Car Maintenance

‘Here and Now’ with JOHN BOWE

JB’S TYRE TIP OF THE MONTH BROUGHT TO YOU BY GOODYEAR AND DUNLOP

“To help you conserve money, as well as reduce carbon emissions, there are a number of simple ways to save fuel with your car. Switching to a fuel-efficient tyre option such as the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max can save you up to $400 over the life of your tyres. Replacing clogged air filters, using the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, and regular vehicle maintenance – including checking tyre inflation pressures – will all also improve your mileage.”

This month I was out with the “Drive” team as a guest judge for their 2011 Car of the Year awards. 46 cars, 13 categories, 10 journos (plus me) and 6 days of intense testing meant I was in for a busy time!

One thing that this testing highlighted to me was the importance of Original Equipment suppliers to the manufacturers and how much they can influence the overall quality of a car.

Vehicle manufacturers understand that there is little reason in spending millions of dollars developing their cars if they are not going to integrate the vital influence of Original Equipment parts. Tyres for example greatly influence the performance, ride and handling qualities of any car.

A tyre manufacturer who builds replacement tyres will never receive the benefit of the vehicle manufacturer’s insight and intent. Only the vehicle manufacturer and tyre manufacturer working together to develop the Original Equipment tyre can determine exactly which tyre design and internal construction will produce the best results for each individual model of car.

Until next time, drive safely.