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Our very lives depend on the relatively tiny patch of rubber that is the contact between our tyre and the road surface. It doesn't matter how many nifty safety features carmakers fit to our cars, if the tyre/road contact patch isn't at its optimum the effectiveness of systems like ABS brakes and anti-skid systems is reduced.There are ways to look after our tyres to keep them working at their best... and things to avoid. To start with, our roads are littered with debris, broken glass, screws and nails left behind by lazy builders, timber that's fallen from trailers, rocks and lots of other nasty stuff. There are also potholes, broken edges and other road hazards. Most are clearly visible, so avoid driving over them whenever possible. . keep your tyres correctly inflated.An under-inflated tyre flexes more, which creates more heat, increases the rolling resistance and wear. Over-inflation can reduce tyre life, lessen grip and make tyres wear irregularly. . driving at high speed can result in a higher temperature build-up in the tyre, which in extreme cases can lead to blowouts.Drive at a lower speed. . don't overload your tyres. The load index is shown on the tyre sidewall and this relates to the load capacity of the tyre. Overloaded tyres can overheat, and blowout in extreme conditions. Take care of your tyres and they will take care of you when you need them most.Make sure you have the right tyresThe speed and load ratings for your tyres should match those of the original tyres that came with the car, you should never fit a tyre with a lower speed rating or load rating than the manufacturer recommends for the car.Maintain the right tyre pressureBoth under-inflating and over-inflating can wear your tyres out more quickly -- and can damage them more easily. Under-inflated tyres will wear out faster because they overheat. They also have a greater surface area contact with the road, which means increased rolling resistance -- and more fuel used. Over-inflated tyres can undermine road handling.Check your tyres regularlyDon’t just check the tyre 'by eye' - and kicking it won't tell you much, either. Use a tyre pressure gauge to regularly check all the tyres at least once a month, and once a fortnight is even better. Make sure you check the spare tyre as well. Do the pressure check when the tyres are cold, as the heat of driving will raise the pressure reading.Check the tread pattern to see that it meets the minimum 1mm tread depth -- although it's better to change the tyres long before they wear down to that level.Make sure you use valve caps to prevent road debris from damaging the valve, which could make it impossible to refill your tyre.Look for damageHave a thorough look for splits, bulges, cracks, and any objects stuck in the tread. If you see something like a nail or screw embedded in the tyre, do not pull it out. Drive carefully to a tyre retailer or service mechanic and let them remove it.Tyre plugs should only be used for emergency repairs. If you have to use one, drive to a tyre specialist as soon as you can and have them inspect the tyre.

Paul Walker, the 40-year-old star of  the Fast and Furious films was killed when the driver of a Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in lost control and hit a telegraph pole in Valencia, California.  Watch the desktop version of the Paul Walker crash video here. Also watch: Fast and Furious 6 final trailer Also watch: Fast and Furious 6 extended trailer Also watch: Fast and Furious 6 trailer

The star of Fast and Furious films, 40-year-old actor Paul Walker, was killed when the driver of a Porsche he was a passenger in lost control and hit a telegraph pole in Valencia, north of Los Angeles, his publicist confirmed.Watch the desktop version of the Paul Walker crash video here.The Santa Clarita Signa l reported that the red Porsche crashed into a telegraph pole and tree and burst into flames, killing Walker and the driver.The actor's death was confirmed in a statement posted on his official Twitter account and Facebook page.Also watch: Fast and Furious 6 final trailerThe statement on the star's Facebook page read: "It is with a truly heavy heart that we must confirm that Paul Walker passed away today in a tragic car accident while attending a charity event for his organisation Reach Out Worldwide."He was a passenger in a friend's car, in which both lost their lives. We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news. Thank you for keeping his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time. We will do our best to keep you apprised on where to send condolences."Also watch: Fast and Furious 6 extended trailerBorn and raised in southern California, Walker started off as a child actor and model before getting his big break in 2001 in the original Fast and The Furious film. He played Brian O'Conner, the rev-head in the franchise's four highest-grossing films.An avid car enthusiast, he performed many of his own stunts. Walker was working on Fast & Furious 7 at the time of his death. He also starred in the suspense drama, Hours, which is set for release this month. He is survived by his daughter Meadow.Also watch: Fast and Furious 6 trailerVariety is reporting that authorities responded to the crash and found the car engulfed in flames. Walker and the driver were pronounced dead at the scene.There was initial confusion over news of the star's death, with some claiming it was a hoax. But his publicist confirmed the tragic news shortly after the reports.Hollywood star Paul Walker pictured with the Porsche Carrera GT before the crash that claimed his life.  Source: Splash MediaRead full story at news.com.au 

The Cross Sport Concept on their Tokyo stand looks like they've morphed their rear-wheel drive BRZ sports hero into a sharp sports wagon or shooting brake version. The higher-riding body's nose looks distinctly BRZ, but it flows back into a sleek roofline with sharply raked rear two-piece decklid under which is a wood-lined luggage floor. Subaru has said close to zilch about the Cross Sport except that it is a "combination of sport and utility" that measures 430cm (up 6cm on the BRZ). Watch the Cross Sport Concept at the Tokyo motor show video on our desktop site.  

Newly-retired Formula 1 driver Mark Webber says he'll contest his first Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race in 2015, sharing his Porsche with Australian movie star Eric Bana. Barely two days after his final F1 grand prix in Brazil, Webber revealed his intention to compete in Australia's longest motor race via Twitter on Tuesday.Asked by a fan whether he will be driving for Porsche at the growing sportscar race at Bathurst's Mount Panorama track in February next year, Webber replied on Twitter: "15 with @EricBana67 @jamestomkins65" Bana responded "Sounds like a plan".It is likely the 37-year-old Webber will drive a Porsche 911 GT3 at the sportscar endurance event, having just signed with the German sports car maker.Bana, best known for his roles in Chopper, Black Hawk Down, Hulk, Munich and Troy, is a renowned car enthusiast, producing and starring in the feature-length documentary "Love the Beast".He has previously raced in the Bathurst 12 Hour as well as the Targa Tasmania rallies and the Porsche GT3 challenge.Webber quit Formula 1 after 12 seasons in the category to switch to sports car racing with German manufacturer Porsche.The Australian will link up with his new team in January and is yet to reveal his 2014 schedule, but has confirmed he will be attending the Australian F1 Grand Prix on Porsche's behalf.The Bathurst 12 Hour has been rapidly building its reputation internationally, with exotic sportscars from Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes and Audi contesting this year's race.www.heraldsun.com.au 

Honda's Odyssey people mover is changing into something like it was a few years ago -- a more bus-like vehicle instead of an overblown wagon as it is now. And the new model, due next year gains a seat taking the pew tally to eight. The new Odyssey lobs in February 2014 and marks the 20th anniversary of Honda's entry into the so called "mum-bus" segment. New Odyssey features a 2.4 litre engine and CVT from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series that have both been completely redesigned and reengineered. Fuel economy has been improved to a reasonable 7.6 litres per 100 km -- a fuel saving of over 14 per cent. New Odyssey is bigger on the outside  than its predecessor and its exterior styling is totally new featuring one-touch power sliding doors (on selected models only), daytime running lights and wide-angle reversing camera. Odyssey will be available as either a seven or eight seater for the first time ever. It features a state-of-the-art audio system and several new advanced technologies to ensure peace of mind. Pricing and further specifications will be released closer to the launch date.

Patterson Cheney Toyota in Melbourne rolled out the cake and champagne last week to mark their 30th birthday. And they’re already looking forward to the next big celebration – in 2015 Patterson Cheney Cars & Trucks will see their 100th anniversary. “Without the continued support of our community and the passion of our employees, Patterson Cheney Toyota would not be the success that it is today,” General Manager, Cameron Bertalli says.  “Many of our customers are driving the fifth, sixth or seventh vehicles they’ve purchased from us. “We take care of them during the sale and delivery process and throughout the service life of their vehicle. All of our staff work very hard to maintain our high level of customer service and commitment to our customers. We are also proud supporters of many schools, sporting associations and charity organisations, locally.”Melbourne’s oldest Toyota Dealership in the South East, Patterson Cheney Toyota is part of the larger Patterson Cheney Group that consists of three Honda franchises, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Holden, Isuzu Ute, Isuzu Trucks, Western Star, M.A.N, and Dennis Eagle Trucks spread across Melbourne.

As Ford Australia prepares to cease Australian manufacturing in 2016, the recently revealed Edge SUV concept at the Los Angeles motor show has been whispered to replace the Territory once doors close.The Edge would sit between the small Kuga and the larger Everest and is likely to have a platform based on the Mondeo. Ford hints the Edge may receive an efficient EcoBoost unit with stop-start technology, a self-parking system, adaptive steering and LED headlights and a 10-inch touchscreen interface.Watch the desktop version of the Ford Edge SUV concept video here. _______________________________________ 

Australian startup Carmooch has officially launched its automotive social network, aiming to be the car forum for the next generation of tech savvy, 'always connected' car buyers and owners. With a classic 'garage' birth by founders George Skentzos and Glen Pink, Carmooch is an entirely self-funded Australian startup that the founders say offers a modern take on the otherwise aging, forum-based car community. "Carmooch allows car owners and enthusiasts alike to interact online with the level of convenience and connectedness they have come to expect from sites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest," Skentzos says. "The Carmooch team hopes this approach turns every car owner into a casual car enthusiast by offering a less regimented and more familiar platform for users to talk about their cars. "I've been on car forums since before I could drive - socialising with other car owners is one of the best parts about being an auto enthusiast. But forums simply haven't kept pace with the innovations being made in online social interaction and mobile technology, so I thought it was time to create something new." Every car brand and model on sale in Australia today is represented on Carmooch and it's up to users to pick and choose their favourites by subscribing to see all the latest news, updates, photos and reviews shared by fellow Carmooch members about the cars they love most. "Just because you might be a Holden fan doesn't necessarily mean you're not interested in what Ford owners are talking about." Skentzos says. "With Carmooch you can customise your experience to see more about the cars you love and not just the one you drive." Carmooch says users can quickly and easily reach the right audience by using hashtags (#) to tag specific car brands or models in their posts which will then appear to users who have chosen to subscribe to those topics in their own customised news feed. "With the way social media impacts the car purchasing decision these days, Carmooch also incorporates crowd-sourced new car reviews, compiled from both car owners and respected motoring publications such as Carsguide, to provide a complete and honest overall opinion of each new car on the market today to help new car buyers get into the right model," Skentzos says. "Carmooch will also bridge the social gap between car manufacturers and enthusiasts by allowing brands to actively participate in the community and join the conversation -- a factor sorely missing from existing car forums."  

The 2014 Pirelli Calendar marks 50 years for the Italian tyre company and pays homage to the stunning women and iconic cars that have featured in the calendar over the years.