Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 21:37:05 -0700
Reply-To: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Tire- Smoe realities and some choices.
In-Reply-To: <17A57121E94F4E9185D50AD420368E46@DADSTOSHIBA>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
dear flat tire dennis
that sounds like race driver talk - your advice about driving with flat
indeed - brakes are a tv/movie/radio sound effect taught response -
real accidents rarely have brakes applied and almost always when they are a
real accident is sure to follow -
i have not driven race cars but i have read several professional driving
books and they all detail how brakes are for holding a stopped vehicle on a
hill
also as a former professional class 1 driver - brakes are to be used
sparingly there too-
funny thing i just read today that jack knife is the single cause of rig
incidents on the road -
and i know from training that improperly applied brakes are the biggest
cause of jack knife-
thanks for the reminder to lay off the brakes in emergency situations -
now if only those who brakes when going into a corner could be taught to
simply let their foot off the accelerator in advance of the corner
or simply gear down going in and accelerate out or the corner ...
then my life would be perfect -
yours
On Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 3:50 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>wrote:
> The recent tread on tires is good especially for newbies to the list.
>
> The subject of tire aging is particularly important for vehicles that see
> limited use and long periods of storage. In particular, tires that are
> stored outside,
>
> Exposure to sunlight and leaving the tires in puddles, ice is especially
> hard on them.
>
>
>
> No matter how hard you try a tire failure is inevitable. Tire failures can
> be brought on by road hazards, abuse, and various structural failures.
>
> Good tire selection and maintenance will reduce the possibility but you
> will not 100% avoid it.
>
>
>
> Many people are under the impression that if a tire has tread and holds
> air, it must be good to ride on. Tires need to be regularly inspected,
> checked for wear patterns and even balance on a regular basis. Tire
> imbalances are also an indication that the tire can be failing internally.
>
>
>
>
> Truck tires and reinforced tires are more prone to tread separations and
> sidewall failures due to the heating and rubbing actions of the increased
> plys. Steel belts and steel reinforced sidewalls can be affected by
> moisture absorption which can cause the belts to rust which will pull
> apart the layers and cut the cords or end caps.
>
>
>
> Tire should be taken off the rims and inspected internally after any of
> the following event:
>
> Run flat or under inflated such as after a puncture or operated after a
> slow leak.
>
> Any sign of overheating such as a discolored sidewall.
>
> Any impact such as a large pot hole or curb hit.
>
> If used off road and aired down for traction on any rocky or tree lined
> terrain.
>
>
>
> You want to inspect for any signs of the tire changing shape, internal
> separations, breaks in the inner liner and any bulges or bubblesand any
> signs of discoloration.
>
>
>
> The most common on road tire failures are air outs, (punctures), blow outs
> usually caused by a sidewall "zipper" failure, and tread separations.
>
>
>
> The sidewall and tread separations are usually the result of current or
> past tire overheating caused by under inflation and/or overloading. Aging
> is also be a contributor as the oil dry out, moisture penetrates and glue
> bonds fail.
>
>
>
> Now that we discussed tire failures, the real trick is knowing what to do
> when a sudden failure occurs.
>
>
>
> Don't panic and don't slam on the brakes. In fact, accelerate hard without
> forcing a down shift if you have an automatic. This is true even on a rear
> wheel drive. The power will help over come the sudden resistance of that
> failed tire and help you maintain direction.
>
> After gaining directional control, reduce speed gradually, do not pull off
> onto a soft or angled shoulder until your speed is slow enough that you
> can caist to a safe stop.
>
>
>
> This sounds sick but for those with non skilled drivers have them
> practice. When getting ready to buy tires, make one flat and go for a
> drive. Yes destroy one (hopefully on cheap wheels). Learn what to expect
> and what you can and can't do for control. Don't do this too long on a
> Syncro as the VC won't like it. It is a skill that should be had just like
> driving on ice and snow.
>
>
>
> Dennis
>
--
roger w
There are two kinds of jobs in the world:
Picking up garbage and telling people things.
Successful people do both, with the same good attitude. (riw)
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