In extreme cases, the...
In extreme cases, the damage can be so severe that scars similar to those pictured in this week"s mag are left on the side of the rubber. Even if the tyre appears to be unharmed, microscopic perforations may still be present, which can weaken the tyre and cause a blow-out.
Making three world debuts...
Making three world debuts at this yearò€™s Paris Motorshow looks like a clever move by Toyota.
The Japanese giantò€™s stand featured a final production ready version of its diminutive iQ city runabout, as well as the all-new third generation Avensis saloon and a B-segment mini MPV crossover called the Urban Cruiser.
The iQ will be available in two trim levels - iQ and iQ2 - when it hits the streets in 2009. A CVT automatic transmission is on offer from launch, while stop-start technology will come some time next year.
The Avensis, meanwhile, is a totally new car and previously unseen in the metal. Side on, its styling shares a lot with Lexusò€™s IS and looks like it has a far more attitude than its predecessors. Toyotaò€™s Senior Vice President of Europe, Andrea Formica, explained the Avensis has been engineered to have a "European" feel, with a dynamic driving experience and very low CO2 outputs -152g/km for the base petrol and 134g/km for the entry-level diesel. The car will go on sale in January 2009 and rival Vauxhall"s Insignia.
The Urban Cruiser will come with four-wheel drive and a 1.4 D-4D diesel engine when it goes on sale in May 2009. Two-wheel drive and petrol engines with standard stop-start technology will follow.