WHY IS WHEEL ALIGNMENT IMPORTANT?

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Wheel alignment refers to the angles your car’s wheels are set at. It’s also known as tracking or ‘four-wheel alignment’ because all four wheels are assessed and adjusted together rather than just the front two.
The main reasons for misaligned wheels are worn, damaged or incorrectly adjusted suspension components. This is because sudden jolts, jarring or a heavy impact can disrupt your suspension and put components out of alignment which affects the way your wheels are positioned.

Over time cars and their components have evolved, as have the way cars steering, suspension set up and geometry is measured. The modern car is built for comfort, performance and handling. In order to achieve and maintain the best ride possible, the steering and suspension needs to be measured and adjusted within the motor manufacturer’s specifications.

This can only be done using modern high tech full four wheel alignment equipment. Here at Roadwheel we use the latest equipment to ensure your car is adjusted correctly.

It is important to check all 4 wheels are correctly adjusted and not just the front wheels.

The 3 main benefits of wheel alignments are:

Safety
Misalignment can affect car handling and can potentially make the car unsafe. A pre-suspension system inspection is part of the full alignment procedure; so helps to highlight any worn or damaged parts before they cause a more costly problem.

Vehicle Handling
Many handling problems can be corrected by a four wheel alignment and with the geometry aligned properly to the motor manufacturers specifications, you can enjoy that new car feel.

Save Money
By preventing premature tyre wear (and early tyre disposal), improving fuel economy and minimizing carbon emissions, it not only reduces the cost of motoring, but will help the environment too!

The good news is that we offer four wheel alignment here at Roadwheel, so get in touch to get booked in!

HOW LONG DO TYRES LAST?

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Standard Tyres
There is no standard time for how long tyres should last before they need replacing. Generally, it is recommended that front tyres should last for approximately 20,000 miles and rear tyres should last 40,000. However, many factors influence the rate at which tyres degrade; including:
– If your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive
– Driving conditions
– Weight carried
– Driving habits
Fast driving and bad weather conditions can cause your tyres to deteriorate much faster.

Spare Tyres
You should try to make sure that your vehicle contains a spare wheel should you ever need to change a tyre on a public road. Spare tyres are only a temporary fix as they are not made to last as long. You shouldn’t drive for more than 50 miles or exceed 50mph whilst driving, as they may not be able to withstand the pressure. Spare tyres are not a permanent solution and are there to get you home or to your nearest garage in an emergency.

If you think your tyres are getting close to needing replacements, or even just for peace of mind, call in to Roadwheel for a free tyre check.

CAR TYRE CARE

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Tyre care and maintenance is essential for safety, comfort, reliability and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. There are lots of reasons for tyre wear such as age, use, incorrect wheel alignment and poor road surface. It is important to look after your tyres and check them regularly to ensure you stay safe on the road.
There is no standard time for how long tyres should last before they need replacing. Generally, it is recommended that front tyres should last for approximately 20,000 miles and rear tyres should last 40,000. However, many factors influence the rate at which tyres degrade; including if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive, driving conditions, weight carried and driving habits. Fast driving and bad weather conditions can cause your tyres to deteriorate much faster.

UK law requires your vehicle to be fitted with the correct type and size of tyre for your vehicle type and for the purpose it is being used. This means fitting the correct tyres and ensuring that they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

If you think your tyres are getting close to needing replacements, or even just for peace of mind, just call in to Roadwheel for a free tyre check.

Our main checklist and tips for tyre safety are below:

Check the pressure regularly
Make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure. Tyres that are underinflated can overheat and cause damage to the tyre, and overinflated tyres can lead to poor vehicle handling and increase the risk of a blowout.
Tyres that are set to the incorrect tyre pressure will also need to be replaced more regularly as the tread will wear more quickly and unevenly. Under-inflated tyres will also increase fuel consumption as they have an increased rolling resistance and more fuel will be required to maintain the same speed.
The correct tyre pressures for your vehicle can be found in the vehicle handbook.

Make sure there is enough tread
When braking, your car relies on the tread on your tyres to grip the road and come to a stop in the shortest possible distance. Braking distance increases as tyre tread wears out so it’s important that you check them regularly to ensure you still have adequate tread on your tyres.
The legal minimum depth of the tread on your tyres is 1.6mm, across the central ¾ of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre. (see image)

For safety, we strongly recommend that you replace your tyres before the legal limit is reached. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing at 3mm. In wet weather, travelling at 50 mph with 1.6mm of tread, it takes an extra car length (8 metres) to stop than if your tread was 3mm.
It is also a legal requirement to ensure that tyres of different construction types are not mixed on the same axle (the two main tyre types are radial and cross-ply). Please ask Roadwheel to check your tyres if you are unsure.
Mixing brands and patterns of the same construction type is permissible depending on the vehicle type and manufacturers recommendation. Check your vehicle’s handbook, or ask Roadwheel to look this up for you.
Failing to replace your tyres before they reach this minimum limit could result in a hefty fine and penalty points on your licence.

Check for damage and unusual wear and tear
Tyres can get cuts and lumps caused by various things such as potholes or an impact with the kerb. If you notice any damage on your tyres, or your vehicle has been involved in an emergency manoeuvre like sudden heavy braking, you must have them checked as quickly as possible by a tyre specialist such as Roadwheel, as this sort of damage can lead to sudden tyre failure.

Keep your wheels aligned
Misalignment can affect car handling and can potentially make the car unsafe. A pre-suspension system inspection is part of the full alignment procedure; so helps to highlight any worn or damaged parts before they cause a more costly problem.
Many handling problems can be corrected by a four wheel alignment and with the geometry aligned properly to the motor manufacturers specifications, you can enjoy that new car feel!
By preventing premature tyre wear (and early tyre disposal), improving fuel economy and minimizing carbon emissions, it not only reduces the cost of motoring, but will help the environment too. Make sure to get your wheel alignment check periodically.

As always, if you’re in any doubt, get in touch and we will be happy to help!

MOBILE SERVICE

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One of our customer’s with two damaged tyres taking advantage of our free call-out to get them safely back on the road.

Don’t forget we offer a mobile service for emergency car tyre requirements and during the CV19 period we are offering a free call out Monday – Friday within a 10 mile radius. Details and payment can be taken over the phone, and keys left out to ensure zero contact.

We are also happy to carry out free safety checks on tyre depth and pressures, brake wear and fluid levels on car and motorcycle.

Call us 01252617788 to make a booking.

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO STAY COVID SAFE?

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It’s nearly business as usual here. During the current climate, we are taking extra precuations and our top priority is to keep everyone safe. With limited public transport available, it’s important to keep your vehicles in good working condition. We are happy to carry out free safety checks on tyre depth and pressures, brake wear and fluid levels on car and motorcycle.

Why are we open?
We are on the list of exempt companies on the GOV website that can remain open to allow drivers to maintain a roadworthy vehicle and keep you safe. There are still plenty of people still travelling to work – keyworkers, NHS staff and emergency services and we want you to know we are here for your vehicle needs.

What are we doing to keep staff and customers safe?
We have put additional practises into effect to ensure staff and customers can stay as safe as possible, such as:
– Keeping all surfaces in reception and around the workshop clean – these are sprayed and wiped down regularly including all door handles and the toilets.
– All staff members are following official guidelines and gloves are always worn when working on or moving vehicles.
– We are practising social distancing as a company, and we kindly ask that all customers come down as individuals and respect our staff by standing back from the counter.
– We have spaced out the seating area in reception. We also have plenty of space outside to wait and practise social distancing whilst waiting to collect your vehicle.

We are grateful to still be open and be able to provide a key service. If we work together we can get all of the important jobs to your vehicles done.

 

REVISED HOURS

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We have revised our opening hours and reduced our staffing levels due to the current COVID-19 situation. You still receive the same level of service but please bear with us if we are slightly slower than usual.

Monday – Friday: 8am – 4pm

Saturday: 8am – 2pm

ROADWHEEL CYCLE

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Lead time at your local bike shop too long? Want your new bike for the good weather sooner? For many years Roadwheel have supported top bike team Canyon dhb p/b Soreen and we are now pleased offer bike servicing and repairs with Roadwheel Cycle. Run by top team mechanic Eoin, we offer a range of services from a mid season tune up to a full rebuild.

You can also have your bike built by the one of the UK’s best cycling team’s mechanics in our kitted out workshop. Be it a custom build frame and groupset or an off the shelf bike in a box. You can have it delivered direct to us, or drop it to our Fleet based service course and collect it fully built and tuned by a pro mechanic, ready to ride.
Delivery can be arranged within a 20 mile radius of Fleet (GU51) and Walton (KT12). Your warranty will still be valid too as it only requires it be built by a certified mechanic.

Road bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes all welcome! Find out more here.

Images – Breakaway Digital

Wales GP report

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We were back in action on Sunday but still in Wales but this time moving away from the Elite Circuit Series and focusing on the Elite Road Series. A report written by Alex below explains how it went.

After a tough crit Friday night, the Wales GP was here on Sunday.  A couple of rider changes for the RR with the addition on Max, Will Harper and Stevie in place of Lewis and Simon.  The race was 115 miles on some testing roads, not the hilliest Wales has to offer, but tough enough.  After two large loops, the race then headed onto a smaller loop that went though and out of Abergavenny with a bit of a draggy climb and a technical and fast final 2km each laps of the 10 finishing circuit.

With lots of attacks on the opening large loops as a team we generally had a rider in most moves.  It wasn’t our finest example of team positioning, but we got the job done and had riders in the right places and involved in the attacks.  A standout ride from Rob McCarthy riding very well and involved in the thick of the action, great to see.

Unfortunately for us on the 2nd large lap there was a big crash which only Rory managed to avoid from our team (highlighting his good positioning).  As a fair sized group went clear we had Rob, Gruff and Stevie held up for some time with the crash, whilst Mitch, Max, Will and I managed to get going in the chase group.  After a lot of hard work from us and a few other riders, we eventually started to look as though the front of the race was reachable.

First to get there was Mitch and Max who attacked across in a small group, a very good move and they looked strong.  I was unable to go with them at the time and had to hope the rest of the chasers would make it back.  By this point Stevie and Gruff and made their way back into the chase group after a tough effort.  Coming into the finish circuit was a long decent and the with the lead group in sight and few people looking good to bridge across, I managed to make the junction across with a couple of others just in time.

Luckily this meant on the finishing circuit we had Rory, Mitch, Max and myself in the front of the bike race.  A small group of 4 riders were clear by 30s.  The good news was that whilst rory was isolated at the front, he had been in an 11 man group up the road, making sure PH were represented, but unfortunately paid for his effort in the closing stages.

Mitch, Max and I managed to stay in contention towards the front with Raleigh leading the chase of the 4 riders.  Gradually the pace got tougher and eventually split the group into a select front group that was only 20 or so riders.

Coming into the finish Mitch and Max slid back into the 2nd group and with 1.5km to go, I took a big gamble and tried an attack.  The gap I established was very slight, but if I could hold on, it would be a big result.  As it happens there were enough people able to chase and soon enough I was back and riders were flying passed me with about 500m to go.  I was toast but happy to have been able to try.  I think I finished 17th, Mitch 29th and Max 34th.  Unfortunately Gruff and Stevies group ended up missing the time cut for the last lap.

A tough day out for many reasons, but we held our own and were in action throughout the race in one way or another.

Wales Open Criterium

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The last round of the Elite circuit series was held in the streets of Abergavenny on Friday evening. The pace was fast from the start with a lot of action. Alex Paton finished 8th overall on the night and has written report below talking us through how it went.

Friday night saw Mitch, Rory, Gruff, Simon, Rob McCarthy, Lewis and myself take on the final round of the Elite Crit Series.  Due to illness we had Dave McGowan and Will Fox missing, this was a shame considering their very good positions within the series.

A fast and quite technical circuit was great for the final round and made for some very exciting racing.  The circuit was lined with spectators almost the entire way round with some parts a few rows deep.

The race started in its usual blistering pace and soon enough the race was in one long line with the hairpin turn staring to force gaps.  We initially had all riders involved in the front half of the race and looked god as other teams started to loose riders.  However as the race progressed, gaps opened up due to the high speed and constant attacks at the front we lost a couple of guys.

Still involved in the main group was Gruff, Rory, Mitch and myself.  Still a good situation to be in.  I managed to be involved with the majority of attacks and twice looked to have made a small group that stayed clear for a few laps, however none stayed clear for more than a few laps even with myself and other very strong riders.

Eventually a large group split and stayed slightly clear of the hugely depleted field.  Some good results on a tough night that was very difficult to stay in contention at the front.  I placed 8th, Gruff 12th, Rory 16th and Mitch 22nd.  Great news for Dave too, who despite not even racing on the night still managed to place 3rd overall.

Beverley Grand Prix

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Felix English (JLT Condor) sprinted to victory in the Beverley Grand Prix on Friday evening, boosting his tally in the British Cycling Elite Circuit Series.

The 22-year-old from Sandbach in Cheshire edged to victory inches ahead of Series leader Jon Mould (One Pro Cycling) with 2014 Beverley GP winner Mike Northey (Madison Genesis) third.

The trio had been part of a five-rider break which stayed clear for much of the race and actually lapped everyone else in the race, which was round six of the Series.

English’s victory in Beverley, round six of the British Cycling Elite Circuit Series, comes after he placed third in round four, the Colne Grand Prix, nine days earlier.

 

Last year’s winner Northey made an early bid for freedom in the first few laps and was soon joined by Tom Moses (JLT Condor).

They were expected to be swallowed up as the bunch sized each other out, but instead the duo were joined by Felix English (JLT Condor), Series leader Jon Mould (One Pro Cycling) and Steve Lampier (Raleigh GAC) and suddenly they gained speed and pulled clear.

The gap grew to 23 seconds before much chasing occurred, with NFTO driving the bunch, but the gap continued to grow and was quickly 40 seconds, then 50 seconds, and then they looked likely to start lapping the back markers.

Second in the Series, David McGowan (Pedal Heaven RT) was one of the keenest to start a chase, and was on the front. But the pace continued to be high, and with 14 laps left the leaders lapped the field.

As soon as the leaders had caught the back of the bunch the leaders swept through apace, and with ten laps left it became apparent the winner would come from this group, with all eyes on Series leader Jon Mould.

But with JLT Condor having two riders in in the break in Tom Moses and Felix

English, and Lampier and Northey also being prolific winners, the fate of the win was by no means clear.

With the rest of the field pulled out with a few laps left to allow for a clean finish for the five leaders, the stage was set for a dramatic finish. And so it proved, with photo finish needed to separate English from Mould, while Northey held off the Moses and Lampier for the win.

Previously seventh in the Series table, English will move up towards the top three overall on the back of his win, although minor placings are yet to be decided.

 

 

“That was quite hard!” said English after he stepped from the podium. “It was almost a replica of what happened two years ago. We had two riders in the break two years ago too.

“My team-mate Tom Moses worked really well, we were just trying to play the last few laps pretty smart. Tom started it off and gave me an easier ride to the finish and I could sit on.

“I was trying to get as much power as I could before the cobbles because it was so hard to accelerate on them! The surface was pretty good, and being in a break it was better and you could concentrate – although it would’ve been carnage in the bunch!

“For the first five laps we could see the bunch behind and we knew a few teams had missed it, but as soon as we had the gap everyone was working really well together.

“All the guys in the break are super strong. Jon Mould hasn’t finished outside the top five this Series, and Mike Northey gave me a kicking here two years ago, so I’m fairly used to how well they’re going.

“It was a massive crowd here and a great atmosphere in Beverley!”