Business & Money | Thursday 25 June, 2015 10:34 am |

The German premium tire manufacturer provides safety advice for Ramadan

Whether you’re planning a road trip across your home country during the holy month or just a regular trip to the mall it is important that you put safety first and check your tires before you travel.

Road accidents top the list of causes of untimely deaths in the Middle East, particularly during the summer months when the weather is at its hottest and drivers are weary, the state of your tires can have a major impact on your own safety on the road. The Middle East is one of the harshest environments when it comes to putting tires to the test and this is due to the extreme climate resulting in minimal rain and greasy roads accompanied by high speed limits.

Car tires are often seen as a more or less inconsequential part of the vehicle. This could not be further from the truth. Tires are the only contact the vehicle has with the road. So, with your safety in mind, here are some tips and advice to help you to take proper care of your tires making sure you get there safely:

1. Check your tire pressure regularly.

Tire pressure plays a definitive role in the service life and safety performance of your tires. Tire pressures are determined individually for every vehicle model by the tire and vehicle manufacturers. Refer to the owner’s manual, the fuel tank cover, the car door or glove compartment to find the correct tire. Check your tire pressure every two weeks and adjust as necessary. Remember, only check your tires when they are cold, not when they are still warm from driving.

2. Inspect and measure your tire tread
Pay particular attention to the tread of the tire – it has a strong impact on several performance criteria. Tires should have tread depth of at least 3mm... If you drive with less tread, you risk the possibility of your car performance and your safety.

3. Have an expert check your tires and vehicle regularly.
This means having your tires balanced and the axle geometry checked. Regularly getting your tires balanced ensures vibration free driving. Not only will the vehicle drive more smoothly, it reduces the wear on your tires and on other parts of the vehicle suspension. Another positive aspect: you are increasing the safety for yourself, your passengers and other road users.

4. Brake easy
Your brakes are also an important safety feature on your car, especially in the summer when the roads become slippery and overheated and without these, your tires won’t react. If you notice any of the following then your brakes probably need checking:
a. Brake pedal is hard and resistant
b. Brake pedal rests too low or too high
c. Loud scraping and grinding sounds coming from the brakes

5. Servicing
The extreme temperatures put heavy strain on mechanical components especially if you’re parking in direct sunlight. It is therefore important to remember to do some self-checks on a monthly basis:
a. Check that you have the correct level of engine coolant
b. Check that the oil is at the correct level

Continental has two award winning products designed for driving in soaring temperatures during the regions summer months, their unique selling points are summarised below:

ContiSportContact5 Designed for sport performance driving	ContiPremiumContact5 Long lasting tires for high performance driving
Short braking distance	Short stopping distance on dry and wet roads
Precise steering responses	Low rolling resistance
Outstanding stability during cornering	Comfort and safety
Rolling resistance optimised	Precise handling

About Continental

Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated preliminary sales of approximately €34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tire, and ContiTech. Continental employs more than 190,000 people in 49 countries.

The company is one of the world’s leading tire manufacturers, with more than 44,000 employees.Today, the division has 24 production and development locations worldwide. The broad product range and continuous investments in R&D make a major contribution to cost-effective and ecologically efficient mobility.

Continental’s Tire Division is an Official Sponsor of the German DFB Cup, the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ and UEFA EURO 2016™ in France. For more information, visit www.ContiSoccerWorld.com