How safe are your tyres?

As tyre safety month approaches, Ring Automotive is advising motorists to carry out a tyre safety check, to ensure they are fully prepared for the winter ahead. Winter driving requires extra care and preparation to avoid accidents and breakdowns.

Snow and ice pose an obvious risk to drivers as tyres have less grip and most drivers will change their driving style to accommodate this. However, many motorists don’t realise that cold damp roads alone considerably affects tyre performance and therefore road handling.



To ensure optimum tyre performance motorists should check for the correct tyre pressure, adequate tread depth and the general condition of the tyres.

Recent statistics show that around six percent of all fatal accidents are due to incorrect tyre pressure.

Under inflated tyres can overheat, as pressure from the weight of the vehicle and occupants is forced down the side walls of the tyres. The under inflated tyres become increasingly stressed as heat builds up, this can lead to dangerous blow outs.

Under or over inflated tyres can also affect handling, leading the car to react in an unpredictable way, especially in bad weather conditions.

Motorists can find the correct tyre pressure for their vehicle by referring to the handbook or by a sticker, usually located in the drivers door or fuel flap. Tyre pressure should be checked when cold, therefore Ring Automotive recommends checking them at home before a journey.

Motorists are also advised to ensure their tyres have adequate tread depth to cope with water and snow on the roads. The AA recommends a tyre tread depth of 3mm and at the least 2mm for winter driving. The legal limit is 1.6mm across 75% of the tyre. However, a car travelling at 50mph with a tread of 1.6mm needs 8 metres more to stop than a car with a tread depth of 3mm, in wet conditions this difference would be even greater. Tyres with less than 3mm of tread are also more susceptible to aquaplaning.

Finally motorists are advised to check for any obvious damage to tyres such as cuts or bulges in the wall or the tyre. Bulges mean there is damage to the internal structure of the tyre and the tyre will need to be replaced. A tyre specialist should be consulted about any cuts.

Having a compressor or tyre gauge in the car is the best way to ensure regular checking of tyres before driving.

To help motorists stay safer on the roads this winter, Ring Automotive, have a range of tyre gauges and air compressors. The 4 digital tyre gauges enable motorist to accurately check their tyre and tread depth at their convenience, before beginning a journey and are an invaluable accessory to keep in the glove box.

A comprehensive range of 5 uniquely designed air compressors enable motorists to maintain optimum pressure.

| Ring Automotive

McAfee report on automotive systems finds prevalent lack of security in today’s vehicles

McAfee, in partnership with Wind River and ESCRYPT, today released a new report “Caution: Malware Ahead,” an analysis of emerging risks in automotive system security. The first-of-its kind report examines the security of electrical systems that have become commonplace in today’s cars. These embedded devices are used in almost all areas of automobiles including airbags, radios, power seats, anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability controls, autonomous cruise controls, communication systems and in-vehicle communication.

Researchers at several universities have demonstrated that critical safety components of an automobile can be hacked if physical access to the vehicle’s electronic components is available. Other researchers have showed that an attack can be mounted to track a vehicle and compromise passengers’ privacy by tracking the RFID tags using powerful long-distance readers at around 40 meters.


“As more and more functions get embedded in the digital technology of automobiles, the threat of attack and malicious manipulation increases,” said Stuart McClure, senior vice president and general manager, McAfee. “Many examples of research-based hacks show the potential threats and depth of compromise that expose the consumer. It’s one thing to have your email or laptop compromised but having your car hacked could translate to dire risks to your personal safety.”

The automobile industry is continually adding features and technologies that deliver new conveniences such as Internet access and the ability to further personalize the driving experience. Consumers want to stay connected, even in their cars, which is motivating automobile manufacturers to increase integration between cars and consumer devices such as smartphones and tablets. However, in the rush to add features, security has often been an afterthought. The report highlights examples of how automotive systems have been compromised.

The new report from McAfee examines risks associated with cybercriminal activity including:

- Remotely unlock and start car via cell phone
- Disable car remotely
- Track a driver’s location, activities and routines
- Steal personal data from a Bluetooth system
- Disrupt navigation systems
- Disable emergency assistance

“The auto industry is experiencing a convergence of consumer and automotive electronics. Consumers are increasingly expecting the same experiences in-vehicle as they do with the latest connected consumer and mobile devices. However, as the trend for ubiquitous connectivity grows, so does the potential for security vulnerabilities,” said Georg Doll, senior director for automotive solutions at Wind River. “The report highlights very real security concerns, and many in the auto industry are already actively designing solutions to address them. Given the development time for automobiles, the industry is finding it essential to start work now by teaming up with those possessing the right mix of software expertise.”

| McAfee

Audi A6 gets top rating for passive crash safety

The Euro NCAP consortium has awarded the new Audi A6 the maximum five-star rating for passive crash safety. The results for adult occupant protection in a frontal, rear or side collision and for child safety and pedestrian protection make the new Audi A6 one of the safest cars in its class.



The Euro NCAP consortium has awarded the new Audi A6 the maximum five-star rating for passive crash safety. Founded in 1997, the consortium is made up of international representatives from European transport ministries, automobile associations, insurers and consumer protection organizations. It performs extensive testing of the crash performance of new cars.





The results for adult occupant protection in a frontal or side collision and the child safety and pedestrian protection place the new Audi A6 among the safest cars in its class. The demanding test requirements of the Euro NCAP far exceed the standards of European lawmakers.



The scores awarded by the testers to the A6 for driver and passenger protection in frontal and side impact collisions easily earned the car the top rating of five stars. Children are also well protected in the new Audi A6. But ensuring protection for pedestrians and cyclists is also an important concern for Audi. A vehicle front end specially designed for this requirement helps to mitigate the consequences of a collision. The Audi A6 earned similarly good results in the Euro NCAP test.



In addition to the elements evaluated by the institution, Audi also gives top priority to integral safety as well as active safety. For this reason the Audi A6 offers an integral pedestrian protection system with standard daytime running lights and optional night vision assistant with a pedestrian warning. Additional driver assistance systems include Audi active lane assist or the all-weather light with adaptive headlight range control.



The Audi pre sense system is a milestone in active safety. In situations where a collision is likely, the “Audi pre sense plus” system initiates partial braking. If a collision is unavoidable, the partial braking is followed by a full deceleration that reduces the intensity of the impact. Target braking assists drivers in situations where they do not apply sufficient braking force despite having received visual and acoustic warnings.



| Audi

Timely advice as caravans take to the road over the summer holiday period

A high proportion of the 2 million or so caravan owners will be taking to the road for the first time this year during the summer holiday period and many owners will not, unfortunately, carry out basic safety checks to ensure a trouble free holiday says Protyre, the UK’s leading independent tyre dealer network.



Out of season storage conditions can sometimes have a detrimental effect on caravan and trailer tent tyres. Owners are recommended to carry out some simple checks to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers during a journey. Carefully examine tyres to ensure that there are no cuts, lumps or bulges and that the sidewalls are sound and not affected by ozone cracking or distortion through being left standing for an extended period. Tyres must also have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread, although Protyre recommends that tyres with less than 2.5 mm of tread should be considered for replacement. Owners of trailer caravans or trailer tents are advised that if the tyres are over 7 years old that they should be replaced irrespective of their condition. And the company also recommends that the tyres on the tow car should also be checked, including the spare.





A particularly important aspect of tyre safety, often overlooked by owners, is the age of the tyres fitted to the caravan or trailer. In fact determining the age of a tyre is simple and straightforward. A code is marked on the tyre sidewall with the first two numbers determining the week, with the third and fourth digits referring to the year of manufacture (see illustration). Should caravan owners be in any doubt about the condition or age of tyres, Protyre is offering a free Summer Tyre Safety Check at any of their 53 UK outlets, details of which can be found at www.protyre.co.uk.



Tyre pressures are equally crucial to the safety, stability and economical running of both the caravan and the towing vehicle. Under or over inflated tyres can not only affect the handling, but can at the extreme result in a tyre failure. Tyres not inflated to the correct pressures can also wear more quickly and will use more fuel and create more CO2 emissions. Owners should consult the vehicle handbook for the correct tyre pressures.



| Micheldever Tyre Services & Protyre

New Bosch ABS for all motorcycle types

The old argument that antilock braking systems are too big and too heavy for motorbikes is no longer valid. “At 0.4 litres in size and 700 grams in weight, the current Bosch generation 9 is just over half the size and weight of the predecessor generation. This currently makes it the world's smallest motorcycle ABS,” says Tobias Fluck, a Bosch expert for motorcycle ABS. The company offers this modular system in various builds, ranging from a basic version to a premium version featuring an integrated electronic combined brake system. This means that the perfect solution is available for every motorbike, from the reasonably priced entry-level machine to the super-sports model. Generation 9 has been in series production since 2010, and currently features in models made by Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati, and KTM.

At present, if motorcyclists have to brake as quickly as possible in a critical situation, they face a difficult task. On most motorbikes, they have to first of all use the hand and foot brakes separately to control the braking pressure for front and rear wheels. Then they have to prevent the wheels locking up at all costs. The findings of a Bosch study based on GIDAS, the German database of accident statistics, therefore come as no surprise: 47 percent of motorcycle accidents are caused by wrong and hesitant braking. The antilock braking system solves this problem, allowing safe braking by preventing the wheels from locking up. This can both prevent a fall and significantly reduce braking distance. Up to now, however, ABS systems are a rare sight on motorcycles. Where cars have been rolling off the production lines in Europe with ABS as a standard feature since 2004, only 16 percent of newly manufactured motorbikes featured ABS in 2010.



The compact Bosch system is available in three versions
The previous ABS systems of all suppliers were based on passenger-car technology, and were thus comparatively large. While they could be installed in larger machines, this was often not possible in small motorcycles. So while the new generation of Bosch brake control systems was being developed for passenger cars, the engineers at the Bosch Engineering Centre in Japan came up with an ABS series especially for motorbikes. The result of their work was the ABS generation 9, only half the size of its predecessor. It is also modular, allowing variants to be produced for different ranges of functions, and its design is cost-effective, which is important if it is to be used widely in all motorcycles with hydraulic brake systems.

Despite its compact construction, the ABS 9 base offers full antilock protection. Moreover, sudden changes in road surface, caused for example by grit or patches of oil, no longer present cause for alarm. ABS allows even inexperienced riders to brake safely. The ABS 9 plus variant is especially suitable for powerful machines. Because it uses an additional pressure sensor, it takes effect even when pressure is being built up during emergency braking This specifically prevents the rear wheel rising, and thus heads off the risk of flipping over.

ABS 9 enhanced, the most powerful version, offers the additional eCBS function. eCBS stands for electronic combined brake system. What this means is a novel combination of front and rear brake. In this integrated version, it is enough for the rider to operate just one of the two brakes – front or rear: ABS 9 enhanced automatically applies the second brake without the rider having to apply more pressure and without changing braking strength. The motorbike can thus brake safely both on wet surfaces and on dry surfaces with a good grip.

Even now, ABS 9 enhanced can help to a moderate degree to stabilize righting moment and banking when braking in an inclined riding position. Moreover, even more functions can be added to the Bosch ABS with eCBS. Successful trials are currently being performed with versions that modulate braking pressure so effectively, even in curves, that the typical motorcycle accident as a result of over-braking the front or rear wheel can be largely ruled out even here. And a controlled intervention in the engine management system is also possible. This opens up the possibility of new functions such as traction control and hill-hold control.


ABS for all motorized two-wheelers from 2017
In 2009, more than 5,000 motorcyclists were killed on Europe's roads alone. According to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the danger of a fatal accident, for the same distance travelled, is 18 times higher for motorcyclists than for car drivers. And according to many scientific studies, ABS is the system with the greatest safety gain for motorcycles. For example, a study presented by Vägverket, the Swedish highways authority, in 2009 confirms that 38 percent of all accidents involving personal injury and 48 percent of all serious and fatal accidents could be prevented with the help of ABS. A Bosch study based on data from GIDAS, the major German accident statistics database, concludes that a quarter of all accidents with injuries and fatalities could be prevented if ABS was standard equipment. A further one-third of all accidents with injuries and fatalities could at least be mitigated by the antilock system. In 2010, findings such as these were enough to persuade the EU Commission to propose making ABS mandatory for motorized two-wheelers from 2017.

A study of the benefits of ABS conducted by the European Commission shows that more than 5,000 lives could be saved over the next ten years alone if ABS were made mandatory. A decision is expected to be taken this year. But for the emerging markets in Asia and South America as well, ABS promises a significant improvement in road safety. The condition for its use on a wide scale is a hydraulic brake system. In all markets, this standard is becoming more and more established.

| Bosch