A story of another female mechanic!

Aside from a thin coat of powder, there’s nothing superficial about 32-year-old Sarah “Bogi” Lateiner.

Big-hearted and brilliant, Bogi graduated Phi Beta Kappa and did it in three years with a double major in pre-law and women’s studies. Her plan was to go to law school and become a champion for women on a global scale.

Although in the end, she decided to go with her plan B, instead, become a female mechanic.

“I had in my mind that this was a different way to save the world,” she said.

In other words, fix the world – by fixing cars.

(watch the original video here)

She enrolled in technical school right after graduation.

“Who doesn’t go on to become a female mechanic after pre-law?” she said jokingly.

Today, she has her own shop in Phoenix called 180 degree Automotive. Beyond quality service for all, her mission is to educate women specifically about cars and thus empower them in the rest of their lives.

The concept is based on Bogi’s first car experience – at 16 she bought an old VW bug that needed a lot of work. She felt like mechanics were taking advantage of her so she learned how to fix it herself. And really, she says, that’s what empowered her more than anything.

“I got over my fear of this big piece of metal and plastic that is our cars,” she said. “And it became my passion for me to take that empowerment I got from learning about cars to teach it to other women.”

To that end, Bogi works weekends teaching basic car maintenance classes. She also started a scholarship for women who want to go on to technical school – and hires mostly female mechanics.

Bogi says she knows from experience, for a woman, getting into law school is easier than breaking into this business.

“When I was applying for jobs,” she said, “I literally walked in once and he yelled back, ‘Hey, Joe, we got a little girl here wants to be a female mechanic, you’ve got to see this.'”

Bogi says she knew then that she picked the right path. She’s reminded of that almost daily – whether it’s a grateful customer bringing in a gift of home-baked bread, or a 77-year-old student breaking loose her first lug bolt.

Bogi says she’s more convinced than ever that she is making a difference – and that if you really want to change the world, you better first know how to change your oil.

The different types of car tyres available

Car tyres not only come in different kinds of shapes and sizes, but the type of tyre is also a big factor in how they work.  Some are designed differently, and the performance, efficiency and their lifespan all depend on what they were designed for. Here we take a look at the main types, and what their differences are.

Performance – AKA summer tyres

Performance tyres are designed for driving performance and speed rather than lasting forever. Made of a softer rubber than normal tyres, they are not made for wet weather conditions, and can be dangerous if used in those conditions.

Snow – AKA winter tyres

Snow tyres are the opposite to performance tyres, and are designed for use in snow and icy conditions. Their tread is much larger than normal, they should only be used in these conditions as they wear very quickly on dry roads, and can also cause damage to the dry road surface. They also tend to be very noisy when driven on normal roads in dry conditions, and will normally have M&S stamped on the side, with probably a snowflake symbol.

Wet-weather 

Especially designed for driving in wet conditions, Wet-weather tyres have a tread pattern which is deeper to keep more water away from the tyre. Made with a rubber compound which is even softer than those of Performance , Wet-weather tyres heat up more quickly to provide more grip on the road.

All-terrain 

Used primarily on 4 Wheel Drive vehicles, such as SUV’s and Utes, all-terrain tyres are designed for handling a wide range of on-road and off-road conditions. When it comes to the rubber they’re neither too hard nor too soft. With stiffer sidewalls and large tread patterns they’re quite noisy on normal dry roads, but work well when on sand or dirt tracks.

All-round – AKA all season tyres

Found on most cars as they’re rolled out of the factory, these all-rounders are designed to handle most weather and road conditions that motorists will encounter. They’re a good compromise between grip, life, wet/dry weather and performance.

 

Energywise tyres are the smarter choice

Many people think tyres are tyres, and there’s no difference. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth! Not only do tyres come in all different shapes and sizes, but even the same tyres, if treated differently, can give you wildly varying results!

Tyres play a very important part when it comes to the fuel economy and safety of your vehicle. Choosing ENERGYWISE approved fuel efficient tyres, combined with regularly checking your tyre pressure, will help you save money at the pump by getting further for your dollar, while at the same time making your vehicle safer.

Fuel efficient tyres

Making a fuel efficient and safe tyre choice for your car is now easy thanks to a new approval mark developed by the EECA in consultation with NZ tyre distributors. ENERGYWISE approved tyres meet ENERGYWISE standards for both fuel efficiency and braking in wet conditions. ENERGYWISE approved tyres will save you fuel and perform when safety really counts.

Tyre pressure

Regularly checking your tyres are correctly inflated helps you maximise how far your car will travel on each tank of fuel, while also reducing your tyre wear and helping ensure you travel safely. Under inflated tyres will reduce steering capacity, increase your stopping distance, use more fuel per tank, and overall reduce your car’s performance. Over inflated tyres run the risk of a blow out, and that’s the last thing you want travelling at 100 km per hour. Even if they don’t explode because of the increased pressure, the contact with the road will be smaller, resulting in even more problems.

Tyre tread

The deeper the tread depth the better, and new tyres should have a depth of around 5-7 millimetres. In New Zealand, the minimum tread depth required by law is 1.5mm, however, in wet conditions, anything under 3mm isn’t really recommended.

To find out more about fuel efficient give us a call today. Our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

 

For car tyres in Auckland, we’re your girls!

If you’re interested in cars, or know anything about tyres, then you’ll have noticed that performance tyres have become quite popular in recent years. Car tyres that were designed and made for professional races are now being produced for the average consumer. If you’re a car enthusiast looking for high quality performance car tyres in Auckland, professionals Tyre Girl is the place to go!

The type of car tyre you choose is obviously very important, as your tyres are the only link between the road and your vehicle. No matter how finely tuned your vehicle is, the overall performance of your car will ultimately depend on your choice of tyres. Remember, not all car tyres are created equal. Performance tyres are specially designed and manufactured to have a tougher side wall with a lower profile. They also have large treads for a better grip of the road, and in some cases, a nylon cap over the steel belts in order to hold the tyre together at high speeds.

The question you should ask yourself is; Do I need performance tyres on my car? Obviously, simply by being a better product, performance tyres will do a better job on any car. But they can be expensive. If you’re interested in cars, then you’ll not have to ask yourself this question, you’ll already know the answer. For those who haven’t the in depth knowledge of cars, then you need to ask yourself a couple of questions before purchase. Questions like how often do you drive? Are your journeys usually long distance? Do you tend to drive faster because you’re on the motorway more often?

For help with these questions, or anything else related to car tyres in Auckland, give us a call. For the best car tyres in Auckland, come see us. We have the experience, knowledge, and professionalism to help you with any questions or problems you may have.

 

History of Michelin Tyres

Michelin Tyres are the world’s largest tyre manufacturers. Founded in 1889 in the town of Clermont-Ferrand in France, by two brothers, the company now has 133,400 outlets world wide!

André Michelin and his brother Édouard ran a rubber factory in Clermont-Ferrand and one day a cyclist pulled up at the factory with a tyre that needed repaired. Because the tyre was glued to the rim (as was normal in those days), it took over three hours to remove and repair it.

Édouard realises that this is a ridiculous situation and starts designing a pneumatic tyre that is detachable from the rim of the bicycle. Once designed and built, the Brothers give it to Charles Terront who wins the Paris–Brest–Paris race, the world’s first long distance cycle race in 1891, giving it a spectacular introduction to the public.

The following year, the brothers organise a race between the town and Paris, and scatter nails across the road, showing that a puncture in their tyres is no big deal. Then in 1895, the Michelin Brothers build and race The Éclair, which becomes the first automobile to use pneumatic tyres. Another landmark comes four years later in 1899 when the 100kph barrier is broken by Jamais Contende a car that runs on Michelin Tyres.

This was just the beginning of the Michelin Company. Over the next hundred years they light the way by constantly inventing new technologies, reinventing old ones and building a safer and more sustainable tyre. From motorbikes and Formula 1 cars to Jet Fighters and the Space Shuttle, Michelin tyres have been a by word for innovation and quality.

So if you’re looking for a set of new tyres, then call into Tyre Girl today, or just give us a ring if you have any queries about your car or the tyres you should use. We’re always happy to help.

History of Pirelli Tyres

Pirelli tyres have a long and lustrous history. Check it out!

The Pirelli Company was founded in 1872 by Giovanni Battista Pirelli, a 24 year old engineer, in Milan, Italy. Less than a year later, he had a factory up and running, producing rubber based goods. Pirelli initially specialised in making scuba diving rebreathers, but towards the end of the Century the company started diversifying their output. After making insulated telegraph cables in the 1870’s, then underwater telegraph cables in the 1880’s, Pirelli began what they would become famous for in 1890- making tyres. The company first started making bicycle tyres, and then produced their first automobile tyre in 1901. With the new century, Pirelli began enjoying its first sporting victories and building plants abroad: in Spain (1902), Great Britain (1914) and Argentina (1917).

From the 1920s onwards, legendary racing drivers like Tazio Nuvolari, Alberto Ascari and later Juan Manuel Fangio, began to score a lengthy series of victories with Pirelli tyres. As of today, Pirelli boasts over 80 successes in International Grand Prix races, with six World Driver Championships and 18 victories with Alfa Romeo and Ferrari in the legendary Mille Miglia race.

Pirelli have always been on the cutting edge of technology, having invented the Superflex Stella Bianca sports tyre in 1927, the Cinturato radial tyre in 1948 and then the wide radial tyre in 1974. Each of these tyres was a leap in modern technology, especially the wide radial tyre. Up until then, racing tyres were either very wide tyres with a reduced sidewall height, or radial tyres, which were too narrow to withstand more powerful cars and could not provide enough grip. Both were unusable for the Lancia Stratos, as the radials were destroyed within 10 km, and the slicks too stiff. Lancia asked Pirelli for a solution, and the wide radial tyre was invented. After this incredible break through, Porsche started using the same tyres with the award-winning Porsche 911 Turbo.

With over one hundred years’ experience of tyre innovation and manufacture, Pirelli has perfected their tyres, giving maximum levels of safety, durability and comfort. Pirelli tyres not only provide much desired performance, but also a “feel for the road” and a communication with the driver, allowing a greater understanding of the vehicle’s performance.

How to choose tyres

Choosing Tyres

When choosing car tyres, don’t adopt a “on size fits all” approach. Different tyres have different capabilities and you need to match your tyres to your vehicle and the kind of driving you do. Do you drive at high speeds? Do you regularly carry heavy loads? Is much of your driving done in wet weather? All of these things will factor into determining the safest type of tyre for your car and should be discussed with your tyre supplier.

Tyre Characteristics

The various characteristics of your tyres are expressed in a number of ways.

• Tyre size – for cars this is expressed as the width of the tyre surface in millimetres.
• Aspect Ratio – is the ratio of the tyre’s width to its height (from the wheel rim). Tyres with a very low aspect ratio, low profile tyres for instance, are generally fitted to performance cars as they provide greater control and handling. They provide a harder ride, though, and are not generally suited to the family sedan.
• Speed Performance Rating – all tyres have a maximum speed rating. Tyres with a high speed rating are designed to tolerate higher speeds and will generally provide better performance at speed. Speed performance rating codes are found on the side of the tyre and are interpreted as follows:
  • L – 160 km/h
  • S – 175 km/h
  • H – 210 km/h
  • V – greater than 210 km/h
• Load Capacity – as with speed, all tyres have a maximum load bearing capacity. If you carry heavy loads, make sure your tyres are rated accordingly.

Reading Tyre Markings

Ever wondered how you read those markings on the side of your tyres? Here’s an example explained: 195/65R15 is:

• 195 – width of tyre in millimetres i.e. 195mm
• 65 – the aspect ratio of the tyre
• R – stands for “Radial”, the type of construction used in the tyre. Nearly all tyres today are of radial construction.
• 15 – the width of the wheel rim in inches i.e. 15 inches.

On-going Maintenance

Choose your car tyres carefully, pay attention to their characteristics – are they right for your car? Discuss the various options with your tyre specialist and, once purchased, maintain your tyres through correct pressure levels, wheel balancing and regular damage/wear checks. On a wet night, driving a difficult stretch of road, the investment in time and money will all seem worth it.

Safety and maintenance of tyres

If you’re interested in improving your tyre knowledge, we’ve prepared this page to help you make even better tyre choices in future.

Tyre Safety

The most obvious aspect of tyre safety is tread depth. The minimum legal requirement is that your tyres have at least 1.5mm deep tread across 75% of the width of the tyre and around the entire circumference. Tyre tread allows your car to corner and break with stability and effectiveness and provides grip in wet weather. The necessity for good tread is illustrated by the fact that at 100kph on a wet road a tyre has to move 5 litres of water per second from the area where the tyre touches the road (the “contact patch”).

When replacing car tyres, the recommended method is to change all four at the same time. If this is too much of a strain on the budget, then try to at least change them in pairs on the same axle. Tyres that share a common axle must be of the same construction and size. Never mix them – it’s dangerous and illegal.

Tyre Maintenance

Inflating your tyres to the correct pressure is essential for safe braking, maximum grip and long tyre life. Tyres that are too soft will increase petrol consumption and will negatively impact handling. Over-inflated tyres will reduce the car’s grip on the road. And in both cases your tyres will wear out faster. You can find the correct pressure rating for your tyres in you car’s handbook, or by asking your tyre supplier.

Having your wheels aligned and balanced every six months will extend tread life by preventing uneven wear – it’ll also give you a smoother ride. Rotating your wheels at regular intervals, too, will extend tyre life by keeping wear patterns even.

Check the sidewalls of your tyres every so often for damage. Check your tread for signs of uneven wear. As a rule of thumb:

• Wear on one edge of a tyre = an unbalanced or unaligned wheel.
• Wear on both edges = a persistently under-inflated tyre.
• Wear along the centre of the tyre surface = persistent over-inflation.

The do’s and don’ts of buying new car tyres

Your car tyres are the most important safety feature of your car. Why? Because they are the only point of contact with the ground. You can have brand new brakes, but if your tyres are bald, under/ over inflated or you have a puncture, then your new brakes won’t count for a thing. Check out these “do’s & don’ts” when it comes to car tyres.

Don’t
Don’t go cheap when it comes to buying car tyres. Remember, you only get what you pay for. If you try and save money and buy the cheapest car tyres you can find, then you’re asking for trouble. A lesser product will have less control, longer stopping distances and won’t last as long. Modern car tyres have a traction rating stamped on them; AA, A, B or C. Always go for an AA or an A rating. Worst case scenario, your life might just depend on it.


Do
Try and replace all four of your tyres at once. New tyres grip the road better and will keep you safer. If you can’t afford all four tyres at the same time, try to buy them in pairs. Replace the back two tyres first, regardless of rear-wheel or front-wheel drive. Newer tyres at the back will help in a swerving situation and will be less likely to spin out. You should also buy two sets of tyres. Cars come with all-round tyres for every season. If you live where winter is particularly harsh, then you should buy a proper set of snow tyres. They’re perfectly fine in summer, but when it comes to ice and snow, they’re immeasurably safer.


If you’re looking for new tyres, then give us a call here at Tyre Girl! We’re Auckland’s hottest tyre dealer. We’re open seven days a week, so pop in on your day off and get those new tyres you need!