Category Archives: Tire Buying

All-Wheel and Four-Wheel – Nice for Snow and Ice

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Dear Tracy,

What is the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive? Are these systems better than two-wheel drive?

Larry K

Dear Larry,

All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are different, but similar types of systems. The drivetrain of an all-wheel drive vehicle has a front, rear, and center differential to provide power to all four wheels. The four-wheel drive vehicle’s drivetrain has two differentials and a transfer case to supply power to all four wheels. The systems are similar in that they both can enhance acceleration in wet or icy conditions and improve handling in some driving situations. Cars and crossovers will feature all-wheel drive, while trucks and sport utility vehicles tend to have four-wheel drive.

Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive can offer significant advantages, depending on the type of driving you do and the climate in which you do your driving. If you encounter a great deal of rain, snow, and ice, four-wheel drive can be a life-saver.  A-wheel drive or four wheel drive also provide superior traction with towing and add to the resale value of a vehicle.

On the down side, all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles tend to have lower fuel economy and require more maintenance than standard vehicles. Both consume more gas, but four-wheel drive, unlike all-wheel drive,  can be turned off so there is the option to only use it, and the extra gas, when you need it.

Tire Buyer Tips

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Dear Tracy,

Do you have any tips for a first time tire buyer? Specifically I am wondering if it is a good idea to buy tires online to get the best price. I would also like to know what things are important to look for and how to know the best choice for my vehicle.

Nick F

Dear Nick,

While you might hear about some “deals” when buying tires online, I strongly suggest finding reputable, trust-worthy tire retailer in your area who will be there to not only assist you in the tire buying process, but also provide after sale service and support. As someone new to the tire buying process,  it will be especially helpful to have the guidance of a knowledgeable tire dealer who can recommend the type of tire that will best fit your vehicle, driving style and desired price point. You can really trust a dealer who asks you questions about the type of driving you do and guides you in understanding factors such as tread wear, ride and handling, and driving conditions.

Even if you see the lowest prices online, consider the fact that buying from a local source will give you the confidence that you are getting the right tires, and have a trusted place to go if and when you need support. The best way to find a dealer you can trust is to ask friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Someone  might have a great recommendation in your own neighborhood.

Before you start shopping, it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of tires. Here are some points to consider:

  1. Manufacturer Recommendations Make sure your tire selection is in keeping with your vehicle’s specific manufacturer recommendations for the best safety and performance.
  2. Regional Climate Consider the kinds of weather you get in your area. Do you have much rain or snow fall? Choose the safest selection to handle the road conditions you will encounter.
  3. Ride Quality Many models will look great on your car, but not all tires will provide a smooth and comfortable ride or solid handling.
  4. UTQG Rating The U.S. Department of Transportation requires each manufacturer to grade its tires under the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) labeling system and establish ratings for tread wear, traction and temperature resistance.
  5. Tread Design Tread design varies between tire brands and models. Some are actually noisier than others. If you do a lot of highway driving, you should consider consider this. Your tire dealer can help you decide on the best tread design for you.
  6. Buy a Full Set Be sure to replace all of your tires at once for optimal performance and even tread wear.
  7. Protect your Investment Once your tires installed, be sure to have related checks such as alignment and balance. It is possible for a vehicle maintenance problem that caused your old set of tires to wear out too rapidly will also ruin your new tires.

New Year, New Tires

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Dear Tracy,

As the new year approaches, I am coming up with a budget for the major purchases I will need to make. I have had my car awhile, and I think it may be due for a new set of tires in 2014. Is there a certain point at which new tires should be purchased, or are there signs to watch for that will tell me when I need to replace them?

Vanessa A.

Dear Vanessa,

First, let me congratulate you on your wise financial planning. Tires are a significant investment, and it makes sense to plan ahead for the purchase. Now, as to how soon you need to make that purchase – the best way to decide is to let your tires tell you.

Here are four basic things to look for in evaluating the condition of your tires. Any of these signs will mean that it is time to start shopping and get those old tires replaced:

Look at the tread depth. There should never been less than 1/16 of an inch of tread on your tires. How much is a 1/16 of an inch? The easy way to tell is with the penny test. Take your penny and insert it into the tread  with Abe’s head facing toward the tire. If you can see his entire head, that means you do not have enough tread left on your tires to be safe.

Look at the tread wear indicator bars. Newer tire models have tread wear indicator bars, which are designed to help you know when to replace your tires. These bars are mostly invisible when the tires are new and have plenty of tread. As the tire tread wears down, they gradually become visible as flat rubber bars running perpendicular to the direction of the tread. When you see these bars, it is time for new tires.

Check for cracks in the sidewalls. Look for cracks or cuts in the sidewall of each tire. These cracks may appear as lines that are visible to the naked eye. These could indicate that your tire is developing a leak or that it is on the verge of a blow out. If you discover the cracks in the sidewalls of your tires, replace them as soon as possible to avoid a hazardous situation.

Check for blisters or bulges. When the outer surface of a tire begins to weaken, a bulge or blister may appear on the surface of the tire. These tire bulges and blisters are weak or vulnerable spots that can cause a sudden blowout. If you notice this happening on the surface of your tires, it is definitely time to shop for a new set.

 

Decoding Tire Code: Load Index, Speed Rating, and M+S Designation

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This is the last post in our series on tire code. A uniform tire code is found on most every vehicle tire manufactured. Those who may be shopping for a new set of tires will find a wealth of information in this code to help them determine which type of tire to buy. Our first post focused on the type of tire and section width and the second post looked at aspect ratio, tire construction and wheel diameter. This week, we will examine the rest of  the code.

Performance Index

The tire performance index is displayed after the wheel diameter, and represents the tire’s load and speed ratings. In this case, the 93 load index represents 1,433 pounds, and the speed rating of V represents 149 mph.

Common Speed Ratings

Letter

L

M

N

P

Q

R

S

T

U

H

V
Max. MPH

75

81

87

93

99

106

112

118

124

130

149

All-Season Tires with Mud and Snow Designation

When a tire has  M+S on it, that means that it meets the tire has been developed to handle driving in mud and snow. Similar markings for this include MS, M&S, and M/S. .

Why are Load Index and Speed Rating Important?

A tire with the correct tire load index for your vehicle assures you that your tires are made to handle the weight of your vehicle. The speed rating shows the maximum speed your tires can handle, which tends to be more important in countries with roadways that are not subject to speed limitations.

Of course importance of the mud and snow designation will depend on the climate you live and drive in.

With the entire tire code, it is important to stick with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended specifications to assure safe and optimal tire performance. Remember – choosing  a dependable, quality tire is just the beginning. Your tires must also be developed for the best performance for your specific vehicle.

Decoding Tire Code: Aspect Ratio, Tire Construction, and Wheel Diameter

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Last week, we began a series for those who may be shopping for a new set of tires and need a little more information in determining which type of tires they need.  We began looking at the universal tire code that is found on most every vehicle tire manufactured. Last week we looked at the type of tire and section width. This week, we will get a little further into the code.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio of the tire is listed as a percentage and gives the height of the tire from the bead to the top of the tread. Here the number is 55, which means the tire height is 55% of the section width of 215 millimeters. The height of this tire would be 118.25 millimeters. A lower number indicates a lower tire profile.

Tire Construction

The construction of the tire is identified by the letter following the aspect ratio. The most common designation is R, which stands for radial construction. Other, less common construction types for modern passenger cars may include D for bias ply construction and B for belted tires.

Wheel Diameter

The number following the construction code indicates the size of the wheel that the tire will fit in inches. The example tire would be designed to fit a 17-inch wheel. Tire sizes on most vehicles begin at 13-inches and go up to 18-inches.Custom package wheels can be 22-inches or even larger.

Why are Aspect Ratio, Tire Construction, and Wheel Diameter important?

Aspect ratio is an important sizing calculation in tire fitting, and should be considered with wheel diameter with the best tire and wheel combinations. Lower aspect ratio typically indicates a high performance tire, with better lateral stability. Most of the new tires you encounter will be marked R for radial construction, however if you are replacing old tires, you may see the D or B designations.

As with last week’s part of the code, it is important to select your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended specifications to assure safe and optimal tire performance. While buying a dependable, quality tire is important, it also must be developed for the best performance given the weight and design of your vehicle, so consulting a tire expert is a must.

Next week, we will wrap up decoding tire code by taking a look at Load Index, Speed Rating, and use designation.

 

Decoding Tire Code: Type of Tire and Section Width

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Even though tires may basically look the same, there are a lot of distinct characteristics and features to consider when selecting tires. If you are shopping for a new set of tires, you may be overwhelmed by the choices, and wondering which tires are the right ones for you.  Fortunately there’s  a pretty quick and easy way to gain a lot of information about your vehicle’s tires – just read the tire code on the tire.  You may have noticed the tire code, which is imprinted into the side of the tire, while washing your car or checking your tire pressure.

 

Each section of this alpha-numeric sequence tells you something about the tire. Being able to decode the tire code on your current tires will help you determine the type of replacements you need.

Type of Tire

The type of tire and it’s intended use are indicated by the first letter in the code. Letter designations include P for passenger vehicles, T for temporary spare, LT for light truck metric, C for commercial, and ST for special trailer service.

Section Width

Following the tire type letter is the section width of the tire, which is listed in millimeters. This is the widest point from sidewall-to-sidewall, so a larger number indicates a wider tire. In this case, the tire has a width of 215 millimeters.

Why are Tire Type and Section Width important?

The correct size and tire type are necessary to assure safe and optimal tire performance. Selecting a quality tire will not assure the best performance if the tire is not made to accommodate the weight and design of your vehicle. Additionally, tire size is a factor in the calculations of the computerized functions of today’s vehicles. To assure accuracy, it is important to hold to the recommended tire size.

Next week, we will continue to decode tire code by taking a look at Aspect Ratio, Tire Construction, and Wheel Diameter.

Free “SaferCar” App for iPhone

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A new free mobile app released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now available for iPhone and iPod Touch users. The app provides real-time information to help consumers “Buy Safe, Drive Safe, and Stay Safe.”

The SaferCar app  gives consumers on demand access to important safety information to help them make informed decisions. Features include:

  • 5-Star Safety Ratings: Car shoppers can look up crash test ratings and compare them across different makes and models.
  • Recalls and Complaints: Drivers can stay on top of safety issues for vehicles they own by registering their vehicles to be notified by NHTSA if a safety issue is discovered. The app also provides an easy way to submit complaints to NHTSA regarding potential safety issues with a particular vehicle.
  • Child Seat Installation Assistance: The app helps users to readily access driving directions to the nearest child seat inspection station and get knowledgeable assistance in properly installing car seats and booster seats.
  • Safety Headlines and Alerts: Users can receive essential news and information from NHTSA, as well as recall notices and push notices on their recorded vehicles.

For now, the SaferCar app is only available for iPhone and iPod Touch devices, and can be downloaded from Apple’s iTunes Store. Development is currently underway for an Android version of the SaferCar app.

Tire Buying 101

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Dear Tracy,

I am in need of a new set of tires, and am a little intimidated by the idea of tire shopping. Where should I buy to get the best price? Can you tell me what I need to know before I get started? Basically I am wondering what things are important to look for and how to know what the best choice for my car will be.

Kim W.

Dear Kim,

While some may suggest cheaper ways to buy tires online, I recommend finding reputable, trust-worthy tire retailer in your area who will really help you in the tire buying process. Especially since you are new to the process,  a knowledgeable tire dealer will be able to recommend the type of tire that will best fit your vehicle, driving style and budget. You will know you have found a good source if the dealer asks you questions about the type of driving you do and if he or she guides you in considering things such as tread wear, ride and handling, and driving conditions. Buying from a brick and mortar store may cost a bit more than an online bargain source, but it will be worth it to know what you are getting and to know where you can go if you need support. If you are not sure what dealer to trust, start asking around. You never know who might have a great recommendation in your own neighborhood.

You are right to want to be an informed buyer! Even with assistance, it is important that you have a basic understanding of tires before you start shopping. Here are some point to consider:

  1. Manufacturer Recommendations It is important that your tire selection is in keeping with your vehicle’s specific manufacturer recommendations for the best safety and performance.
  2. Regional Climate Think about the kind of weather you get in your area. Do you get a lot of rain or heavy snow falls? Be sure you make the safest selection to handle the road conditions you will encounter.
  3. Ride Quality Some tires will look great on your car, but will not provide a smooth and comfortable ride or solid handling.
  4. UTQG Rating The U.S. Department of Transportation requires each manufacturer to grade its tires under the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading)labeling system and establish ratings for tread wear, traction and temperature resistance.
  5. Tread Design Some tread designs result in more road noise. This varies between tire brands and tread designs. If you mainly do highway driving, you’ll want to consider this. A knowledgeable dealer will be able to tell you which tires are quieter among those you’re considering.
  6. Buy a Full Set It is always best to replace all of your tires at once for optimal performance and even tread wear.
  7. Protect your Investment When you have your tires installed, be sure to have other checks made, such as the alignment and balance. Otherwise a vehicle maintenance problem that may have caused your old set of tires to wear out too rapidly will also ruin your new tires.

Good Tread May Not Mean Good Tire

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Dear Tracy,

Our family has inherited an RV/Camper that is older, but in excellent condition. It had belonged to  my aunt and uncle who have not been able to use it much over the past several years due to health issues. They very generously decided to give it to our family so we could enjoy it. My uncle suggested that we have the tires replaced since they have not been used often, but we think the tread on them looks fine. As long as the tread is not worn, the tires should be safe, right?

Melinda D.

Dear Melinda,

Congratulations on your RV! RV vacations are wonderful, and will make great memories for your family.

Regarding those old tires, I am inclined to agree with your uncle – they could be an issue.  Even though the tire tread looks fine, tires are subject to the affects of “tire aging” and can become unsafe. Tire aging specifically refers to the deterioration of a tire’s structural integrity. On a typical vehicle that is driven regularly, tire aging is not an issue because the tread wears out before degradation from aging can occur. Vehicles that are driven only occasionally, such as collector cars or those used for recreation, are especially susceptible to tire aging problems. While un-mounted tires that are properly stored should not age as quickly as mounted tires, spare tires can also become too old to safely use before they actually wear out.

In deciding whether or not to replace your RV tires consider a few things. How old are the tires? Has the RV been stored in a garage or out on a driveway? Having an overall inspection of the RV performed by your auto shop is a good idea – you can get professional opinion on the tires then. Lastly, according to general advice given on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website www.safercar.gov, “it is always wise to err on the side of caution if you suspect your vehicle has tires that are over six years of age.”

Replacing Two Tires – Age Before Beauty

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Dear Tracy,

I recently did the “penny test” and discovered that the two front tires on my Ford Focus need to be replaced.The rear tires still have a decent amount of tread left. I asked my dad how the two sets could be so different and he explained that on front wheel drive cars, the front tires wear out faster if the tires have been not regularly rotated. (Then he lectured me about not having my tires rotated.)

So I thought I needed to have two new tires put on the front of my car, but my dad said that the new tires need to go on the rear, and the ones that were on the rear get moved to the front. This does not make sense to me! If the front tires wear faster, why wouldn’t I put the new ones on the front? That way, by the time the front ones wear out, I’ll be ready for a whole new set. Plus if it is a front wheel drive car, shouldn’t you have the better tires in the front?

Peter B.

Dear Peter,

Your line of thinking does seem logical, but I am going to have to agree with your dad on this one.  Here is why:

No matter what type of car you have, the driving stability that enables you to brake and steer is provided by the rear tires. Installing  your new tires on the rear will help you to maintain vehicle control on wet roads. This is largely because of the different types of hydroplaning that can occur.

Hydroplaning happens when tires cannot maintain road contact due to the tire’s failure to move water through tread patterns. When front tires hydroplane, the vehicle trends to understeer or stay straight. When rear tires hydroplane, the vehicle tends to oversteer, or spin. While understeering can be alleviated by releasing the gas pedal and slowing down, in the case of oversteering it is much harder to regain control. This is why it is important to have the better tread on the rear tires. To see a demonstration, check out this video.

I know getting a lecture on tire rotation from your dad may seem like adding insult to injury, but again, father knows best. The optimal way handle this dilemma is to avoid it. Next time you have a new, full set of tires remember to keep them rotated.