There has been a huge amount of emphasis placed on the type of tyres that we use on our vehicles in more recent years. Safety standards have increased considerably in a bid to combat the number of road fatalities on Irish roads.
A RSA campaign ran last year took aim at one in eight fatal road crashes being caused by vehicle defects – and two thirds of those accidents are caused by bad tyres.
Tyres on agricultural vehicles that use public roads are something that the RSA have also focussed on in recent years with revised regulations for Agricultural Vehicles introduced at the start of 2016.
Agricultural Contractors need to ensure that the tyres on their vehicles are up to standard, with proper maintenance, repair and replacement of paramount importance.
That’s where Kerry based Castleisland Tyres come in. The firm has over 34 years-experience in the industry and from its premises in Market Cross, Castleisland, this family run business has been providing a wide range of services to a large customer base since the early 1980s.
Castleisland Tyre Centre have become synonymous with tyres in Kerry over generations gone by and have only got better as time elapsed.
Established in 1983 by JJ Jones, Castleisland Tyre Centre has remained a family operated business over the years, with John’s nephew Niall Murphy taking over control of the reins in 2007.
A large and varied selection of tyres to suit all needs, vehicles and budgets, coupled with competent and able staff will ensure a visit to their tyre centre will not disappoint.
“About three and a half years ago, we moved into a larger, purpose-built two-bay unit. In this unit we have a comfortable waiting area for customers with TV facilities to enjoy while you wait,” said Niall.
As well as Agri tyres, Castleisland Tyres provide a full list of services which include 24 Hr Call Out, 3D Wheel Alignment, 4 Wheel Alignment, 4×4 Tyres, Alloy Repair, Alloys, Balancing, Car Tyres, Construction Tyres, Forklift Tyres, Grass Equipment Tyres, Headlight Alignment, Headlight Focus, Implement Tyres, Mobile unit, Puncture Repair, Quad Tyres, Screen Wash, Timing Belts, Tracking, Truck Tyres, Van Tyres and Vintage Tyres
“We have a 24 hour breakdown service covering counties Kerry, Limerick and Cork. This comprises of 2 vans and 1 4×4 mobile unit. One of our vans is fully fitted with a tyre fitting unit so we can repair on the spot and have you back on the road in no time.”
Niall admitted that ensuring the motorists safety was one of their priorities as he knows the dangers that defective or worn tyres can bring about.
“People’s attitude towards tyres has changed from when they were willing to drive around on worn tyres to being more conscious of ensuring that the tyres are roadworthy.
“We would have a lot of people come in just to get their tyres checked and that is a good sign. We stock a wide selection of tyres and have all the leading brands here, so there is plenty of choice for everyone.”
Niall stressed that there are a few checks that motorists can do themselves to make sure that their tyres are in good working order.
“Always maintain inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Proper maintenance of your tyres is very important to achieve maximum life and performance.
“The rim should be free of dirt and should be free of dents. Don’t forget that if your tyre tread depth limit is below 1.6mm you are liable to a fine and prosecution. Your tyres may be considered unroadworthy for reasons other than tread depth, such as cuts, cracks or bulges.”
Rather than carrying out a normal puncture repair, most operators are now vulcanising all repairs to extend as much as possible the life of the tyre, and to minimise downtime.
“We carry out vulcanising and truck re-treading services in our depot also, while we are the main agent for BKT Tyres in Co. Kerry.”
Niall is pleased with the direction of the business and he added that they have experienced growth year on year since he took control of the business.
“We have continually invested in the business and will continue to do so. If you stand still in business, you will go backwards and we are always looking at ways as to improve our service and ensure that our customers are satisfied.”
With over 2,000 tyres in stock, there is plenty of choice for customers at Castleisland Tyres. The amount of repeat custom points to the fact that the service being provided is nothing short of excellent and with Niall and his team striving to ensure the business maintains the same standards, then the future looks very bright for this long-standing firm.
Castleisland Tyre Centre
Market Cross,
Castleisland,
Co. Kerry
Tel: 066 7142233
e-mail: [email protected]
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 5 No 6, September 2017
