''THEY'RE BLACK AND ROUND''!

That's the explanation I heard from a tyre salesman one day (in a retailer who shall remain nameless) when asked by a customer if a budget tyre on offer was worth spending money on. Well before I explain why the tyre salesman in question was not very good at his job, let me say that the question the customer asked is totally justifiable. They all look the same and the price gap between Premium tyres and Budget is often so great that it is worth finding out more.
So is it worth the extra investment to spend up on premium tyres?

In a one word answer, Yes! In a two word explanation, Research and Development.

The overwhelming differences between premium brand Tyres (such as the brands pictured above) and their lesser known budget brand counterparts is research and development. Two tyres may look similar at first glance. Black, round, grooves patterns around the outside, etc. But! There is considerably more to those grooves than the everyday consumer might think. Months, even years of testing may go into the tread design of a premium tyre. The angle and size of the sipes (lateral grooves) as well as the compounds used in the manufacturing process can have huge influences on the performance of the tyre where water clearance and grip are concerned. Premium  brand tyre companies invest hugely in R&D and will only patent and release a new tread pattern after the tyre has been rigorously tested in conditions that resemble the worst driving conditions the average motorist is likely to encounter. Budget tyre companies tend to copy the premium brands tread patterns, adjust them slightly to avoid patent litigation and release the tyre on the market without any significant testing. In countries like Ireland where it rains heavily so often the risks involved in using budget tyres is significant. This video produced by German manufacture Continental shows beyond doubt that there is a significant safety risk associated with the fitment of budget tyres.

At Heffernan Tyres, we have fifty years experience of providing all brands of tyres to the market. We know what works and what doesn't. We have mileage data on our database which provides us with performance information on many brands of tyre. We determine our range of tyres on a combination of measurements which guarantees our customers receive the best advice and value for money available. We understand that people need to be conscious of what they spend but our staff also have the expertise to explain the safety advantages of fitting quality tyres to your vehicle. You will never get the ''Black and Round'' answer at Heffernan Tyres. We're good at what we do.

TYRE STRATEGY A WINNER FOR ALONSO AND PIRELLI

Anyone watching the Chinese F1 Grand Prix last week will know beyond doubt that tyre strategy played a critically important role in determining which drivers took the podium spots. The decision of starting on soft tyres and pitting early with a three  pit strategy won places 1,2 and 3 for Alonso, Raikkonen and Hamilton respectively. World champion Vettel was left to rue starting on medium compound and leaving his change to soft until his last pit stop. Despite a frantic challenge for third in the final laps and the fastest pit stops, team Red Bull missed out on a podium with Vettel having to settle for fourth. His team mate Mark Webber crashed out and said of the secret of winning races in the modern age to be  ''tyres,tyres,tyres. tyres, and tyres''

For the fans of F1 there is no doubt that tyres have added huge excitement and unpredictability to the sport, Races have become much more competitive. There are more lead changes, overtakes, closer races, closer championships to keep us engaged, BBC's Eddie Jordan summed it up perfectly on Sunday ''What Pirelli have served up today is excitement and unpredictability'' And that's what it should be about.

When Pirelli took over as the sole supplier of F1 tyres in 2010 many thought that whilst they would run the show well technically, the marketing and branding that Bridgestone had provided would be a hard act to follow. What Pirelli have delivered through their compound and colour coding is a huge boost to their brand and its recognition at consumer level. As the fan or viewer watches the race and notes the driver's tyre strategy he or she is also watching the brand Perelli P ZERO. It's hard to think that they could have done it any better. No doubt it has been a huge investment for them. It would be a great story if a resulting significantly greater market share in the passenger tyre market is achieved in time.

 

Here at HeffernanTyres, we have been one of Ireland's biggest stockist of Pirelli tyres for many years. We have an excellent relationship with the company and stand firmly behind the quality of their products. We look forward to another exciting year of F1 and many more years of success with the Pirelli brand.

MICHELIN GOING THE EXTRA MILE THIS SPRING.

In our some of our previous posts we wrote about the great strides that are being made in the chemical engineering of tyres and how there are significant savings to be made on fuel consumption by choosing the right tyre for your car.

Well it probably comes as no surprise that Michelin have been very involved in the race to make the ''perfect tyre'' for a long time. Michelin invented the radial tyre, the single piece inflatable tyre, the runflat tyre, and numerous other innovations. Energy or fuel saving tyres have been part of the Michelin portfolio of products for over ten years and have prove time and again to cut fuel consumption through reduced rolling resistance.

 Until the end of May Michelin are going the extra mile to save you on your fuel bills.
Just buy two or more Michelin Tyres from Heffernan Tyres and Michelin will send you fuel voucher for up to €50!!!!!. No tricks or gimmicks, just a genuine offer. Combined with never seen before prices on key sizes, this deal puts arguably the market's finest tyre on your vehicle for a seriously competitive price. Values of vouchers depend on the rim size on your vehicle. Phone us today on 045 521253 for a quote. We were Ireland's first Michelin Accredited depot and always carry a wide range of car, van and 4x4 sizes.

TYRES. AN IRISH INVENTION?

JOHN BOYD DUNLOP (1840-1921)

Although his face is featured on the Northern Banks £10 note; John Boyd Dunlop was born in Scotland. After graduating from Veterinary College he took up practice in Ulster in 1867 and it was there that he designed his greatest invention. Whilst watching his son cycling uncomfortably on the cobbled streets of Belfast on solid tyres, he surmised that if the the rims were cushioned by air, the impact on the cyclist would be reduced.

The experiments conducted in America by Charles Goodyear in the 1820s had produced the process of Vulcanisation. This invention greatly improved the elasticity and strenght of rubber. Dunlop was able to prototype the worlds first pneumatic or inflatable rubber tyre.

The success Dunlop's innovation was proven in 1889 when a bicycle fitted with his tyres ridden by Willie Hume won all the races at Queens College Belfast Sports event. The pneumatic tyre was up and running.

Although initially granted a patent, Dunlop has his patent revoked when it was made known that another Scot, Robert Thompson, had patented a pneumatic tyre(Dunlop was unaware of this) in France and  the USA in 1844. Unable to get the right materials at the time, Thompson had not taken the idea to commercial production. Dunlop had already begun production in 1890 and the resulting legal battle saw him sell the patent and company to William Harvey du Cros MP in return for 1500 shares in the company that bore his name.

He never made a huge fortune from an invention nearly as significant as the wheel itself. He retired to Dublin and died in 1821. John Boyd Dunlop is buried in Deans Grange cemetery in Dublin.

Dunlop has become a leading brand in the world market and has been responsible for many innovations since 1890. They also manufacture a wide range of sportswear and equipment. In Ireland Dunlop was a significant employer and manufacturer until 1983.

In 1999 Dunlop was absorbed in to the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to form the new trading name Goodyear Dunlop. Ironically a giant company was formed bearing the names of two geniuses who never owned the companies that their inventions created.

Here at Heffernan Tyres we have a long standing relationship with Goodyear Dunlop and stock a full range of their products. Their warehouse facility in Dublin and Internet portal for ordering tyres makes doing business with them an easy process. Nearly 100 years after the death of John  Boyd Dunlop; close friend of Queen Victoria and brilliant inventor; the product which bears his name is to be found on the shelves of businesses in the country where he invented it.

OUR SMALL PART IN THE GOOD FOOD CHAIN

Despite difficult times in many sectors, one area of Ireland's economy is bucking the trend and performing better than ever. Our farming sector is ploughing Ireland's way to recovery. And with  the world's population ever growing; the pressure on food production and ''good food'' production in particular will be with us  to stay. Worldwide there has been a huge move from processed mass produced foods to quality fresh produce and Ireland stands to gain considerably from this. Why? Well because quality food is what we do here. With ample water supplies, good fertile soils and temperate climate, Ireland produces some of the worlds finest food produce.

Kildare is a particularly fertile and productive county. In our immediate area we produce some of the worlds finest beef and lamb. Rapeseed is grown for oil production. Wheat, potatoes and arable crops of all kinds thrive in our limestone rich soils. Our proximity in relation to the capital and port is a significant advantage for Kildare also. Our farms and farmers are busy and productive.

So where do Heffernan Tyres fit in? For over 50 years our business has been closely associated with local primary producers. The modern farmer utilises all up to date technology and machinery to maximise his/her performance and production. Tyres and good tyre advice are all important to keep Tractors, Harvesters and implements on the move. Heffernan tyres in close collaboration with Firestone Agri are providing excellent quality tyre products, technical advice and service back up for Agri Businesses throughout the province.

For instance in the area of pressure maintainance and calculation, our local farmers are using a smart phone App from Firestone to get maximum performance from their tyres. Pressures are all important to minimise fuel usage and provide the right traction in variable conditions. Our staff are well trained and operate on farms via our mobile service which is 24/7 all year round.

We like good news stories at Heffernan Tyres. Positive news which indicates that the country is moving forward are welcome here. Our local farmers are part of that good news story. Long may it continue. We will be right there with them.

HEFFERNAN TYRES. PART OF A GREAT COMMUNITY!

ST. BRIGIDS ON ST PATRICKS NIGHT

As we have written here before; Kildare is a thriving community of people who genuinely love and feel proud of their town. There is always something going on, in the planning or the imagination of people who want to make things happen. Heffernan Tyres are proudly , smack bang in the middle of it all.

In 2013 we have  renewed our sponsorship with the the Cill Dara Rugby club and recently kitted out the U13s in Kildare AFC soccer club. There is some great budding talent there and we are so happy to be associated with the lads over there.

KILDARE AFC U13 LADS IN THEIR NEW KIT.

Local Arts Community Culture Kildare (LARK) was set up 6 years ago to showcase the talents of people from Kildare Town. The group has embarked on Musicals, Christmas Variety shows, Street Pageants and Photographic Exhibitions; with great community spirit. previous productions have included a staging of the musical  ANNIE last year which was a major success. However, starting tonight (Mar 19th) at the Moat Theatre Naas, LARK will stage it's most adventurous production to date. An extravaganza of film backdrop, lighting, special effects and of course song and dance has been months in preparation. Our CEO Thomas has been in the thick of it as Chairman and when the curtain closes tonight (19th March) on the Wizard of OZ, we expect a collective sigh of relief and a smile of satisfaction that a job has been well done. Because that's how we do in things in Kildare.

Best of luck to all the production team and cast for tonight and the week ahead. We look forward to reading the reviews and hearing the applause.

MOAT THEATRE NAAS TONIGHT TUESDAY 19th MARCH THROUGH TO SATURDAY 23rd MARCH.

And so as 2013 progresses, Heffernan Tyres remains at the centre of our local community in Kildare. We know that putting back is all important where relationships with our loyal customers are concerned. But mostly it's about community building, friendship and making our town and County a great place to live in.

Come out and visit us. We're sure you'll agree.

POTHOLE SEASON 2013

Ok we've all seen the video of the Corkman having a jacuzzi in a pothole. It's our understanding that the famous hole was caused by a burst water main and has since been repaired.
However this year we are seeing terrible damage to our roads. A combination of wet weather and neglect due to road maintainance cutbacks have left many of the country's roads in third world conditions.
Kildare, being a relatively flat county has an extensive network of secondary roads. Combine the aforementioned factors with a busy sand, gravel and cement industry and the result is road damage.
This year we are seeing a huge surge in damage to tyres and wheels as a result of pothole damage.

As pictured above, potholes will often just appear as puddles on the road. The first the motorist knows of it's depth is that horrible clunk on impact as the wheel strikes the pothole's edge.
Even at moderate speed, the result is all too often ''pinch rupture'' which put simply is a sidewall gash caused by the tyre being pinched between the pothole edge and the metal of the car wheel. The result is rapid deflation and immediate unrepairabilty of the tyre. This is often accompanied by wheel damage. Alloy wheels are often buckled or cracked by the impact. The bad news for the motorist on say a 5 Series BMW would be about €600 for a replacement runflat tyre and 17'' Alloy rim. Plus €50 for alignment which is always required after such an impact. All Bad News!!!!

ROBERT SZMIDOWSKI

The good news is that we have Robert Szmidoski working for us. Robert is Polish has been with us for more than five years. He is a skilled welder and tradesman and puts his hands to repairing almost anything.

Robert has a great success rate at repairing bent or cracked alloys and has saved many of our customers a lot of money with his repairs. This year he has been very busy. Pothole damage is never good news. Robert, however will take some of the pain out of it for our customers.