Category Archives: Tire Maintenance

How Taking Care of Your Tires Can Help Offset High Gas Prices

Posted on by

Record high gas prices have everyone thinking about ways to save money. While you may not have the option to drive less, there are other vehicle related expenses you can reduce to make your overall driving budget go farther. 

Gas Prices Vehicle Expense

Taking care of your tires will help extend your driving budget by protecting your tire investment. Not only will your tires last longer and perform better, you will also get better gas mileage and be safer on the road.

Five Tire Care Tips for Extending Your Driving Budget

  1. Inspect Your Tire Tread on a Regular Basis

The tread on your tires is essential for proper performance. Regular tread inspection is important for identifying tread wear problems before too much damage is done. The penny test is a simple way to confirm that your tire tread is in good shape.

Hold a penny so that “In God We Trust” appears across the top. Insert it into five different sections of the tire, taking note of the visibility of Lincoln’s head. If you can consistently see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are excessively worn, and it is time to go shopping for a new set of tires. If the top of Lincoln’s head (to about the forehead hairline) is covered throughout the tread grooves, the tread is in good shape and your tires probably do not need replacement.

  1. Check Your Tire Pressure Monthly

Check your tire pressure at least once a month.  This one quick chore could save you money by improving your tire life and gas mileage. Check your owner’s manual to confirm the proper pressure for your vehicle’s tires. Remember that the maximum pressure is not the same as the recommended pressure. Don’t forget to check the pressure of your spare when you check your other tires, so it is ready when you need it.

  1. Get Your Tires Balanced

Tire balancing should be part of your regular scheduled maintenance. Your owner’s manual will provide a recommended schedule for your car, truck, or SUV. Tire balancing promotes a smooth ride and even tire wear by correctly adjusting the wheel weight distribution around the vehicle.

  1. Get Your Tire Alignment Checked

Incorrectly aligned tires will decrease tire life because poor alignment leads to uneven tread wear. Poor alignment also compromises the safety of your vehicle. Have the alignment checked any time you notice problems with your vehicle’s handling to assure your safety and protect your investment.

  1. Get your Tires Rotated

Having your tires rotated on a regular basis is an important part of tire maintenance that will significantly extend tire service life. Be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for the tire rotation recommendations for your particular vehicle.

Why Good Tire Tread Matters on Wet Roads

Posted on by

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.

Pay Attention to These Signs of Pothole Damage

Posted on by

Whether as a driver or a passenger, we’ve all felt that horrible thud of hitting a pothole. But potholes are more than simply a springtime nuisance. They are actually one of the most abusive hazards your vehicle faces on a regular basis. Hitting potholes can lead to a host of problems for you and your vehicle. It is best to avoid them, but in some cases they are just unavoidable.

road pothole collecting rain

Potholes Prey on Shocks and Struts

While you might just think of getting a flat tire or bent rim when you hit a pothole, did you know that shocks and struts are a component of your car that can also be seriously damaged if you hit a bad pothole? Shocks and struts control your car’s ride and handling, and act as a cushion to dampen the bouncing action of the car’s springs. They also control spring and suspension movement to keep your car’s tires in contact with the road so that it will steer properly, maintain stability, and brake safely. 

Watch for the Warning Signs

Compromised shocks and struts can impact steering and handling, so it is essential to be aware of the warning signs that your vehicle’s shocks or struts may need to be replaced:

  • Rolling or swaying on turns
  • Front-end dives when braking or rear end dips when accelerating
  • Bouncing or sliding sideways on rough or winding roads
  • Bottoming out or thumping on bumps
  • Unusual puddles under the car or leaking fluids
  • Loss of directional control during sudden stops

It is a good idea to have your car inspected if you experience any of the above signs. Catching pothole damage issues early can prevent more extensive problems down the road.

 

Replace the Flat Tire or Get a Whole New Set?

Posted on by

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.

What Can I Do to Protect My Tires?

Posted on by

Tires are one of the most important safety features of your car. Taking care of your tires and tread will assure they remain safe and keep performing at their best.

Close Up Image of Tire Tread

Keep An Eye On Your Tire Tread

Tire tread is a key performance feature of your tires. Regularly checking the condition of the tread on your tires is important to the preservation of your tires. Drivers don’t usually think about looking at their tread unless they suspect a leak or have had an encounter with glass or other road debris. Regularly looking at your tire tread means you’ll be more likely to notice wear trends before excessive damage can occur. Issues can be identified by visual inspection or by running your hand over the tread and feeling for problematic areas. These might include distortion in the tread, feathering or cupping. If caught early enough, improper wear patterns can be corrected to extend tire service life.

Make Sure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated

Keeping your tires inflated to the correct level is another extremely important part of tire maintenance that will prolong tire life. If tire inflation drops 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 in turn increases rolling resistance and reduces fuel economy.

What Services Do I Need to Preserve My Tires and Tread?

Wheel alignment is an essential regular maintenance service you need. This service has a direct effect on your tires because improper vehicle alignment is a very common cause of unusual tread wear. When tires are unable to run straight ahead, accelerated tread wear occurs on some areas of the tire. Consistent alignment service will prevent your vehicle from experiencing a variety of alignment related problems, including uneven and premature tread wear.

Tire rotation should also be performed on a regular basis. A consistent and documented schedule of tire rotation will promote even tread wear and extend tire service life.Close Up Image of Tire Tread

Compromised wheel and suspension components can also negatively impact tire service life. For instance, a wheel bearing that has been incorrectly torqued can cause irregular tire wear, or worn shock absorbers can create depression wear on treads. Replace shock absorbers and other suspension components as part of overall maintenance.

10 Ways to Celebrate Fall Car Care Month

Posted on by

If you are a regular Tracy Treadmore reader, you probably already know that October is Fall Car Care Month. The non-profit Car Car Council has designated both April and October as national car care months. It is no coincidence that these months happen to be in the spring and fall. That is because both of these seasons provide the perfect time to give your car the much needed attention before the more extreme weather conditions of summer and winter arrive.

Leaves on a Car Representing Fall Car Care

Now that October is here, it’s the time to take care of your vehicle to avoid potential headaches once the big chill of winter sets in. Here are ten things you can do to celebrate Fall Car Care Month and make sure your vehicle is being properly maintained for optimal performance and safety.

  1. Inspect your battery. Ensure the connection is tight, clean, and free of corrosion. It is also smart to have it tested and replace it if it is not up to snuff.
  2. Have brakes professionally inspected. Annual brake checks should be performed, including inspection of the rotors, drums and brake linings.
  3. Get an exhaust system inspection. Periodic inspection for leaks, damage, or broken components is important. Especially if you’ve noticed unusual behaviors or loud noises.
  4. Have your engine checked. Make sure your engine has the best balance of power and fuel economy for optimal performance.
  5. Check your wipers and lights. It is critical to see and be seen during winter driving. Make sure your wipers are in good condition and lights are in good working order.
  6. Check your car’s fluids. Window washer solvent, antifreeze/coolant, engine oil, power steering, brake & transmission fluids are all essential to your car’s performance.
  7. Have your heating/HVAC system checked. Make sure your heating system is working properly to stay safe and comfortable this winter.
  8. Have your steering and suspension inspected. Annual inspection is essential, including a review of components such as shock absorbers, struts, ball joints and tie rod ends.
  9. Inspect your tires. Look for signs of uneven wear and tears, since these things can greatly affect your safety. Always keep your tires properly inflated.
  10. Take a look at the hoses & belts. It is important that nothing is loose, cracked, brittle, or showing signs of excessive wear.

Basic auto service and repairs go a long way in assuring the safety and dependability of your ride. Keep in mind that vehicle manufacturers have specific recommendations, so be sure to refer to your owner’s manual guidelines, and contact your trusted auto care professional  if you have specific questions.

One Easy Way to Prevent Tire Failure

Posted on by

Tire failure is not only a dangerous problem to experience, it is also an expensive one. Did you know that there is one really easy way to reduce the risk of trouble and prevent tire failure?

Check tire pressure

Tire Maintenance Can Protect Your Car from Tire Failure

One of the best things you can do to protect your tires is to make sure they are properly inflated. Under inflation causes a number of problems in tires including increased stress, friction, and overheating. When tires do not have the proper amount of air, sidewall flexing can occur and eventually lead to a rupture. Overheating can cause the rubber to degrade, which makes tires weaker and more prone to failure.

Properly Inflated Tires Help Prevent Tire Failure

According to the NHTSA, “On average, there are nearly 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle crashes each year and more than 600 people will die in those crashes.” The good news to follow this frightening statistic is that properly maintained tires can prevent many of these incidents. Tire failure is far less likely to occur when tires are not neglected, and this starts with properly inflated tires.

Correct tire pressure varies from vehicle to vehicle. The right pressure for your specific vehicle is listed in your owner’s manual. There is a tire pressure number stamped on the tire, but be aware that this number is the tire’s maximum pressure, not the recommended pressure.

The Correct Way to Check Tire Pressure

To check your tire pressure, you will need a working tire gauge. Either a manual or a digital model is fine. Measure the pressure when the tires are cold, or after the vehicle has not run for at least three hours. Remove the valve cap and press the tire gauge on the valve stem. There is a hissing sound when you first press down – this stops once you press the gauge all the way down. After a few seconds you should have an accurate reading. If air is needed, you can fill tires with either a portable compressor, or you can use the air pump at your local gas station. The process of filling tires is similar to checking the pressure. Instead of pressing the gauge to the valve stem you will press the fitting on the air hose to the stem. Check the pressure as you inflate until you reach the right pressure number. If your tires are over inflated, you can remove air from the tires using your gauge. Replace the valve caps on each tire when you are finished.

Stay safer on the road by greatly reducing your chance of tire failure – take care of your tires! 

Understanding Tire Tread Patterns

Posted on by

To the untrained eye, it may look like tire tread patterns are all the same. In fact, tires have a variety of tread patterns, depending on tire type. Since the early days of the rubber tire, engineering has changed a lot. While the first rubber tires were solid, today’s rubber tires are made from specially formulated rubber compounds and the tread is engineered to provide specific safety features.

tire tread tires on rack

Just as vehicles are engineered with a particular type of performance in mind, there are specific tire tread types and patterns that match each kind of intended performance. Tire tread helps vehicles to corner tighter, accelerate more smoothly, and brake reliably. Tire tread is also capable of helping to maximize fuel economy.

Basic Tire Tread Patterns

Directional Tread – This type of tire tread is designed to roll in one direction and often features arrows to indicate the proper direction. Directional tire tread allows for water to be displaced from the tire to decrease the risk of hydroplaning. In order to maintain the best performance, directional tires should be rotated front to back.  Because each tire is designed and angled to perform best on a specific side, they should remain on the side of the vehicle they are in when doing front and back rotation.

Symmetrical Tread – This tire tread has the same pattern of continuous grooves, independent lugs, or both across the entire tread surface. This quiet and long-lasting tread type is very widely used, and is found on most non-high-performance passenger cars. Symmetrical tires may be rotated in a variety of different ways to help extend the life of the tires.

Asymmetrical Tread – A popular choice for sports cars, this tread type is like a hybrid in that it combines a variety of tread patterns to provide maximum grip on both wet and dry roads. In most cases, the inside and middle areas of the tire will be designed for wet traction. The outer side of the tire features large tread blocks for maximum cornering capability on dry surfaces. Many different rotation patterns can be used for tires with asymmetrical tread patterns. Asymmetrical tread tires typically have position guidelines stamped on them to ensure proper placement.

Directional/Asymmetrical Tread – Offering the best attributes of both kinds of tread, this tread type has the V-shaped pattern of the directional tread for discharging water away from the tire as well as the dry weather traction of the asymmetrical tread. The proper rotation for this tread pattern is the same as is used for directional tires. 

When you are ready for new tires, talk to your local tire specialist to find out the right tire type and brand to meet your needs.

Extend Winter Tire Life With Proper Tire Storage

Posted on by

The saying goes, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, as winter finally gives way to spring. Depending on the weather in your area, now may be the time you are thinking about replacing your winter tires with your regular tires. When you switch out your tires, be sure to follow these tire storage tips to make sure they stay in good condition and will be ready when you need them again. 

tire storage

All tire types benefit from proper tire storage, and should be stored in a clean, cool and dry place. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and strong air currents. Although the rubber used to make tires is engineered to resist the effects of sunlight, ozone, and water, these elements still cause deterioration. Consider seasonal tire storage a time to give your tires a break and opportunity to minimize exposure to stresses.

Other tire storage tips include:

  • Tires stored while mounted on rims should be inflated to 10 psi.
  • Tires that are put in storage during warm weather should be inflated to about 15 psi to offset the pressure drop during cold weather months.
  • Cover or wrap tires for storage. Many types of covers are available from auto parts retailers.
  • If tires are mounted on rims, they should be stacked four deep underneath a tire cover.
  • Tires should be stored upright and under a cover if they are mounted on rims, rather than stacked or suspended from the ceiling.
  • Tires with whitewall or raised white lettering should be stored with the whitewall or raised white lettering facing each other to avoid black rubber staining.
  • It is best not to store tires outside, but it is unavoidable, keep them raised off the storage surface.

Follow these tire storage tips when storing your tires so they will provide you with years of safe service and performance.

Tire Noise – What’s Normal, What’s Not

Posted on by

The amount of noise you experience while driving can depend on a wide range of factors, from the condition of the road pavement to the construction of the vehicle and its components. In fact, a great deal of engineering and technology goes into vehicle design to specifically promote a smooth and quiet ride. This includes the development of tire technology. 

Tire Noise

While we can expect to experience some degree of noise when we are driving, we may on occasion hear something that doesn’t sound quite right. It is important to pay attention to tire noise that seems unusual or unfamiliar, as that noise may be a sign of trouble with your vehicle.

How much or what type of tire noise is normal? That is going to depend on the type of tires you have. For example, it is common for low-profile tires to create more noise since they have a lower amount of sidewall rubber. Also, the wider a tire is, the more noise it tends to generate, simply due to there being more in contact with the road. 

Tire Noise That Sounds Like Trouble

Hearing tire noise that doesn’t sound like what you normally hear on the road could be an indication that something is off. Alignment problems, suspension issues, or improper tire inflation can all cause strange or unusual tire noise that sounds a bit like thumping or bumping. 

Misaligned or underinflated tires might sound like squealing or screeching. Keep in mind that squealing that occurs when you stop might also be an indication of brake problems. 

Tire humming can be another sign of tire trouble. Humming may happen if tread wear is not even, or if there are problems with the wheel bearings.  

If you have been noticing tire noise that seems out of the ordinary, don’t ignore it. Taking just a little time out of your busy schedule to have your tires and vehicle inspected by a qualified auto pro could save you a lot of time, trouble, and expense.