TIRE CARE

Your Tires: Air Pressure & Care Tips

August 26, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

If you’re heading out on the road for an extended trip, you will need to ensure that your car is road-ready. Adequate fluids; working headlamps, functioning taillights and turn signals; an emergency kit, and a fully inflated spare tire are among the checklist items for your car. Your tires need to be checked too, but even a cursory check may not reveal a serious problem, one that could result in a blowout leading to dangerous consequences.

What should you check with inspecting your tires? Several things including the following:

1. Adequate pressure

Placarding found inside the driver’s door or located on the inside of your glove box, explains the precise tire pressure needed for all four of your tires. This figure may be different from what the tire manufacturer recommends on the tire’s sidewall. Follow the car manufacturer’s guidelines as these numbers consider your car’s gross vehicle weight and load factors.

2. Visible wear

Tire wear patterns are a good indication of something is wrong with your tires. If your tires are wearing on one side, then your wheels are out of alignment. Tires with cupped dips appearing around the edge of the tread on one side or the other reveal possible problems with suspension parts. Feathering occurs when the edge of each tread rib offers a somewhat rounded border on one side and a sharp border on the other. Again, this problem is indicative of your suspension system needing to be examined. Under inflation and over-inflation can also impact tire wear.

3. Tire age

You bought tires that have tread life of 65,000 miles and with 20,000 miles to go, you should be in good shape, right? Not always. The age of your tires may be just as important because as tires age, they will dry out. Dried out tires are subject to failure, which can lead to dangerous consequences.

How old is too old? Some say six years regardless of miles. You can find out how old your tires are by looking at the sidewall. All tires manufactured from 2000 on have a tire identification number, usually eight numbers and letters. The last four figures are numbers with the last two identifying the year and the two numbers preceding the year identifying the week that the tire was made. For example, if you find the code XRGR1513 on your tires, that means your tires were made during the 15th week of 2013 which is about April 15, 2013. As of publication, your tires are more than six years old and should be replaced.

4. Tire rotation

You can rotate your tires yourself or take your car back to the place you last purchased your tires and have it done for you. Most tire retailers offer lifetime tire rotation and inspection for free when you buy replacement tires from them. Your car manufacturer – check your owner’s manual – offers instructions on how often your tires should be rotated. Typically, this is every 5-10,000 miles. If you have a full-size spare, consider including that tire in with the rotation.

Match, Not Mix

Each of your tires should match and our recommendation is that when your tires need to be replaced, you replace all four. However, you can replace just two, with the new tires going on the rear axle regardless of whether your vehicle is front-, rear- or all-wheel drive.

If you are not sure your tires are road-ready, take your car to a tire retailer for inspection. If the salesperson insists you need new tires, understand the reasons for his or her recommendation. Importantly, insist that the tires installed on your vehicle are new as some retailers are selling “new” tires that were manufactured at least a year earlier, effectively diminishing the lifespan of your tires.

Hot Tips to Keep Your Tires Cool This Summer

August 21, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

Without a doubt, extreme temperatures can affect your car, including your tires. Tires expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall, and they typically can handle those variations without much problem. Yet, those temperature extremes can also lead to tire failure, which may happen at the most inopportune time, such as when you are on the highway far from home.

Taking care of your tires will ensure that your trip goes as planned, barring any other problems that may suddenly arise. To that end, we have listed some of the more useful tips to help keep your tires cool this summer.

1. Inflate your tires to the proper level. What confounds not a few drivers are the inflation rates for tires. On the sidewalls themselves, there are recommended inflation levels embossed by the manufacturer. However, the inflation rate you should use or PSI is what the car manufacturer identifies as being correct. In this case, it is information found in your owner’s manual or on a placard located on the driver’s door jamb or in the glove box.

2. Purchase a quality tire pressure gauge. There are tire pressure gauges and then there are tire pressures gauges. Some gauges are cheaply made and may not render a correct number. Others are better constructed and will deliver the most accurate reading every time. In any case, spending $10 on a tire gauge will be one of the best investments you have ever made.

3. Check your tires when they are cold. To get an accurate reading on air pressure, only check your tires when they are still cold. Drive more than a mile to a tire pump and you will get an inaccurate reading. That reading may cause you to over-inflate your tires, which can lead to premature wear. In a worst-case scenario, it could also lead to tire failure.

4. Be consistent with your tire care. Tires, like the rest of your car, need maintenance. You should rotate your tires about once every 6,000 miles or twice per year. The front end should be aligned if you have hit potholes and the tires may need to be balanced from time to time. In between, you should inspect the tires and check inflation levels. A monthly check is typically sufficient, but do this more often if you drive a lot.

5. Be mindful of hard-to-find punctures. If one tire is constantly losing air, that’s a sure sign that it has a puncture and may eventually fail. On closer inspection, you may find that the tire has a nail, hidden away within the grooves or otherwise out of sight. Remove the nail and seal the puncture. You can do this yourself or take it to a garage for work.

Inspect Your Tires

Hot weather can fool you into thinking that your tires are fine, especially as your cabin keeps you cool. But pavement temperatures and rubber can become quite hot, putting your tires at risk of failure. Therefore, before you take that big trip this summer, inspect your tires carefully and have all maintenance performed before you hit the road.

And if you have an auto club membership, ensure that it is up to date and offers the coverage that you need. Bring with you the proper emergency phone number or download the related app to contact roadside assistance, if needed.

Finally, if you are in need of new tires, talk with your service center about the options available for your car. If you replace two tires, those should be placed on the back of your vehicle. If you replace four tires, you should receive a discount, perhaps receiving one tire for free.

Photo credit: MikesPhotos

Flat Answers:
Run-flat Tires vs. Repair Kit vs. Spare

August 16, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

If you are the observant type, then you are aware of the type of tire aid kit you have stashed away in your trunk or sitting in some other alcove within your SUV, truck, or minivan. It wasn’t too long ago that a full-size spare served as the fifth tire in almost all vehicles, but today you may find a “donut” spare, a repair kit or no spare at all thanks to run-flat tires. We’ll take a look at each flat tire aid option and what this could mean for you during an emergency.

The Traditional Spare Tire

For decades, manufacturers provided consumers with a full-size spare tire wrapped within a wheel. Such spares matched the other four tires and were usually included in tire rotation patterns, ensuring even wear amongst all five.

First-time drivers learned how to change spares, finding a lug wrench and a scissor jack next to the spare. Practicing how to change a tire was a teen rite of passage, at least for those who anxiously awaited their driver’s license and perhaps purchased their first car.

The benefit of a full-size spare is that you can drive it at a normal speed and keep the spare on the wheel for as long as you want. Just remember to fix the flat before making it your new spare! On the other hand, changing a tire isn’t easy — they’re heavy and if you have to change it on the side of the road, you might put yourself and others in danger.

Are Spare Tires Smaller?

It was sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s, when Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) began substituting full size spares for smaller tires, typically known as compact or “donut” spares. Although smaller than conventional tires, compact spares are a sufficient, but a temporary replacement for your other tires.

The earliest compact spares were stored deflated, with a can of compressed carbon dioxide included for quick inflation. Later, manufacturers developed already inflated compact spares requiring no inflation prior to mounting. Compact spares are designed for short drives and operated at speeds below 50 mph.

Manufacturers like them because they fit in small or tight spaces, freeing up room for other storage. They also cost less. From the consumer’s perspective, they’re easier to lift and install than conventional spare tires.

There are several disadvantages too, including compact spares simply do not have the same level of grip as conventional tires. This can affect braking and handling, making it more difficult to stop and control the vehicle. An installed compact spare might also affect cars equipped with a rear differential, putting stress on this component. Clearly, only use a compact spare tire briefly before fixing your flat and mounting it back on the wheel.

A stashed air compressor can replenish lost air quickly.

Your No Spare Option: A Tire Repair Kit

In place of spare tires, some manufacturers aren’t using them at all. Instead, you’ll find a tire repair kit comprised of a flat fixer sealant and a compressor.

Such kits are useful, but only if your tire absorbs the nail. If the tire is cut, split or blows out, then you’ll have to call for help.

A Better Way: Run-Flat Tires

Yet another option for car owners are run-flat tires. They’re more commonly found on new cars, especially luxury models. The following FAQs may help you decide if they’re right for you.

Q. Are Run-Flat Tires Good?

A. Yes. Who needs a spare tire when your tires cannot go flat? So-called run-flat tires are designed just as the name implies: if you run over a nail or glass, your tires aren’t likely to go flat. Instead, self-sealing properties within the tread close up around the object.

Q. Are Run-flat Tires Repairable?

A. Not always. Run-flat tires can’t handle every tire issue. Indeed, if you have a blowout, the tire is no good — the same can be said for any tire, however. Without a spare, you’ll have to call for help.

Q. Are Run-flat Tires Safer?

A. Run-flat tires may be the safest choice for car owners. Instead of finding yourself stuck by the side of the road, you can keep driving — up to 100 miles. In this case, you don’t have to worry about getting involved in an accident if you pull off to the side of the road. There are some drawbacks — run-flat tires wear out faster and are more expensive to replace.

Roadside assistance is one way to ensure you’re never stranded.

Are Spare Tires Required by Law?

Spare tires are not required by law and that’s one reason why manufacturers are eliminating them or providing other options.

Concerning your personal options, the best-laid plans for the prepared car owner will sometimes fail. A backup plan is necessary and may involve roadside assistance.

If you own a new car, the plan may be included with your warranty. For everyone else, joining a roadside assistance club may supply the assurance you need to avoid becoming stranded for hours on the side of a dangerous road.

Sources

Popular Mechanics: How Long Can You Really Use Your Spare Tire? — http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a3254/how-long-can-you-really-use-your-spare-tire-7710515/

National Motorist Association Blog: What Ever Happened To The Full-Size Spare Tire? — https://www.motorists.org/blog/full-size-spare-tire-abandonment/

TireRack.com: Tire Tech — Flat Tire Repairs – After Driving on Flat Run-Flat Tires — https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=226

CarTalk: Today: Does Fix-A-Flat Really Work? — https://www.cartalk.com/blogs/dear-car-talk/today-does-fix-flat-really-work

ABC News: ‘GMA’ Investigates: New Cars Being Sold Without Spare Tires — http://abcnews.go.com/US/gma-investigates-cars-sold-spare-tires/story?id=36435661

Edmunds.com: The Pros and Cons of Run-Flat Tires — https://www.edmunds.com/driving-tips/run-flat-tires-a-primer.html

The Skinny on Summer Tires

June 28, 2019 by admin 5 Comments

Summer tires are a thing, but they’re probably not what you think they are: one-season tires. In fact, summer tires are best known as performance tires, which supply excellent dry and wet road traction and precise handling.

What’s in a Name?

So, why are they called “summer tires?” Likely for a few reasons, including:

1. They’re best used in warm weather.

A Porsche Cayman S outfitted with performance tires.

Summer tires work best in warm weather, due to the materials used in the tire (more about that later). When temperatures drop, tire grip changes and not for the better.

In particular, at temperatures below 44 degrees (or thereabouts), the tires are not safe for use. Further, when driven while temperatures are below freezing can do permanent damage to these tires, making them unsafe for use.

2. More than simply the opposite of winter.

Winter tires are also known as summer tires and like the latter, are ideal during certain weather conditions, specifically cold weather. Thus, there are three types of tires typically available — summer, winter, and all-season (or three-season).

When not using summer tires, switch to all-season radials. Or, if winter conditions are strong in your area, a set of four winter tires is the best choice.

The Ford Focus RS offers amazing handling thanks to all-wheel drive and performance tires.

Summer Tires for Performance Cars

Summer tires are ideal for performance vehicles, including the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, and the Porsche 911.

You may also find them on other vehicles, but typically they’re either optional or standard equipment on cars you’ll most likely take to the track. Such tires offer improved responsiveness as well as better cornering and braking capabilities.

Tread Pattern and Rubber Compounds

Among the differences between standard radial and performance tires are the specialized tread patterns and softer rubber compounds utilized. Such tires have reduced grooving, thereby supplying more rubber to meet the road.

Summer tires also provide superior performance in wet driving conditions as the special tread patterns help remove water and thwart hydroplaning.

The flexible tread compounds are a plus in warm weather, but they’re also prone to crack in cold weather. These cracks cannot be repaired — the tires must be replaced. Also of note, your tire warranty typically won’t cover the damage as they fall under the “improper use” exception. Therefore, it is important to swap out summer tires and store them out of season.

This Lexus LC 500 offers beautiful styling and wonderful handling.

Shopping for Performance Tires

If you’re in the market for summer tires, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Use the same tire size and type on all four tires, unless the car manufacturer suggests otherwise. You’ll want stable handling and control, which is best achieved when all four tires are the same. Maintain and rotate the tires according to schedule.

2. Find the right tire. Not all performance tires are right for your vehicle. Follow the car manufacturer’s guidelines to shop for tires by the size recommended, speed rating, load capacity, and any other parameters established.

Summer tires are made by a variety of manufacturers, including Bridgestone, Michelin, Hankook, Goodyear, Pirelli, and others. If they’re not the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specific to your vehicle, you can find them at tire retailers, new car dealers, and through select online outlets.

See Also — Replacement Tires: Where to Buy Them

Tire Safety: What You Must Know

November 24, 2017 by admin 3 Comments

Indisputably, you have a lot riding on your tires. Indeed, many of today’s vehicles weigh at least two tons with some larger trucks and SUVs tipping the scales above three tons. With all that weight riding on rubber you might think tire safety would be foremost on every driver’s mind. Yet, tire management is often neglected as underinflated or worn out tires present a real and present hazard, areas of automotive safety you must not ignore.

Tire Safety 101

Your vehicle’s tires affect not just handling and braking, but also impact fuel economy. Consequently, the tires outfitted on your new car have been carefully chosen by the original equipment manufacturer.

Tire warranties, however, are backed by the tire manufacturer, not the automaker. A copy of your tire warranty is typically bundled with your other important documents and usually reside in your glove box or other storage compartment.

Adequate Tire Inflation

Bridgestone DriveGuard tire safety — All tires, including this Bridgestone DriveGuard product, should be checked monthly for proper inflation.

If you want to ensure long tire life, adequate handling and safe braking, your tires should stay inflated in accordance with the car manufacturer’s guidelines. In particular, that information is usually found on a placard affixed to the inside jamb of the driver’s door. In some vehicles the placard or sticker is located on the inside cover of the glove box.

Auto Trends reached out to Will Robbins, Product Manager for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, for seasonal tips about tire care, especially the impact extreme temperatures can have.

Explained Robbins, “Proper tire pressure is critical to tire safety. Drivers should check their tire inflation pressure at least once each month, and that becomes even more critical during the cold, winter season. In general, tires lose one psi (pound per square inch) of pressure for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in ambient temperature. The opposite is true for warm weather conditions, with tire inflation pressure increasing one psi for every 10-degree Fahrenheit increase in ambient temperature.”

Thus, a sudden drop in temperature overnight can leave your tires underinflated. As a result, control can become compromised, especially when you need it most as in when driving on snow and ice.

Load Limits and Speed Ratings

Two additional factors also affect tire safety: load limits and speed. Likewise, every tire has its limitations. Specifically, the amount of weight you carry in the car (payload) in addition to the vehicle’s weight itself (gross vehicle weight) will influence tire safety for better or for worse.

There are three ways you can determine load limits.

First, return to the placard that lists PSI information. You may see a statement such as, “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 400kg or 882 pounds.”

Second, look on the tire sidewall itself, information found nearest the wheel. This isn’t easy to spot as the notation surrounding the wheel is stamped in small letters. Typically, you’ll find a statement such as “maximum load carrying capacity at maximum cold inflation pressure (single and dual load).”

Third, open your owner’s manual. If all else fails, turn to the section of the owner’s manual describing tire information.

You may not own the tools required to gauge your vehicle’s weight and carrying capacity (such as a scale), but through keen observation, you should see if your car is sinking under a heavy load. If it is, you must remove excess weight.

Tires are also safety rated for speed. Most drivers adhere to road speed limits, but if you like to take your car to the track, you should understand that the letter ratings on the sidewall represent its speed ratings. Those ratings range from “L” for 75 mph to “(Y)” for speeds above 186 mph.

Tire Rotation and Balancing

Tire rotation is important for two related reasons:

1), for the even distribution of tread wear, and

2), for safe handling.

Your owner’s manual will spell out rotation timelines and swap patterns, typically ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

The swap pattern for rotating tires depends on whether you have directional or symmetric (or asymmetric) tires and the type of vehicle you drive. Do not cross your set of directional tires to the other side of the car without having them dismounted from the rim, turned over and remounted. With this in mind, performance models — especially sports cars — are much more likely to feature directional tires.

Different tire rotation patterns exist for front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Your owner’s manual will list those options.

When to Replace Your Tires

Exactly when should you replace your tires? The industry rule of thumb is when the tread wears down to 1/16 inch. Otherwise, you can rely on wear indicators or bars located between the tread pattern in modern tires to assist you in making a determination. Specifically, these indicators appear when tires have 2/32 (1/16) inch tread remaining.

Relying on tread depth alone to determine tire replacement is not enough. A tire’s age is another factor as tires gradually begin to crack and separate over time. Some car manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years, regardless of wear, while other tire manufacturers say that tires can last as long as 10 years, according to Edmunds.com.

Tire Safety: To Ensure a Safe Ride

Tire safety is only one ingredient in ensuring a safe drive. So, when you rotate your tires, have your brakes checked too. Furthermore, you should have your tires balanced every other time you rotate your tires or whenever you detect a recurring vibration coursing through the steering wheel while driving.

See Also — Higher Education: Winter Driving School

Photo copyright Bridgestone Tires of the Americas.

What to Look for in a New Tire Warranty

October 22, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

Are you shopping for new tires? This can be a good move on your part, especially if your current tires show signs of wear or have simply been on your car longer than six years. If you buy two tires, your tire installer will place these on the rear of your vehicle regardless of your vehicles drive axle, a safety move recommended by tire manufacturers. If you buy four tires, you can typically strike a better deal as many retailers and manufacturers offer specials including a price reduction for replacing all four tires. For instance, that special could mean $70 off of a set of four new tires or buy three tires and get the fourth one free.

When buying new tires, you will be presented with a limited warranty. Not all warranties are the same and you should know what coverage is being offered beyond the purchase and installation of new tires.

Tread Wear Warranty

A tread wear or tread life warranty is typically offered across the board by tire manufacturers. For instance, if your tires are rated to last for up to 70,000 miles and wear out at 45,000 miles, then you may qualify for a credit toward the purchase of new tires. Expect that an age limit will be present too you may receive no credit if your tires are old.

worn tire — A tire that is ready to be replaced.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your credit is typically only good for the purchase of tires from the same manufacturer. Thus, if you have Michelin tires and these tires wear out ahead of time, your credit may be applied to new Michelins only. Your original retailer, however, may allow you to claim credit to buy another brands tires, but that is at the discretion of the shop.

Rotations and Balancing

Your new tires should be rotated at least once every 6,000 miles to a maximum of 8,000 miles. When purchasing new tires, you may be offered a tire service installation special that includes lifetime rotations and tire balancing. Typically, you will be charged a fee per tire, such as $20 each or $80 for four new tires. These plans are usually worthwhile, and you can recoup your cost after just two tire change outs. Within five years you can save $200 or more choose this option if you expect to keep your car for several years.

Some service plans also include flat-tire repair. Here, you bring your damaged tire to your retailer for repair and have it mounted back on your car. This plan may not cover you if you are far from home, unless you buy your tire from a chain such as Pep Boys, Advance Auto or Wal-mart. In this case you should be able to bring your car to a local store anywhere.

Flat Tire Changing Assistance

Not all manufacturers offer this feature, but if your tire goes flat within the first two or three years after installation, you may qualify for roadside assistance. Typically, you will be offered a toll-free number to call in the event of a flat, with a service professional dispatched to your location to swap out your flat with your fully inflated spare. Always keep a working spare handy, otherwise this assistance is worthless to you.

Your Responsibilities

It is important for consumers to take good care of their tires. Monthly tire inspections can help, with tires inflated to car manufacturer recommendations.

Tires should be rotated and balanced on schedule, and worn tires replaced when there is less than 2/32 inches of tread remaining. You can perform the Abe Lincoln penny test to determine wear. Also, many tires come with wear bands or wear indicators that reveal when your tires need to be replaced.

Tire Considerations

How important are tires to your car? Very much so! Tires are the only thing that separates your car from the ground and tires that are in good shape can certainly help you keep your car under control. A set of four new tires can cost you from $400 installed, a small investment for a vehicle that is worth many times that amount.