Correcting Drive.com.au article on tyre sizes from Jan 22

No wonder the GP (general public) gets confused. Another misinformed article was published in “Drive” on Jan 22.

Their motoring correspondent, Jonathan Hawley, should stick to something he knows something about, or else research it more thoroughly.

For his information, and for the thousands of misinformed readers, the following are the facts:

• First, the “R” in the tyre size branding indicates that the tyre is of radial construction, not a speed rating.  There are still tyres around of bias ply construction, and they cannot be mixed on the same axle as radials.
• Second, the last sequence of numbers (eg 93W) quoted in the misinformed article, is a “Service Index”, which is a combination of the codes for the load that a tyre can carry at a defined top speed.

A tyre can carry more load if you slow it down , which is why those giant low loaders that carry gigantic loads on myriads of wheels, always inching along, holding up the traffic, even at 3 o’clock in the morning. So if you specify a load carrying capacity, you must also specify the speed at which you can carry the load.

• Third, the first group of figures in the size code (225 in the example quoted) is NOT the tread width. It is the width of the tyre measured at its widest point, whilst inflated on a specified wheel rim. The rim width has to be specified (called surprise surprise, the “measuring rim”) because as the rim width increases, so does the tyre width.

The tread width cannot be measured accurately, because the edge of the tread may have decorations such as flutes or scallops, lettering, buttresses or may be contoured, so that a measurement that can be directly compared to tyres of other designs is not possible.

So if you REALLY want to know what the codings on a sidewall of a tyre mean, then consult our “All About Tyres” section of carbonblack.com.au , and be accurately informed.

CarbonBlack launches a turnkey ecommerce solution

Australia February 24, 2009 — CarbonBlack.com.au, Australia’s leading independent online destination for tyres and other auto services, today announced the launch of both its ecommerce and fulfilment services for the auto parts and accessories sector with over 900,000 parts listed for over 7,800 vehicles.

In addition to finding leading service centres for services (such as tyre fitment, logbook servicing and pre-purchase inspections) consumers will now be able to research and buy parts by vehicle make, model and year as well as popular accessories such as car reversing cameras and ipod chargers, all at competitive prices.

Parts and accessories suppliers may sell their parts products online through CarbonBlack, as well as make use of CarbonBlack’s new fulfilment services. CarbonBlack has partnered with Magnamail Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s leading direct marketing companies since 1974.

Magnamail delivers products to all parts of Australian and New Zealand for leading Australian suppliers from its state-of-the-art 5000 sq meter warehouse. “CarbonBlack operates on a very professional level, and has significant industry networks. We are pleased to join forces to service some of the auto industry’s leading clients,” outlined Mr. Rafique Majam, Managing Director of Magnamail.
CarbonBlack Managing Director Jodi Stanton says she is pleased to continue to bring new opportunities to its growing base of consumers and trade participants.

CarbonBlack’s existing clients include the Motor Traders’ Association, Hunter Holden, Pirelli, Continental, most Victorian Mazda stores, Lube Mobile, Sydney City Toyota and the new entrant Benchmark Auto. Already they have signed on significant parts suppliers as well, providing both parts and accessories. “We are not seeking to replicate existing channels, but work closely with a smaller number of key clients on converting their sales. Most suppliers do not have the processes and IT systems in place to deliver the small shipments or provide adequate customer service and CRM”, states Ms. Stanton. “It’s a complete turnkey solution.”

CarbonBlack.com.au is leveraging its mass marketing partners such as CatalogueCentral.com.au and dozens of niche automotive partners such as the Australian Women’s Motorsport Network to market the ecommerce site.

Carbon Black is an online community with voting, recommendations, reviews and useful search capabilities that become more helpful over time as more people contribute. CarbonBlack.com.au uses interactive tools to provide a targeted experience for visitors. Since establishment in mid 2007, CarbonBlack has increased its marketing services to include market research and email marketing to over 600,000 profiled consumers.

Sell your products on CarbonBlack
More about CarbonBlack Fulfilment

If you would like to discuss ecommerce or fulfillment with CarbonBlack please email Nigel nigelm@carbonblack.com.au or contact us.