Your Ultimate Guide to Tyres & Wheels

Embarking on the journey of building and maintaining your beloved vehicle is an endeavour filled with both challenges and immense satisfaction. Among the most critical components for any roadworthy car are its tyres and wheels. These are not merely accessories; they are fundamental for performance, safety, and indeed, passing that all-important vehicle inspection. Whether you're seeking to upgrade for better handling, replace worn-out treads, or simply find a spare, knowing precisely where to acquire these vital parts and how to care for them is paramount. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through every aspect of sourcing, selecting, and maintaining your vehicle's connection to the road, ensuring you're always driving with confidence.

Initial Discoveries: Finding Your First Set

Before you even consider purchasing brand new components, there are several locations where you can unearth some initial wheels, often saving you a pretty penny and getting your project off the ground. These salvaged parts can be a fantastic starting point, providing the basic necessities to get your vehicle moving.

The Abandoned Farmhouse Attic

Your journey often begins in the most unexpected places. The attic of the abandoned farmhouse, situated near the quaint settlement of Loppe, is a prime location to discover your very first set of wheels. These are typically the standard steel wheels, which while not flashy, are perfectly functional for initial assembly and getting your car mobile. They serve as a solid foundation upon which you can later upgrade.

The Wrecked Satsuma: A Spare in Need

Never underestimate the value of a good spare! Tucked away near a dilapidated, wrecked Satsuma, you can often find a fifth, single stock wheel. This extra wheel is an invaluable find, especially for those unexpected punctures or as a temporary replacement while your primary set is being serviced. Always keep an eye out for these hidden gems.

The GT Wheels Shed

For those aspiring to a more performance-oriented aesthetic, a set of GT wheels can be discovered in a small shed located in the middle of a field. These wheels are a key part of the 'GT trim' and offer a distinct look and feel compared to the standard offerings. Locating this shed can give your vehicle an instant visual upgrade, setting it apart from the crowd.

Your Go-To Suppliers: Purchasing New Tyres and Wheels

While initial discoveries are great for getting started, eventually you'll need to turn to professional suppliers for new, high-quality tyres and wheels. These establishments offer a wider variety, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your driving style and needs.

Fleetari Repair Shop: Your Tyre Specialist

When it comes to new tyres, Fleetari Repair Shop is your primary destination. Fleetari offers a selection of new tyres, ranging from standard road tyres to specialized rally and racing options. The process is straightforward: you'll need to bring your wheels to Fleetari for the tyres to be fitted. This can be done by uninstalling the wheels from your vehicle and placing them directly on Fleetari's counter. Alternatively, for ultimate convenience, you can leave your entire car on the driveway with the wheels still installed, and Fleetari will take care of the rest. Remember, Fleetari will prioritise servicing wheels placed inside the office on the counter.

The Parts Catalogue: Wheels at Your Fingertips

For a comprehensive selection of new wheels, your best bet is the Parts Catalogue. This catalogue provides access to a diverse array of wheel types, each with its own aesthetic and price point. Ordering from the catalogue allows you to browse and select the exact wheels you desire, from wide steel wheels to intricate racing designs. Once ordered, the wheels will be made available for collection, ready for you to fit with your chosen tyres.

A Deep Dive into Wheel Options

The choice of wheels significantly impacts both the look and handling of your vehicle. With ten distinct types available, you have ample opportunity to customise your ride. Each type offers a different aesthetic, and some even come with options for customisation.

Wheel Types and Customisation

Here's a breakdown of the various wheel types you can acquire, along with their characteristics:

Beyond their initial appearance, most wheels can be customised. You have the option to colour them using spray cans for a DIY touch, or you can have Fleetari professionally paint them for a more refined finish. For those rusty rims you might find, Fleetari also offers a 'rim polishing' service through his catalogue, which will restore them to their original factory matte colour, giving them a new lease on life.

Navigating Tyre Choices: Grip, Performance, and Price

Selecting the right tyres is crucial for optimal vehicle performance and safety. Each tyre type is designed for specific driving conditions, impacting grip, handling, and even your chances of passing the vehicle inspection. There are five distinct types of tyres available, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Tyre Types and Their Characteristics

Here’s a detailed look at the various tyre options:

Understanding Tyre Dimensions

It's worth noting that not all tyres are created equal in terms of size. While Standard road tires have a base dimension, the Gommer Gobra, EURopeiska, and Sutasiko tyres all differ. They are consistently wider, offering a larger contact patch with the road. Their radius also varies: EURopeiska rally tyres are notably larger, Sutasiko slicks are smaller, while Gommer Gobra tyres maintain the same radius as standard tyres. These subtle differences can impact handling and fitment, so choose wisely based on your vehicle's setup and intended use.

Installation and Servicing Your Wheels and Tyres

Once you've acquired your desired wheels and tyres, the next step is installation and ensuring they are properly maintained. This process involves both your own mechanical skills and utilising Fleetari's professional services.

Attaching Wheels to Your Vehicle

Attaching the wheels to your car is a straightforward process, but one that requires attention to detail. Each wheel is secured to the car with four 13mm bolts. It is absolutely critical to fully tighten all of these bolts. Failure to do so will result in the wheel promptly flying off while driving, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences. Always double-check your work!

Fleetari's Tyre Servicing Process

When your tyres need servicing, replacement, or simply changing, Fleetari's is the place to go. The process is designed for convenience:

• Bringing Wheels for Service: You can uninstall the wheels from your vehicle and place them directly on Fleetari's counter inside his shop. Fleetari will service the wheels closest to the counter.
• Car on Driveway Service: For maximum ease, you can leave your entire car on the driveway with the wheels still installed. Fleetari will then service the wheels directly on the vehicle.
• Priority and Pricing: Fleetari prioritises wheels that are inside his office over those still installed on your car. It's also important to note that Fleetari will service up to four wheels at a time, and you will be charged the four-wheel price even if you only bring one wheel for service.
• Waiting Time: As with any order from Fleetari's brochure, the installation of new tyres onto your wheels will take some time. Patience is key!

The Perils of Wear and Tear: Keeping Your Tyres in Top Shape

Tyres are consumables, and their condition deteriorates over time and through use. Understanding tyre wear and how to manage it is vital for both performance and safety.

Checking Tyre Wear

You can easily check the wear value of your tyres using a ruler. Regularly inspecting your tyres will give you an indication of their remaining lifespan and help you decide when a replacement is due.

Causes of Tyre Wear

Tyres wear down through several mechanisms:

• Normal Driving: Simply driving your vehicle will cause gradual wear on the tyre treads.
• Burnouts: Engaging in burnouts will rapidly accelerate tyre wear, severely reducing their lifespan.
• Overloading the Vehicle: Carrying excessive weight in your vehicle puts additional strain on the tyres, leading to increased wear.

Flat Tyres and Punctures

If a tyre's wear value reaches zero, it will partially sink into the ground, simulating a flat tyre. This significantly impairs driving ability. Additionally, tyres can be punctured randomly, either as a result of a sudden blowout or simply by chance, instantly bringing their condition down to 0%. Always be prepared for such eventualities, perhaps by carrying a spare or knowing Fleetari's location!

Passing the Vehicle Inspection: Tyre Requirements

One of the most critical considerations for your tyres is their ability to pass the mandatory vehicle inspection. Not all tyre types are approved, and their condition is also a major factor.

Approved Tyre Types

To successfully pass the vehicle inspection, your car must be fitted with either Standard road tires or Gommer Gobra Rallye G/T tires. No other type of tyre, regardless of its condition, will be deemed acceptable for inspection. This means those high-performance EURopeiska rally tyres or Sutasiko slicks, while great for specific driving, will need to be swapped out before you head to the inspection facility.

Condition Thresholds

Beyond the type of tyre, its condition is equally important. To pass inspection, the condition of your tyres needs to be within a specific range, generally between 45% and 65%. The exact percentage required is generated when the inspection fee is paid, so it's always best to aim for tyres in excellent condition to maximise your chances of success.

Essential Tips for the Savvy Driver

Beyond the basics of purchase and maintenance, a few nuggets of wisdom can significantly enhance your driving experience and prevent common headaches.

• Bolt Tightening is Non-Negotiable: We cannot stress this enough: always ensure all four 13mm bolts on each wheel are fully tightened. A loose wheel is a disaster waiting to happen.
• Historical Notes: For those interested in the evolution of vehicle mechanics, it's worth noting that wheels used to be fastened with 15mm bolts, a size that was reduced to 13mm in a 2016 update. Older versions of the game also allowed you to spray paint the tyres themselves and purchase tyres already attached to rims from the catalogue before 2017. Furthermore, prior to the abandoned farmhouse's introduction in 2018, initial wheels were found in the player's garage.
• Branding Details: Pay attention to the subtle details! The 'Beater' tyres feature Michelin branding, while 'Standard road tires' proudly display 'BARUM', a Czech tyre company. These small touches add a layer of realism to your vehicle's components.
• Menu vs. In-Game Wheels: Curiously, the steel wheels on the Satsuma depicted in the menu have a specific RGB colour (28, 28, 28) that differs slightly from the colour of the steel wheels you'll find spawning in-game. A minor detail, but one for the keen observer!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use any tyres for inspection?

No, only Standard road tires or Gommer Gobra Rallye G/T tires will pass the vehicle inspection. Other tyre types, such as EURopeiska rally tyres or Sutasiko slicks, are not permitted for inspection.

How do I know if my tyres are worn?

You can check the wear value of your tyres using a ruler. Regularly inspect them to monitor their condition and determine when replacement is necessary.

What happens if I don't tighten my wheel bolts fully?

If your wheel bolts are not fully tightened, the wheel will promptly fly off while you are driving, which can lead to a serious accident and damage to your vehicle.

Can I paint my tyres?

In current versions, you cannot spray paint the tyres themselves. However, you can paint the wheels using spray cans or by having Fleetari paint them for you.

How many wheels can Fleetari service at once?

Fleetari can service up to four wheels at a time. Even if you only bring one wheel, you will be charged the price for servicing four wheels.

Do all tyres have the same size?

No, not all tyres have the same size. While Standard road tires provide a base, Gommer Gobra, EURopeiska, and Sutasiko tyres are all wider. EURopeiska rally tyres also have a larger radius, and Sutasiko slicks have a smaller radius, while Gommer Gobra tyres maintain the same radius as standard tyres.

With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with all the essential knowledge to confidently navigate the world of tyres and wheels for your vehicle. From initial discovery to purchasing, installation, maintenance, and passing inspection, understanding these critical components is key to a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Drive safe, and may your wheels always stay firmly attached!

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