The Maxxis tyre company manufactures tyres for international vehicles worldwide. It is one of the newest manufacturing plants in the northern hemisphere and incorporates all the latest German and Japanese technology. Maxxis produce tyres for the following applications: Performance Radials SUV and Light Truck Tyres Passenger Car Radials Off Road and Extreme 4WD Tyres MA-Z1 Rated Best in Braking by Street Commodores Magazine Maxxis’ MA-Z1 Victra was rated best in braking in comparison tests by Street Commodores, an Australian motoring magazine. In its May issue, the publication rated seven tyres in seven categories, and praised the Maxxis ultra high performance radial: “The Maxxis was a great all-round performer…they performed particularly well in the stopping distance test, suggesting that their sustainable braking Gs were quite good.”   The MA-Z1 also did well when tested in other categories, ranking second in minimum lap speed and maximum lap speed, and third in lap times, maximum acceleration Gs, and maximum braking Gs. “They seemed to be a harder compound than the others, and they seemed to stand up pretty well considering the (hot) conditions we have today [for the test],” commented test driver Jason Richards, a pro racer with Australia’s Tasman Motorsport team. MA-Z1 Rated Best in Wet Braking & Noise The MA-Z1 Victra was rated best in wet braking & noise in Wheels Magazine 2006 tyre test. TYRE SELECTION At Western Brake and Steering we can provide advice as to the best tyre for your application. Here is a selection of Maxxis tyres but please contact us for more details and competitive pricing.
	MA-V1 HIGH PERFORMANCE RADIAL Stylish looks and outstanding performance characterize the MA-V1. The MA-V1 is flawlessly constructed and performance-tested to meet the most demanding driver’s needs. Equipped with an aggressive tread pattern, the MA-V1 takes maneuverability to a new level.
	UA-603 HIGH PERFORMANCE RADIAL The UA-603 performance radial is an all-season, double steel-belted radial that delivers long-lasting tread life and resists sliding on wet surfaces. In addition, the UA-603 maintains a smooth and commanding ride no matter what your speed.
	MA-703 PERFORMANCE RADIAL If you’re looking for a comfortable radial with performance handling ability, the MA-703 is the ideal tire for you. Heavy duty construction and an enhanced tread design provide the perfect combination of durability and maneuverability.
	MA-Z1 ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE MA-Z1 is an ultra high-performance radial featuring an aggressive unidirectional tread design. The MA-Z1 offers excellent cornering and handling ability as well as superior wet and dry traction.
	MA-T1 ESCAPADE PREMIUM TOURING Possessing a unique tread compound, the MA-T1 Escapade has been specially designed to provide long, trouble-free service and a smooth, quiet ride. You’ll get superb mileage from the Escapade, one of the finest touring tires available anywhere.

WESTERN BRAKE & STEERING'S 4WD TYRE TIPS

Once you've selected the optimum tyre for your driving usage, you need to understand some basic rules for obtaining maximum longevity from your tyre investment plus you need to observe some safety issues regarding tyre pressures when travelling.

Most tyre manufacturers recommend that 4WD tyres are rotated every 10,000km (check these specifics with your supplier as warranty conditions may be affected). Rotation is important in a 4WD vehicle because each tyre will wear differently due to breaking, cornering and weight distribution factors. If the vehicle operates in constant 4WD, all wheels are driving wheels, but if not, then whichever are the driving wheels (front or rear wheel drive) will also wear quicker. The more evenly your tyres wear, the longer life you should achieve. Obviously it goes without saying that tyre pressures should be regularly checked for the same reasons.

When travelling on dirt roads with a heavily loaded vehicle (usually adding weight above the standard vehicle's tyre-rated load capacity), a few important rules need to be observed:

To ease the comfort of the ride and to aid in traction on particularly bad corrugations, it is best to reduce tyre pressures about 4-6 psi lower than what you run on the bitumen with this same load. Very stony country, such as the Birdsville Track, can handle even softer tyre pressures. This may not seem to make sense at first, but if you consider that your tyre is just like a balloon being bounced over sharp objects then you can see how the higher pressure would make it more prone to "popping" - termed by tyre manufacturers as stone fractures. This is most common reason for flat tyres occurring on outback roads and can be easily avoided by reducing tyre pressures.

It is also far preferable to keep speed constant and if possible around 85km/hr over corrugated roads (presuming the road is free from washouts and corners and it would otherwise be safe to do so). You will find that you can "ride" over the worst of the corrugations, provided your tyre pressures are reduced as suggested above. Any faster can be dangerous, slower and the corrugations may shake you and your vehicle to pieces. If handling of your vehicle appears poor, then a good look at suspension might be prudent. The best indication is "bottoming-out" when travelling as per the above suggested optimums.

Most 4WD vehicles do not come with a suspension system that is rated to handle the load that is carried for extended trips (ie. water, fuel, supplies and spares). The correctly rated suspension-weight load ratio will also aid in improved tyre wear and longevity.

There is no perfect tyre or tyre pressure and a combination of speed and driver skill (plus a little bit of luck) will be the secret to minimising flat tyres and maximising tyre wear.

Tyre pressures are best checked when cool, because hot tyres give an incorrect reading. And don't forget that tyres on an off-road trailer can be inflated and deflated to suit conditions as you would your vehicle