Monday 7 January 2013

Flat Tyre.

For a while I have been wondering how long tyres last; people at work seem to get thgrough them in 20-30,000 Miles, and one person only got 18,000 out of his front tyres on his VW Passat. At 38,000 mine were still within legal limits, but I felt they would need replacing soon. 

On Friday I was not in work, but had several jobs to do. I pulled away in FTP and instantly knew I had a flat tyre. I pulled over and found a piece of glass piercing the front passenger side tyre.

FTP_Perodua_Myvi_Flat_Tyre_1

I checked with the owners manual where to jack a Myvi, and changed the tyre.

FTP_Perodua_Myvi_Flat_Tyre_2

FTP_Perodua_Myvi_Flat_Tyre_3

FTP_Perodua_Myvi_Flat_Tyre_4

The Myvi has a thinner space saving emergency tyre which seemed to drive ok, but was very noisy around corners.

I looked online to see which would be the best tyres. Tyres now have an ECO lable, giving key qualities, and so I noted that in 175/65R14 T 82 the best tyres were Continentals with Fuel efficiency: C Wet grip: A Noise: 2 bars 70 dB. (PS Do wish longevity was a measure too).

I went into the local branch of National Tyres and stated my size. The gentleman there started telling me which would be the best tyres. I knew that the Avons did not have as good a rating, and so I stated that I was happy to pay more for Continetal tyres because they had the best ECO rating. The gentleman seemed surprised, but humored me. I was quoted a price for Continental, and we agreed that I would return once the new tyres had been delivered.

I returned in the afternoon and had all four tyres changed (they were all due soon so I had decided to keep all tyres the same). The tyre fitter stated that the wheel trims were difficult to remove, but was impressed that Perodua had used the same size tyre as Peugot, and hence a popular/inexpensive tyre. He stated that many Eastern budget cars use obscure and thus expensive tyres.

When I came to write this piece I noticed that instead of having Continental tyres with Fuel efficiency: C Wet grip: A Noise: 2 bars 70 dB i.e. the best available in the size, I had Fuel efficiency: F Wet grip: C Noise: 2 bars 70 dB, specs worse than many budget tyres. Apparently, there are several Continental tyre models of the same size, I had gone straight  to the "Continental Premium Contact 5", because it has the best spec, but the tyre fitter had gone for "Continental EcoContact 3", even though I stated I wanted the Continental because they have the best spec based on the ECO lable. Thus, I have paid more, for inferior tyres. I believe that National Tyre Centres fitters should be trained to supply the needs of the customer according to what the require. My impression at the time of ordering was that he surprised that I used ECO labeling system, and not price, when making my tyre choice.  I even stated that the Continental had ratings of C, A and 70bD, and was supplied with tyres of different specs.

I will write to National Tyres expressing my concern that their staff do not seem to properly understand the ECO labeling system, and enact the wishes of their customers.

FTP_Perodua_Myvi_Flat_Tyre_5

9 comments:

  1. i find it very proud as a Malaysian, that someone in the UK writes good things about our national car. me myself owns a Perodua Myvi and i am very satisfy with it. keep up the good writing about FTP and i wish you all the best with it!

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  2. Hi, I am glad you like our blog, your always welcome to pop in and say hello.

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  3. thank you. have you been to Malaysia before? i once lived in Liverpool for 2 years and Scotland for another 2. wish to go back one day

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  4. Have never been to Malaysia, but it does sound like a nice place to visit.

    When I was as collage, about 1980, I had several Malay student friends, both from the mainland and Sabah. One Malay student married a friend of mine, who converted to Islam, and went and lived in Malaysia, I kept in touch with her until about 1990 when we lost contact (no Facebook then!) At work, one of the nurses is Malay, she trained in the UK, married and stayed, and has lived here for thirty years, but regularly visits relatives in Malaysia.

    So I know a little about the country, but never been.

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  5. I'd be looking for them to replace those tyres without charge... and refund any difference, and probably give me a couple of free puncture repair vouchers too for the inconvenience. You were quie clear about what you wanted, and they obviously didn't supply as requested. Tyres are such a complex minefield these days.

    I tend to use Costco as they are always cheapest, but they don't do many different makes. I like Michelin Energy on my broom, and, having driven on them for nearly 100,000 miles, I know them in all road conditions.

    If you know anyone who has a Costco card, they can get your tyres for you (next time!). About 25-35% cheaper than places like National - you should see the number of London taxi drivers queuing up to have their tyres replaced (especially when they have an offer on, which they do about every 6 months).

    Also, don't know if you are aware, but many places online now do supply only and you then pay a local garage to fit. Several people I know have done this and reckon you save the price of one tyre in very four. Obviously not possible if you only have a space saver spare, or no spare at all, as is so common these days.

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  8. perhaps he thought the ECO you referred to was the EcoContact. Still, should have clarified with you before purchse

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