Fall is the Time to Shop for Winter Tires

As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures drop, now is the time to start thinking about your vehicle’s readiness for the winter months ahead. This includes thinking about whether or not you need winter tires, and if so, when is the best time to buy them.

Fall Roads - Time to think about Winter TiresDo you need winter tires? 

The answer to this question will largely depend on the weather in your region and how often you drive in snow or ice. In some areas, drivers are very affected by the weather, and depend greatly on how quickly the roads get cleared before they can get to work. If this describes your situation, then winter tires would probably be a good investment for you. Winter tires offer superior grip when driving, stopping, and cornering.

A potential drawback with winter tires is that they tend to wear faster than all-season tires. This is because the tread is designed to bite into snow and ice, and the softer rubber is formulated to stay pliable at freezing temperatures. As long as you change back to your all-season tires in the spring, your investment should last for several seasons.

Is it too early to shop for winter tires? 

Here are four reasons why you shouldn’t wait until you see snowflakes to think about winter tires.

  1. Beat the Rush – Once the first signs of winter appear, tire shops become flooded with customers scrambling to get their winter tires installed. By shopping in the fall, you can avoid long wait times and ensure you get the best tires for your vehicle before stocks run low.
  2. Get the Best Selection – Shopping for winter tires early in the season means you’ll have a wider variety of options to choose from. As demand increases, stores are more likely to run out of popular models and sizes. Whether you’re looking for studded tires for icy roads or performance winter tires for snowy highways, fall gives you the best chance to find exactly what you need.
  3. Prepare for Sudden Weather Changes – The season’s first winter weather tends to catch us by surprise. An early snowstorm can leave you unprepared if you haven’t equipped your car with winter tires yet. Having your winter tires installed early ensures you’re ready for anything the weather throws your way, giving you peace of mind as fall transitions into winter.
  4. Enjoy Early Discounts – Many tire retailers offer discounts and promotions in the fall, knowing that savvy shoppers want to get ahead of the winter rush. By taking advantage of these deals, you can save money on quality winter tires while avoiding the stress of last-minute shopping.

While you are driving around, enjoying the colors of fall, remember the big chill is just around the corner! Shop for winter tires now and stay safe on the road all season long!

Tire Manufacturing in the U.S. – An American-Made Success Story

In the wake of our Independence Day celebrations, now is a great time to look back at one of our nation’s most impressive success stories – American-made tires. Innovation, resilience, and a commitment to quality has driven the U.S. automotive industry forward. American-made tires are an important part of that automotive progress. 

vehicle with American flags and tires

As we look at the evolution of American tire manufacturing, there are several key milestones and innovations that have shaped the way the rubber meets the road today.

Goodyear and the Advent of the Rubber Tire

In 1839, Charles Goodyear discovered the vulcanization process, which transformed rubber into a durable and elastic material that was well-suited for tire manufacturing. This discovery was followed by the establishment of earliest U.S. tire companies:

  • The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company – founded in 1898
  • Firestone Tire and Rubber Company – founded in 1900. 

These companies quickly became pioneers in the tire industry, driving early innovations and setting high standards for quality.

The Development of Pneumatic Tires

In the early 20th century, there was a transition from solid rubber tires to pneumatic (air-filled) tires because they provided a smoother and more comfortable ride. Scotsman John Dunlop is credited with inventing the first pneumatic tire in 1888, and later founded Dunlop Tire Company. Harvey Firestone played a significant role in popularizing pneumatic tires for automobiles, partnering with Henry Ford to equip Model T cars with Firestone tires.

Innovations that Got the Industry Rolling

The Introduction of the Radial Tire

Introduced in the 1940s, radial tires featured layers of fabric cords positioned at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel, providing better fuel efficiency, longer tread life, and improved handling. BFGoodrich introduced the first radial tire in the United States in 1965, forever changing the American tire industry.

Steel-Belted Radial Tires

In the 1970’s, steel-belted radial tires came on the American automotive scene. The integration of steel belts into radial tires provided enhanced durability and performance. These tires became the standard for passenger vehicles, offering greater resistance to punctures and improved longevity. American manufacturers like Goodyear and Firestone led the way in adopting this technology.

Milestones in Performance and Safety

Goodyear introduced the first all-season tire in 1977. This innovation allowed drivers to use the same set of tires year-round, adapting to various weather conditions without needing to switch between summer and winter tires.

Developed to enhance safety and convenience, run-flat or zero pressure tires allow vehicles to continue driving for a short distance after a puncture. The idea for a self-supporting tire first emerged in the 1930’s when a bullet-proof tire was developed for military vehicles and armored cars. Today’s run flat tires are developed to resist the unstable effects of deflation when punctured, and allow the vehicle to continue to be driven at a reduced speed for a limited distance, usually up to 100 miles. 

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) became mandatory in all new cars sold in the United States after 2007 when Congress passed the Tire Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000.This system alerts drivers when tire pressure is too low, preventing accidents caused by under-inflated tires. American companies played a key role in developing and implementing these technologies.

Today and Into the Future

The tire industry has increasingly focused on sustainability, with U.S. companies leading the way in using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. Examples include Goodyear’s use of soybean oil in tire production and efforts to reduce rolling resistance, which improves fuel efficiency. Tire manufacturers are also investing in recycling programs and circular economy initiatives to reduce waste and promote the reuse of materials.

The Future of American Tire Manufacturing

  • Smart Tires – Tires with embedded sensors that provide real-time data on tire pressure, temperature, and tread wear are becoming more common. These smart tires improve safety and performance by enabling proactive maintenance.
  • Airless Tires – Innovations like Michelin’s Tweel and Goodyear’s concept tires are exploring airless designs that promise to eliminate the risk of blowouts and reduce maintenance.
  • Advancements in Materials Science – Research into new materials, such as graphene and other advanced composites, is expected to produce tires that are stronger, lighter, and more durable.

It’s inspiring to reflect on the journey of American-made tires and their significant impact on the automotive industry. American tire manufacturers have consistently led the way in innovation, safety, and performance. This legacy of excellence not only makes our roads safer but also drives us towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

What Do I Do When My Tire TPMS Light Comes On?

Your car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a vital component that helps ensure your safety on the road. Since it is an essential safety feature, your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS light that lets you know if there is a potential problem. When the tire light comes on, it could be a warning that something needs your immediate attention. Below we will look at what you should know about the TPMS light, as well as steps you can take when you see that light on your dash.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Dash Light

What Does the TPMS Light Mean?

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light is designed to indicate when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. This is important because overinflation can lead to poor vehicle handling, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased risk of a tire blowout. 

In some cases, the illumination of the TPMS light signifies a problem with the system itself, rather than tire pressure.

When see the TPMS light, do the following:

Check Tire Pressure

Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of all your tires, including the spare if you have one. Compare the readings to the recommended tire pressure listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb.

Inflate Tires to the Correct Pressure

If any tires are under-inflated, inflate them to the recommended pressure. Most gas stations have air pumps, or you can use a portable air compressor. Make sure not to overinflate, as this can also cause problems, such as uneven tire wear.

Inspect Tires for Damage

While checking the pressure, inspect each tire for visible damage such as cuts, punctures, or embedded objects like nails. If you find any damage, have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Sometimes a repair can be done, depending on the location of the damage and other factors.

Keep Up on Regular Maintenance

Regularly check your tire pressure, at least once a month and before long trips, to ensure they are at the correct levels. This can prevent the TPMS light from coming on and help you avoid unexpected issues. Additionally, regular tire rotations, alignments, and inspections will extend the life of your tires and improve your vehicle’s overall performance.

Call in the Pros

If the TPMS light remains on after you’ve checked and inflated your tires, or if it comes on frequently, there may be an issue with the TPMS itself. In this case, it’s wise to have a professional mechanic inspect the system. They can diagnose and fix any problems, ensuring your TPMS light is functioning correctly.

 

4 Common Questions About Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Tire Pressure Cold TemperatureA Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a system of integrated tire stem sensors that detect and warn a driver that tire pressure has dropped to a potentially unsafe level. The TPMS symbol looks like an exclamation point in parentheses. It is designed to illuminate when the pressure in one or more of your tires is reduced by around 25%.

In this post, we will look at the common questions drivers have about tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

When did vehicles start having TPMS?

TPMS systems became mandatory for new vehicles in the early 2000’s, however, European and American luxury cars had adopted the technology even earlier. In 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of TPMS in Proper Tire Pressure Maintenance. The study showed that 23.1% of the vehicles without a TPMS had at least one severely underinflated tire, while only 11.8% of TPMS-equipped vehicles had an underinflated tire. Based on the study findings, the NHTSA estimates that in 2011 mandating TPMS saved $511 million in reduced fuel consumption resulting from properly inflated tires.

When does the TPMS light come on?

The TPMS light is part of the pressure monitoring system that involves pressure detector sensors that are connected to your actual tires. The sensors are attached to the portion of the tire stem that is on the inside of the tire. Each pressure detector has a battery and transmitter that relays information to the vehicle’s onboard computer. A TPMS warning light illuminates on the dashboard panel when pressure in any of the tires becomes too low. 

Can cold temperatures affect TPMS?

Tire pressure can decrease about 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10 degrees the temperature dips below normal. This is not due to air escaping, but instead because the air inside the tire is condensing and taking up less space. This condensing effect is temporary since driving causes the tire to heat up, thereby increasing the tire’s pressure. A reason the light may come on, which is unrelated to tire pressure, is a dead battery in the TPMS system.

Additionally, tires tend to lose about 1 PSI per month from seepage of air around the edge of the rim, and even through the tread. Together these factors can cause tire pressure to drop as much as 25 percent below the recommended level. The sensing transmitters inside your tires notice this and trigger your TPMS dash light. If your TPMS light comes on you may not have a problem. You may just need to check your air and bring your tires up to the right pressure.

Check tire pressure

When should I worry about my TPMS warning light?

If your TPMS light illuminates, your tires are below the proper air pressure. You should always figure out why since underinflated tires increase the chance of tire failure, compromise vehicle handling, create improper tire and tread wear, and result in poor gas mileage. See if the light goes off after driving for a while, and also check the pressure of your tires when the vehicle is still warm. If a TPMS warning light persists with no apparent cause, take your vehicle in for professional service and evaluation.

 

Tire Industry Woes Continue to Cause Supply Issues and Price Increases

The COVID-19 pandemic has been rough on virtually every segment of the economy, including tire manufacturing. Unfortunately, the problems have been ongoing for the automotive and tire industries with the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Automovie Tires in Stacks

The conflict has not only impacted tire production in these countries, but also the European Union. Increases in inflation and interest rates, as well as rising oil, diesel and gas prices, are all factors that continue to plague the tire industry.

According to tire industry projections, improvements in the situation are not expected to come this year:

“In terms of when issues will be resolved completely, this is likely a multi-year process, given the constraints at play. Demand remaining robust will continue to be a drag on shipping times, given the increased volume of goods without the expanded capacity to accommodate the increase in volumes being transacted.”

Until these ongoing issues are resolved, manufacturers will be forced to pass on escalating costs to the consumer.

Taking Care of Your Tires Has Never Been More Important

The best way to avoid dealing with tire supply problems and rising prices is to take care of the tires you have. If you are not already following a tire service and maintenance plan, now is the time to get started!

Protect Your Tire Tread

Regularly checking the condition of the tread on your tires is essential for extending the life of your tires. We don’t often think about looking at our tire tread unless we suspect a leak or have had an encounter with sharp road debris. Regularly looking at your tire tread means you’ll be more likely to notice wear trends before excessive damage can occur. If caught early enough, improper wear patterns in the tread, such as feathering or cupping can be corrected before too much damage occurs.

Keep Tires Correctly Inflated

Proper inflation is an extremely important part of tire maintenance that will prolong tire life. If tire inflation drops to a level that is below the recommended pressure, added load is placed on the shoulder of the tire, causing premature wear. Under-inflation also generates heat build up within the tire, which in turn increases rolling resistance and reduces fuel economy.

Stay On Top of Regular Maintenance

Wheel alignment is an essential regular maintenance service you need. When tires are unable to run straight ahead, accelerated tread wear occurs on some areas of the tire. Tire rotation should also be performed on a regular basis. A consistent and documented schedule of tire rotation will promote even tread wear. Failing wheel and suspension components can also compromise tire service life. Replace shock absorbers and other suspension components as part of overall maintenance.

Consistent tire maintenance will prevent your vehicle from experiencing a variety of problems, including uneven and premature tire tread wear. Protecting your tire investment will pay off when you need to watch your budget the most.

 

Why Good Tire Tread Matters on Wet Roads

When talkin’ tires, we talk a lot about tire tread and why it is so important to tire performance and safety. In previous posts, we’ve talked about how there are specialized types of tire tread for different types of driving. This post will look at the important role tire tread plays in managing tire performance on wet roads.

Tire Tread Track Driving Wet Road

The Role of Tire Tread in Driving

Tire tread is a crucial factor in a tire’s ability to provide traction. Traction is the resistance between the tire and the ground in reaction to the torque being exerted by the wheel axle under the power of the engine. Good traction enhances your ability to maneuver and brake as you drive.

You might be surprised to learn that race car tires have no tread. Racing tires are designed to put as much of the tire rubber on the road as possible in order to maximize traction for increased speed and better control of the vehicle. This works for racing because racing is done in a very controlled environment, with optimal road conditions. Obviously this is not the case with everyday driving, where we regularly encounter challenges like wet roads.  

Tire Tread vs Hydroplaning

Tire tread is critically important to prevent hydroplaning, which occurs when water comes between the road surface and your tires. Because the tires are riding on top of water and getting no traction with the surface of the road, your vehicle becomes unresponsive to steering or braking. This frightening phenomenon can occur even when road surfaces are slightly damp. 

Unlike racing tires, tires meant for regular passenger vehicles must have an ample amount of tread to assure safe handling. Thanks to innovation in tire technology, the tread on tires has been designed to prevent hydroplaning by channeling and dispersing water away from the face of the tire. 

Properly Maintaining Tires Optimizes Tread & Safety

Tires with excessively worn tread cannot disperse water safely because the channels lack the necessary depth. Condition of tire tread should be monitored regularly. A consistent and documented schedule of tire rotation will extend tread service life by promoting even tread wear.

Under-inflated tires are also unable to disperse water properly. Keeping your tires properly inflated is an extremely important part of extending tire life, as well. If tire inflation decreases to a level that is below the recommended pressure, an additional load is placed on the shoulder of the tire. This will cause that area to wear prematurely. Under-inflation also causes heat to build up within the tire, which increases rolling resistance and reduces fuel economy.

Replace the Flat Tire or Get a Whole New Set?

So, you need to replace a flat tire that cannot be repaired. That’s bad enough. But then the repair guy says that you really should replace all four of your tires. Do you really need to replace three tires that seem perfectly good, just because one bit the dust? In many cases there are several good reasons why you should replace all four tires, instead of just the one that went flat.

Flat Tire Image

The reason most all-wheel drive vehicles manufacturers recommend that you replace all four tires at a time is because all four wheels should have the same rolling circumference. If the wheels are not uniform, abnormal drivetrain wear  can occur, resulting in costly problems down the road. 

All-wheel-drive systems are designed so that the differential and the computer work together to send the right amount of torque to each wheel to minimize slippage and maximize control. When one of the tires is a different size than the others because three tires are worn and one is brand new,  the computer will take an inaccurate reading and the differential will have to work excessively hard. This can eventually result in damage to the drivetrain.

Unless your tires are brand new, the wear on all of your tires means you should probably bite the bullet and buy a new set. Additional benefits you’ll gain with a full set of tires for replacement include a more comfortable ride and better safety. Uneven tires can result in road noise and a vehicle that handles improperly, affecting maneuverability, traction, and smoothness of the ride.

How Much Do You Know About Tire Tread?

It is easy to take your tires for granted, but what you should know about tire tread is that it plays a critical role in ensuring your safety while driving. While tires are primarily thought of for the utility purpose they serve, many drivers may not realize the extent to which they are engineered for safety. Today’s tires are made from specially formulated rubber compounds and the tread is engineered to provide specific safety features. 

Tire Tread Image

The Evolution of Tire Design

The earliest wheels were simply a solid curved piece of wood. Eventually, leather was added to improve the smoothness of the ride. Over time, designs transitioned into a piece of solid rubber, then a pneumatic (air inflated) radial tire. From that point, tire design gradually became more sophisticated with the development of bias ply tires and radial tires.

About Tire Tread Designs – Performance and Safety

Tire tread is another important development in tire evolution. What you should know about tire tread begins with knowing the parts of the tread. The components of tire tread include tread blocks or tread lugs, tread grooves, tread voids, wear bar, and sometimes features such as rain grooves and siping. Tire tread goes across the entire surface of the tire from shoulder to shoulder, where the tread meets the sidewall.

The areas between the tread blocks are referred to as the tread voids or tread grooves. Tread voids promote traction by allowing the tread blocks to move and flex as the tires grip the road. They also create channels that let the water escape when roadways are wet. Tires with a high tread to void ratio provide superior wet traction and braking ability.

Specialized Types of Tire Tread

What many drivers don’t realize about tire tread is that tread types are designed to match the intended performance of the vehicles. Tire tread can help cars to corner tighter, accelerate more smoothly, and brake reliably. Tire tread can also promote fuel economy.

Knowing more about the role of tire tread reveals why maintaining  proper tire tread is so important. Look for our next post to find out how much you know about how to maintain your tires and tire tread.

Do You Need Winter Tires?

Not sure whether or not you need winter tires? Consider the typical winter weather conditions in your area and ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you have to drive in icy conditions?
  • Is the snowfall significant or consistent?
  • Do you wait to leave the house until the roads on your route have been cleared?
  • Does your area consistently see temperatures in the low 40’s during?

If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more these questions, snow or winter tires may be a wise investment for your driving safety.

Winter Tires

What Makes Winter Tires Different Than Regular Tires?

Tires designed for winter driving offer superior grip when driving, stopping, and cornering. The tread is designed to bite into snow and ice, while channeling water away from the contact surface. They are also made from softer rubber, which is formulated to stay pliable at freezing temperatures. 

It is important to note that the soft rubber used to make winter tires causes the tire tread to wear faster than all-season tires. For this reason you need to switch back to your all-season tires in the spring, your investment should last for several seasons.  

Now is the Time to Buy!

Fall is the time to shop for new winter tires. Retailers begin to stock the latest models in the fall, so now is when you will find the best selection. If your tire retailer does not have the tires you want in the size you need, retailers can usually order them and install them when they come in. 

Winter tires are usually manufactured during the previous summer, so quantities are often limited. To be sure you’re prepared before winter weather hits, start shopping now. You will also be more likely to get the tires you want for a competitive price. 

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Dependable winter tires have a mountain/snowflake symbol on the sidewall. It assures you that they passed an industry test for severe snow use.
  • Not all winter tires are the same. Make sure you get the right shape and size to suit your vehicle make, model, and year.
  • Know the laws and regulations that specify what is acceptable in your area. For example, some states have minimum tread requirements or do not allow studded winter tires.
  • When comparing prices, be sure to consider the cost of installation. You may see a great deal on a set of winter tires online, but after you factor in installation costs, the deal might not be that great.
  • As with any tire purchase, keep in mind that it is safest and best for your vehicle to buy a full set of four winter tires when possible. 

 

 

Are You Driving on Bad Tires?

It is easy to take your tires for granted. If you are a driver who tends to neglect regular tire care, you may miss important signs that your tires are no longer in good shape. The condition of your tires has a direct effect on your vehicle’s performance and your safety on the road. Driving on bad tires is extremely dangerous, and you might not even know you are doing it. 

Bad Tires

 

Signs of Tire Trouble

Signs of tire problems may begin with small cracks in the rubber on the surface and inside of the tire. Over time, the cracking accelerates, and eventually the steel belting in the tread detaches from the tire. Once this happens, the tire is bad and no longer safe. We cannot stop the aging that ultimately leads to bad tires, but hot temperatures, under inflation, and poor tire maintenance are known to speed up the aging process. 

How Long Should Your Tires Last?

According to Car and Driver, the general consensus is that “most tires should be inspected, if not replaced, at about six years” and definitely “swapped out after 10 years, regardless of how much tread they have left.”

How to Determine a Tire’s Age

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires a DOT number to be printed on the sidewall of every tire. Tires manufactured after 2000 will end in a four-digit code. The first two digits indicate the week the tire was manufactured. The second two digits identify the year.  If your tire ends in a three-digit code, it is over 20 years old and should definitely be replaced.

To learn more about your tires, the Tire Safety Group offers a free tire facts app. Available for Android and iPhone, the app enables you to get a free Tire Facts Report by entering the DOT code from your tire.  The report lets you know if a tire is old, defective, or has been the subject of a recall. The app shows you where to find the code on the tire and even includes a flashlight function to help you see the code clearly!