Costco: Choosing the right tyre

SUMMER 2018 • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 4

A lifestyle magazine for Costco members

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BUYING SMART

TYRE CARE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Costco members already know the advantages of shopping at our warehouses, but did you know you can get a brand-new set of tyres while you shop as well? BY ROD EIME

B

uying tyres isn’t something most people look forward to. It can be expensive and confusing, with all kinds of unfamiliar terminology and measurements. Luckily, Costco is helping to simplify the process.

“All Costco Tyre Centres carry a vast range of popular tyres from Bridgestone, Michelin and BFGoodrich, covering almost every vehicle on the road as well as all the professional equipment required to fit and balance your tyres,” says Katrina Ngo, Costco Buyer for Tyres and Automotive.

The wide selection of premium brandname tyres isn’t the only advantage of

taking your car to a Costco “Depending on the time of day, you can Tyre Centre: members can expect the job to be finished as you’re save up to 20 per cent checking out with your goods or on a new set of tyres at even before.”

Costco, while paying no But there are quite a few things extra for lifetime tyre you ought to know about tyre KATRINA’S rotation, balancing, maintenance before you HOT TIP nitrogen inflation and drive into a Costco Tyre puncture repairs.

Centre. We asked Jon The best time to get your “In addition, many Tamblyn, Bridgestone tyres checked or fitted at a Costco Tyre Centre is midof our members really National Technical Field afternoon on weekdays, enjoy the convenience Services and Solutions between 2pm of having tyres fitted Development Manager, and 5pm. while they complete their about the most important tyre shopping,” explains Katrina. care factors to be aware of.

THE COSTCO CONNECTION SUMMER 2018 | 47

BUYING SMART

The right rubber

Everyone drives differently, on different surfaces and with varying loads in a variety of vehicles, so you’ll need to purchase the correct tyre for your individual needs. Depending on a combination of factors, it may not be the same tyre you bought the car with.

“There is a range of different products out there that all have strengths in different areas, and Bridgestone has developed products to suit all kinds of applications,” says Jon. “Performance tyres are designed to provide the most responsive handling and grip under high loads, while touring ranges provide a quiet and comfortable ride for the everyday family car, and low-rolling resistance tyres are engineered to use less fuel and perform well in everyday use.”

If you’re into four-wheel driving, there are other factors to consider.

“If the majority of your driving is in urban conditions or on the highway, then the most appropriate tyre would be a highway terrain tyre, while those who go off-road could select an all-terrain product.”

Under pressure

”AUSTRALIAN ROADS ARE TYPICALLY UNEVEN, WHICH MEANS THAT DESPITE RUNNING THE CORRECT PRESSURE AND A PERFECT WHEEL ALIGNMENT, THERE WILL STILL BE SOME UNEVEN WEAR.”

tyres need to be balanced. As you would think, imbalances occur when one tyre is heavier than the others and it’s essential to get your car checked thoroughly as soon as you notice the signs.

Likewise, swapping the position of the tyres on your car will help them last longer by ensuring they all wear evenly.

“Tyre rotations are often forgotten about but can do a lot to enhance the lifespan of tyres,” explains Jon. “Australian roads are typically uneven, which means that despite running the correct pressure and a perfect wheel alignment, there will still be some uneven wear. But by rotating the tyres, or swapping positions on the car, it helps spread these forces more evenly throughout the life of the tyre.

W? O N K We recommend U O Y DID rotating tyres every Costco members 10,000km at can save up to the same time 20 per cent as a wheel on a new set of tyres at Costco alignment.” and pay no extra for lifetime rotation, balancing and puncture repairs.

Driving with one or more flat tyres is dangerous, and one of the most frequently overlooked safety and maintenance factors with tyres is keeping them pumped up.

“More than half of motorists go longer than six weeks without looking at their tyres, when in reality we should be checking pressure at least once a month,” says Jon. “Tyre pressure affects the handling of your car and also fuel consumption. Properly inflated tyres ensure the best road contact and will also wear more evenly, and last longer with a more comfortable ride.”

When pumping tyres, be sure to check for any abnormal wear and tear, like shallow tread and damage. Use a ruler or measuring tape to check that the tread of your tyres is above the recommended minimum of 1.6mm.

GOOD TO GO QUICK TYRE CHECKLIST Before setting out on a long drive this summer, make sure your tyres tick all the boxes.

ALL TYRES CORRECTLY INFLATED For best results use a handheld gauge.

NO UNEVEN OR ABNORMAL TREAD WEAR A minimum of 1.6mm is the legal tread depth.

NO DAMAGE TO TREAD OR SIDEWALLS Check carefully for splits or tears.

Balancing and rotations

If your car vibrates when you reach a certain speed or isn’t handling as smoothly as usual, it’s a good indication that your

THE COSTCO CONNECTION

To take advantage of Costco’s tyre service, visit your local Costco Tyre Centre or call your nearest warehouse to make a booking.

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