detect and solve a possible problem, avoiding more serious damage.
So, here’s how to recognise car warning lights and icons.
CONTENTS
How to recognise car warning lights and icons: colours.
- Red lights
- Yellow or amber lights
- Green lights
- Blue lights
Car warning lights: the colours of the individual light.
How to recognise car warning lights and icons: colours
The warning lights in our car’s dashboard are visual indicators that help us to check if certain components are working as intended (whether the lights come on correctly or how much fuel is in the vehicle), and are therefore extremely helpful. Warning lights vary in colour (red, yellow or amber, green, and blue) according to how serious the reported status is.
Red lights
Red warning lights are definitely the indicators most dreaded by all drivers: they report an imminent danger to the car and warn the driver to stop the vehicle immediately. They are usually followed by an acoustic signal to indicate a serious problem.
Yellow or amber lights
Yellow or amber warning lights indicate that there are critical issues requiring attention, but they are less serious than red ones. They normally signal an anomaly or vehicle malfunction, for example, that the car is low on fuel or that the tyre pressure is incorrect .
Green lights
When a green light comes on, there is no need to panic: this colour indicates that something is on and working as intended. Some classic information indicated by these warning lights refers to the switching on of the dipped headlights or the turn indicators.
Blue lights
Blue warning lights are not nearly as common as other indicators and are generally found in cars to indicate that the full-beam headlights are on. More rarely, in some car models, the warning light may indicate that the engine temperature is too low.
The most common car warning lights and their specific meaning
Stop warning light: if the word STOP appears in red while driving, it indicates that you need to stop the vehicle immediately and seek assistance.
Coolant temperature warning light: if it comes on while driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the coolant level.
Front seat belt warning light: it turns on if the driver or passenger are not buckled in.
Battery charge warning light: if it comes on while driving, it indicates that the battery is low or, instead, that the system is overcharged.
Hand brake warning light: it indicates that the parking brake is engaged.
Open doors warning light: it comes on if one or more doors are open.
Low fuel warning light: when it turns on, it indicates that the fuel is running out.
Engine failure or anti-pollution system warning light: should it start flashing, the engine speed must be reduced, and assistance must be contacted.
ABS warning light: indicates a fault in the wheel anti-lock braking device.
Preheating warning light: found in diesel cars, it comes on to indicate that the glow plugs are warming up and then goes out within a few seconds.
Airbag warning light: if it comes on, it indicates that there is an airbag malfunction and that you need to seek assistance.
Stability control warning light: it indicates that stability control is activated due to a sudden loss of steering control.
Parking lights warning light: it indicates that the parking lights are on.
Dipped headlights warning light: it indicates that the dipped headlights are on.
Front fog lights warning light: it indicates that the fog lights are on.
Rear fog lights warning light: it indicates that the fog lights are on.
Indicator warning lights: they indicate that the 4-way flashers or the right or left indicator lights are on.
ECO mode warning light: it comes on only when the ECO mode is activated. The colour may vary depending on the car manufacturer.
Full-beam headlights warning light: it indicates that the full-beam headlights are on.
Engine temperature warning light: the engine temperature is low. High revs and stresses must be avoided.
Identifying car warning lights and icons, and thus faults and malfunctions in time is of paramount importance for driver and passenger safety.
For this to be possible, the car’s electrical system must be working as intended: otherwise, some warning lights might not indicate anomalies that need to be checked, making the car – and the driving experience – unsafe.
MOTRIO TIPS & TRICKS
ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSIS
Nowadays, electronics are involved in many aspects of a car’s operation. In fact, you may have seen yellow or red warning lights and icons appearing on your car’s dashboard.
Electronic diagnosis is a key aspect of car maintenance; indeed, computerised analysis will allow the mechanic to accurately detect malfunctions on electrical and electronic parts of your vehicle and assess their condition and safety.
With this analysis, several operations can be carried out, such as programming and mapping the control unit to optimise consumption, checking fuel consumption, and checking that warning lights and sensors are working as intended.
OUR ADVICE
We recommend doing a check-up at least once every two years.
Some indications of a malfunction might be:
· Warning lights that come on randomly
· Sensor malfunction
· Inconsistent values in the car’s self-diagnosis
If you think your car needs an electronic diagnosis, make an appointment at the nearest MOTRIO Service Centre all it takes is a few clicks!
Travelling by car can always be potentially dangerous: risks are constantly around the corner; one therefore needs to be cautious and pay the utmost attention at all times. Of course, sometimes that’s not enough: avoiding to get involved in road accidents is perhaps impossible. However, you can drastically reduce their number. How? By following a few, simple rules and above all, by knowing the most frequent causes of car accidents.
CONTENTS
The most frequent causes of car accidents
- Using a smartphone while driving
- Fall asleep suddenly
- Alcohol and drugs
- High speed
- Weather conditions
- Unsafe car
The most frequent causes of car accidents
What are the most frequent situations that may lead to being involved in road accidents? We have listed some of the most common ones, so that you can recognise risky behaviour and prevent any car accidents.
Using a smartphone while driving
Did you know that looking at your smartphone for three seconds while driving at 130 km per hour on the motorway is equivalent to doing one hundred metres with your eyes closed?
But that’s exactly true! The main cause of car accidents, it seems almost obvious to say, is using a smartphone. Indeed, it is all too common to see drivers distracted by the mobile phone: looking at the screen rather than at the road, holding the device with one hand, definitely not really focused on driving. Unfortunately, the temptation to look at your mobile phone, to check messages perhaps,or answering a phone call with no ear phones, is one of the most frequent causes of accidents at the wheel (but often of heavy fines, and consequently losing points from the driving licence). To get an idea of how dangerous this habit is, the following example is enough:
Fall asleep suddenly
One of the most deceitful enemies of the motorist is precisely sleep driving, an event that strikes suddenly and with often very serious consequences. Many people choose to get behind the wheel without having rested enough, or perhaps after a particularly heavy meal: this causes a high number of car accidents every day. The advice is obviously to always drive with a high level of alertness, and rest before setting off. Plus, especially during long journeys, take breaks to freshen up and in any case always stop, where possible, at the first signs of heavy eyelids and drowsiness.
Alcohol and drugs
The use – and overuse – of alcohol or narcotic drugs is still one of the most frequent causes of car accidents: both can indeed impair the clear-headedness of the driver, even significantly. That is why, in recent years, checks have been intensified and fines have become much more severe for those driving under the influence. In spite of that, alcohol and narcotic drugs continue being one of the main causes of road accidents, including extremely serious ones.
High speed
Driving at high speed, exceeding the limits set by law, leads to an increase in braking distances and, consequently, makes it much more difficult to keep your car under control. What is more, by driving at high speed, you risk not having the time needed to avoid any obstacles. The harm, in these cases, also affects your wallet: fines can indeed be hefty.
Weather conditions
Oftentimes, the weather is not a motorist’s friend, but rather a pitfall, that causes serious car accidents. For this reason, some clever maintenance tricks can be useful. Fog, rain, high wind, snow and icy roads are potentially dangerous for those travelling in a car. These conditions call for the utmost prudence, and may even require you to stop when necessary: indeed, visibility might be seriously impaired under adverse weather conditions, moreover, braking spaces and times change, and it might be difficult to have complete control of the car.
Unsafe car
Car accidents are also often caused by the car being in less than optimal conditions. Worn tyres, worn brakes, undetected malfunctions may turn out to be a huge problem, as well as a great hazard. That is why one should always comply with the routine maintenance deadlines, and contact a specialist for an in-depth check-up as soon as any doubts arise on proper operation of one’s car.
MOTRIO TIPS & TRICKS
Regular maintenance of your car is always recommended, in this way, in addition to being sure of having a perfectly efficient and safe car, you can extend the service life of the car over time.
MOTRIO Service Centre carry out maintenance on 100% of the car stock on the roads. At our MOTRIO Service Center you will also find MOTRIO branded oil for small cars and light commercial vehicles, for the latest generation of diesel and petrol engines, including those fitted with particulate filters and cars with direct or indirect injection system.
Make an appointment at the nearest MOTRIO Service Centre, all it takes is a few clicks!
Car breakdowns may happen, sometimes when you are far from home: what can you do in these cases? Here is a little handy guide to know how to behave and how to signal your presence on the road
CONTENTS
What to do when the car has broken down
Warning triangle: how is it used?
Car breakdown: roadside assistance
Car breakdown: the warning signs
Holidays on the road, a leisure week-end, outings in the countryside or simply errands that require using the car: when travelling by car, there can be many different snags. Having a car breakdown is certainly one of them!
So, what should one do? What’s the correct behaviour to prevent the situation from getting worse, for instance by impeding traffic and putting oneself and others at risk?
Let’s find out together.
What to do when the car has broken down
In the even of a broken down car, first of all, one ought to keep calm and keep one’s wits about oneself: mechanical failures or malfunctions of electronic origin can hardly block the car abruptly. If while driving you notice a drop in power or you hear abnormal noises, you should try and reach the emergency lane as soon as possible, taking care to indicate your direction with the indicators, and ensure the road is clear.
If the engine stops suddenly, great prudence is required: you should not stop the vehicle, but rather use the residual inertia to reach the emergency lane. However, be careful: with the engine off, the steering wheel is much harder to steer because the hydraulic power steering stops working.
Once you have reached the emergency lane, or however after moving the car to a spot where it is not an obstacle for pedestrians and motorists, it is definitely not recommended to tinker with the engine, especially if you don’t have the necessary know-how.
The proper steps to follow are:
– Activate the four indicators using the red button usually located in the middle of every car dashboard.
– Pull the hand brake.
– Before getting out of the vehicle, put on the high-visibility vest as required by law.
– Do not get out of the driver's door, but use the passenger's door in order to stay as far away as possible from fast motorway traffic.
– Get hold of the warning triangle, usually housed in the spare wheel compartment under the boot, assemble it and place it on the emergency lane 100 metres from the broken down vehicle.
– It is also advisable to climb over the guardrail so as to be protected against any oncoming vehicles.
– At this point use your mobile phone to notify the Automobile Club or roadside assistance of the broken down car (the latest generation of cars also have an internal button to contact emergency services immediately).
– If you do not have a mobile phone, if the battery is low or you are out of range, then you need to walk along the emergency lane until reaching the nearest emergency telephone.
Warning triangle: how is it used?
The answer may seem obvious, but it is not uncommon to see motorists who use the warning triangle incorrectly to warn of the presence of a broken down car on the road, consequently making it useless. This device is essential for safety, and its purpose is precisely to warn other motorists of a potential danger on the road.
Car breakdown: roadside assistance
After putting on wearing ??? The reflective vest, turning on the four indicators and placing the warning triangle correctly, if the fault cannot be solved independently, then the pros must be called in. Before calling for paid tow trucks, remember that the towing service might be included in your insurance policy. If you are not sure, it is still advisable to check with your insurance (the service is provided anyway, even in the case of cars under warranty).
Any passengers who are in the car must also be taken to safety, they should get out of the car and reach a motorway restaurant or the nearest service area.
If the area where the car has broken down does not have one, you should in any case ensure that these people are sheltered, away from the road, including the driver: so that you can all wait for roadside assistance in complete safety.
In the event you should be forced to leave the broken car parked in a no-parking area or in a paid parking lot, you must leave a written note on the dashboard: it is also essential to try to document the emergency as much as possible, including by taking videos with your mobile. This operation becomes important because, in the event of a fine, you can apply for it to be cancelled owing to force majeure. It is a complicated procedure but it will save you significant amounts of money.
What if you run out of petrol?
There might be the most diverse causes for a broken down car but the prime suspect is usually the fuel supply system. If for example, the car makes a noise but refuses to start up, the fuel tank might be empty. If the fuel gauge shows that there is still fuel, the tank float might be jammed. It can be checked easily: just add a little fuel to the tank and try to start the car again (indeed, it is advisable to also keep an empty petrol can in the car, to be used in case of need). However, it might take a while, because when the fuel supply system is completely empty it must first be ventilated.
If the tank empties too quickly, check for any petrol smells: the fuel line is likely to be damaged and leaking petrol. Another cause, finally, might be a malfunction of the fuel pump.
If you are unable to restart the car on your own, you must now call for assistance.
The warning signs
Are there any alarm bells that provide an “early warning” about any car malfunctions and that can prevent a broken down car? Of course!
Have you ever noticed an engine failure warning light on the dashboard panel ? Well, that might indicate a malfunction of the whole mechanism... but even a simple problem with the electronics.
In any case, if the warning light is red, you need to stop the car and call the tow truck. If the light is yellow, you can drive on until the nearest service point.
Another cause for a broken down car, is the oil light.
It is therefore advisable – and even recommended – never to underestimate or ignore the “messages” that our car sends us, but not only: frequent maintenance of our car is also a must.
It might seem obvious, but a perfectly efficient vehicle is the best way to steer clear of malfunctions and bad breakdowns. Carrying out scheduled servicing at an authorised workshop and never overlooking a warning light switching on in the instrument panel are signs of a “healthy” behaviour: if everyone did it, the number of broken down cars would be drastically reduced.
MOTRIO TIPS&TRICKS
ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSIS
Nowadays, electronics are involved in many aspects of a car’s operation, indeed you will have seen yellow or red lights on the dashboard of your car sometimes.
Electronic diagnosis is an important part of car maintenance; indeed, computerised analysis will allow the mechanic to identify exactly the malfunction on the electrical and electronic parts of the vehicle and to assess their condition and safety.
Thanks to this analysis, it is possible to carry out certain operations such as programming and mapping the control unit in order to optimise consumption, checking fuel consumption, and assessing proper operation of warning lights and sensors.
If you think your car needs an electronic diagnosis, make an appointment at the nearest MOTRIO Service Centre, all it takes is a few clicks!
Some of the most interesting news on the world of cars concern precisely tyres: how can a tyre withstand 100 times its weight without bursting? Why does the tread have grooves? Have tyres always been black?
Here are 8 interesting facts on tyres that perhaps you did not know, and a few tricks to make them last longer.
CONTENTS
8 unmissable, interesting facts on tyres
- What is it that really holds a car up?
- Have tyres always been black?
- Why are there grooves in the tread?
- How can I understand whether the tread is worn or not?
- Spelling: is it “tire” or “tyre”?
- The biggest tyre in the world
- Artillery tyres: in the 1900’s, they were not just for soldiers
- Lego and tyres: what’s the connection?
Tyre maintenance: here’s how to make them last longer
- Keeping tyres in top condition
- Tyre balancing
- Valves
- Choosing the right tyres for the season
What really holds the car up?
The belief that the whole weight of our car is held up by the tyres alone is a misconception: what actually holds the car up is the air filling the tyres. We only become aware of this detail when a puncture happens: with no air, our tyre is unusable.
Have tyres always been black?
Definitely not. Here is one of the 8 interesting facts on tyres that you probably did not know: in the beginning, tyres were made of natural rubber, which is white. However, the material did not ensure good resistance: therefore, it was decided to add carbon black (or lamp black), a pigment consisting of particular aggregates of carbon atoms obtained from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, so as to improve its performance.
Initially only used for the tread, wholly black tyres were then deemed to look neater and more elegant than two-colour ones, so the previous black-white combination was replaced by total black.
Bonus fact: the idea for black tyres originated at Binney & Smith, the founders of Crayola, best known for its crayons.
Why are there grooves in the tread?
The purpose of grooves is to increase friction on tarmac, which affects maximum acceleration and braking space. Their “texture” is also important: in wet conditions, the layer of water that forms between the tyres and the ground significantly reduces grip, the purpose of the grooves is therefore to drain away the accumulated water, preventing the aquaplaning effect.
How can I understand whether the tread is worn or not?
Precisely thanks to the grooves: by using a depth gauge, which is inserted into the grooves and measures the depth in millimetres, we can check the tread depth, the legal limit of which is 1.6 mm, measurable at any point of the tread.
Spelling: is it “tire” or “tyre”?
Among the 8 interesting facts on tyres, is the fact that, although many car parts have entirely different names on the two sides of the Atlantic, such as boot-trunk, bonnet-hood etc., tyre is pronounced the same way in both British and American English.
However, the Brits have retained the little spelling quirk that probably dates back to the 15th or 16th century, possibly originating from the word “attyre”, referring to the need to dress wheels to increase grip.
Whereas Americans, with their penchant for simplifying things, just opted for spelling the word the way it’s pronounced. The spelling tyre is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and most current and former Commonwealth nations. So whether you choose to write “tyre” or “tire” depends on which side of the pond you are on.
The biggest tyre in the world
What if we told you that there is a huge tyre, weighing 12 tonnes, 243 metres high, would you believe it?
No, it’s not the tyre of a giant’s car, nor is it a hoax: the largest tyre in the world is at Allen Park in Michigan, USA. It is called “Giant tire” (see above) owing to its “modest” size, and it was presented to the public at the 1965 World Fair as a Ferris wheel.
Artillery tyres: in the 1900’s, they were not just for soldiers
You got that right: until one century ago, the first cars were fitted with the so-called “artillery wheels”, which had the same hub as cannon wheels. The tyres were indeed entirely attached to the wheel, and they could not be taken off the hub. A detail that meant replacements were expensive and complicated, to say the least!
Lego and tyres: what’s the connection?
The last from the 8 interesting facts on tyres, is perhaps also the “strangest” one: there are many tyre manufacturers worldwide, and some brands are definitely well-known. A household name, however, stands out in this extremely long list, although it is well-known for another type of product: Lego, precisely. The well-known Danish manufacturer of colourful toy bricks started as a tyre manufacturer in the 1960’s, and over time it managed to be ranked among the top tyre manufacturers worldwide!
Tyre maintenance: here’s how to make them last longer
Lego, crayons and cannon tyres aside, how can we ensure tyres last longer?
When were our tyres produced? How often must they be replaced? How can we become aware of a problem? Where do I find the proper pressure reading to make sure it’s fine?
These are some of the questions that even the most experienced motorists struggle to answer.
Tyres are an essential part of a car, and road safety, consumption and car performance all depend on their condition. What is more, if the tread is particularly worn, you run the risk of being fined or even of the car being seized.
There are some checks than one can perform on one’s own: to see the tyre’s age, for instance, just check the date of manufacturing, always printed on the tyre shoulder, consisting of four digits. The first two digits indicate the week and the last two the year of manufacture (e.g.: 1417 means manufactured during the 14th week of 2017).
Checking the tyre pressure and the thickness of the tread, which we have already mentioned, are also simple operations, which any motorist can perform on their own.
To measure the degree of wear, there is also a really simple method: just take a 1 Euro coin for summer tyres, and a 2 Euro one for winter tyres. In both cases, the outer crown must not protrude from the tread outline.
The same quick check can be performed by looking at the markers sunk into the groove. Looking at the tyres every now and then will allow you to catch any abnormalities such as cuts or bumps caused by sharp-edged potholes or by hitting the pavement while manoeuvring. In these cases, replacing the tyres (two per axle) is the only recommended solution.
However, limiting tyre wear is possible. How? Through frequent maintenance and checks.
And above all, by following some smart hints: let’s look at them.
Keeping tyres in top condition
A check of your car, even just visual, might be all you need to bring to light any critical issues, as we have seen. First of all, tyre pressure: lower pressure than required, in addition to significantly increasing consumption and accelerating the tyre wearing process, also jeopardises the safety of the people travelling in the car. Expert help is also needed to check that the car is balanced and to ensure that one of the four tyres is not excessively strained. In this connection, it is strongly recommended to periodically invert the tyres, in order to limit tread wear.
The driving style is also important: sudden braking, excessive speeds, speeding around bends and roundabouts, incorrectly calibrated accelerating wear tyres quickly.
Wheel alignment
Tyre balance must be checked at least every 10,000 km in the case of normal use of the vehicle, every 5,000 km with sports cars. A first check of the alignment of the wheels can be carried out in total autonomy: just take your hands off the steering wheel and travel a few dozens metres on a straight and flat road, checking that the vehicle travels in a straight line. Otherwise, it is recommended to contact a specialist as soon as possible.
Valves
Together with the tyres, it is essential to also replace the valves. While driving, they undergo significant stress which, in the long term, may cause them to malfunction. To prevent any snags, their condition should be checked regularly.
Choosing the right tyres for the season
Using winter tyres in the summer increases exponentially the car’s consumptions and may lead to faster wear of the tread: that is why you should choose the right tyres for the season. Ordinarily, the suggestion is to change them twice a year. Should that not be possible, a useful compromise is to opt for 4-season tyres.
Also using summer tyres in winter exposes you to great risks, because grip might be too low. Furthermore, a summer tyre used in cold winter weather risks being damaged very quickly. The compound of summer tyres subjected to low temperatures becomes indeed very stiff and this not only decreases grip, but also exposes the tread pattern to the risk of tearing and flaking.
In these cases, the warranty might even be voided; indeed, this would be tantamount to misuse, which would mean any damage would not be covered. The tread might be damaged even if there is no snow; indeed, all it takes is for the temperature to be very low.
Finally, the loss of grip is obviously considerable under snowy conditions, but even in case of rain, situations that could cause road accidents.
In other words, tyres are a crucial aspect of driving and should be constantly checked and looked after.
MOTRIO TIPS & TRICKS
TYRES
Tyres play a crucial role in your safety at the wheel because they are the only point of contact between you and the road. They deteriorate with time and with the mileage travelled as well as due to the road conditions and to each motorist’s driving style.
OUR ADVICE
The two aspects to be periodically monitored are the inflation pressure and the thickness of the tread, the legal minimum of which for car tyres in Europe is 1.6 mm. If you use your car often, especially in cities where it is easier for the tread to get worn, visit one of our MOTRIO Service Center, our technicians will perform a visual inspection of your tyres and they will check the depth of the tread. For safe tyres, they must be replaced every 40,000km or every 5 years.
The new MOTRIO Fairway tyre is produced in Europe, it ensures safe driving under all weather conditions and is produced in the three versions:
Summer - Winter - All seasons
Main features:
· 51 items available
· Environmentally-sustainable: low fuel consumption and low rolling resistance
· Dimensions from 13 to 20 inches
Make an appointment at the nearest MOTRIO Service Centre, all it takes is a few clicks!