Knowledge

How To Maintain Your Tires

Seriously!  Balance is everything. When it comes to tire care, you have to have a proper balance between keeping them clean, rotating them, keeping air in them, and being a smart driver.  Check out this 'How to' to find out how to  properly maintain your tires.

Step 1

Ok, in this first step we are going to talk about Air, Dirt, and Tread.

• Air
  Have you ever driven around on tires that were not completely full? I know a lot of drivers that do it on a regular basis. When I question them about it most will reply, "So what?"
  Keeping the proper amount of air your tires can make a huge difference in the amount of time that your tires last. Not only that, but did you know that flat tires can cause your vehicle to cosume more gas? Or that tires low on air can also cause suspension problems? What about the fact that tires that are low on air are at risk for 'Blow Outs' while you're driving?
  For those of you who don't know or who have never experienced it, a Blow Out is when your tire explodes. It happens most often when you least expect it, and usually at higher speeds. It's a very volatile situation and not one you really want to find yourself in.
• Dirt
  Dirt is another thing you will need to look out for when it comes to proper tire care. The area where your rubber tires and your rims meet is especially subject to tears, holes and extra wear down when dirt gets into that area. It is important to keep that area clean and free of dirt, mud, dust and anything else.
  You may also notice at times that there is some black or gray dust collecting on your rims and tires; this usually means that you are abusing your brakes and the particles from them are coming off and the end result is the brake dust accumulating on the rims and tires. Make sure to use some brake cleaner to clean your wheels after you change your brake pads.
• Tread
  The tread is the part of your tire that you drive on. It is the part that is suppose to help the tires grab the road and move your vehicle around. Having low tread can affect your vehicle in many ways. It can cause your vehicle to consume more gas, giving you less miles per gallon. It can cause your suspension to wear out sooner. And it can be dangerous.
  Have you ever tried to drive in the rain with tires that have low tread? It's almost like taking your car out on a roller skating rink. You have little to no control. Even when you think you have control, the statistics are against you. The chances that you will hit a pool of water worsen when it rains even harder and once you hit that pool of water, it's all over.
  The same goes for ice and other things that might slick up the road way. Ice, sleet, hail, snow, oil -- anything. If you don't have more than 45% of tread on your tires, you are at risk.

Step 2

Let's talk about how to help maintain your tires properly.

Ok, so we know that keeping your tires clean and free of dirt helps. We also know that making sure you have the proper amount of air in your tires helps, and we know that making sure you do not have less than 45% tread on your tires helps.

You know what else helps? Rotating your tires.

What is tire rotation you ask? It's when you take your tires and rotate them from the position they are on the car. You can do this in many ways. You can take the front two tires and put them on your rear axel and take the tires that were in the back and put them on the front axel. Or you can switch sides, taking the tires on the driver's side and switching them with the tires on the passenger side. Which ever way you decide to do it, it is good to do this every 3 or 4,000 miles or so.

The reason you rotate your tires is because a tire that stays on the same part of your car can develop a groove or habit. Changing them around every so often helps to maintain even tread wear-down. Not only that, but it can help prolong the life of your brakes as well.

Step 3

Being a smart driver.

It's amazing to think that the way in which you drive your vehicle can have a huge impact on the maintenance of your tires.

There are plenty of drivers out there who like to zip around town, stomping on the accelerator pedal and using the brakes only when seconds away from a stop. Driving with these habits is dangerous for many reasons, but for the purposes of this article, let's talk about how they can inhibit your tires from lasting as long as they could have.

Burning rubber, or being a led foot can tear up the rubber on your tires and can cause breaks and rips in the lining of the tires. So can braking for no reason or sudden braking. Your tires were not meant for that type of abuse and they will not last as long if you treat them that way.

Sharp turns can also take a dangerous toll on your tires. When you take a sharp turn you usually dig into the tires with the weight of a vehicle, and I have witnessed brand new tires tear and pop in the middle of a sharp turn. This dangerous situation can be even more exaggerated by taking sharp turns at high speeds.

Now that we have talked about the ways that you can properly maintain your tires, make sure to take these steps to ensure your tires last and that you are not putting yourself or anyone else at risk for a dangerous situation.

There is more than just you out there on the road, and you will be protecting yourself and everyone else by making sure your tires are clean, full of air and ready to go.

Not only that, but do you really want to spend extra time and money on tires every year? I didn't think so...

Be a smart driver and take care of your ti

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How To Check a Trailer's Tire Pressure

By Nathaniel Thompson

If you intend to use  your trailer for a long journey,  the first thing you have to do is to make a thorough check-up. Check the battery, the oil, and most  especially the tires. Because you are likely to load the trailer with so much weight,  it is important to get its tire pressure checked. Having the right tire pressure will allow you to consume less fuel and save you  from potential road accidents.  Here’s how you can check your trailer’s tire pressure.

1. Look for the recommended PSI. The tire pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). You can find the manufacturer’s recommended PSI on the side of the trailer’s tire. Keep in mind, however, that the recommended PSI level is set in its maximum amount, so make sure not to fill the tire with more air than that.
2. Get a tire pressure gauge. For a few dollars, you can have your own tire pressure gauge. Having your own is important because it keeps you from the inconvenience of frequent drives to a gas station to have your tire pressure checked. You can choose whether to have an analog or digital gauge. Although digital tire pressure gauges are the trend today, analog models are found as accurate as their digital counterparts.
3. Check the trailer’s tire pressure. Remove the valve cap and have the tire pressure gauge pass through the valve stem. Once it’s in, the tire pressure gauge will record how much air is inside the tire. To avoid air leaks, make sure to securely press the gauge against the valve. Check the reading.
4. Compare the current PSI with the recommended PSI level. It is important that the current PSI is matched with the recommended PSI. If any of your tires does not meet the recommended PSI, you need to immediately adjust the PSI level. If the current PSI is higher, uncap the valve stem and gradually release air until you achieve the recommended PSI. If the current PSI is lower, go to the nearest gas station to have access to an air hose. Then, inflate the tire. Remove the valve cap and put the air hose into the valve stem. Check the PSI reading again, and see whether you need to add more air in or release excess air. Remember not to under- or over-inflate your trailer’s tires. Both conditions are dangerous since they can easily wear the tires out. 
5. Check the tire pressure as the temperature changes. You have to keep in mind that tire pressure changes along with the temperature. If the temperature rises by 10° F, the tire pressure increases by 1 PSI. In the same way, the tire pressure decreases by 1 PSI when the temperature drops by 10° F. Observe the weather and periodically check the tire pressure to determine whether your tires are under- or over-inflated.

When you properly check your trailer’s tire pressure, you are ensured that your tires are all in good working order. To better maximize the full potential of your tires, check them for wear and immediately replace them if needed. If all is well, you can enjoy a safe, trouble-free, and comfortable journey.

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How To Read Your Tire Size & What It Means

Ever wonder how to read your tire size, and what those numbers and letters actually stand for?
Well, we think its important for you to know as much as you can about your tires, and there is no better place to start than with understanding the tire size.
Finding the tire size
This part is pretty simple. You can find the tire size listed right on the sidewall of the tire. It will be a combination of numbers and letters and will look something like:

 

P205/55R16 91H.
(We'll use this size as the example for the rest of this article.)

Let's start by breaking down the example tire size piece by piece.
Service Type - P
Most tire sizes are preceded by a letter that identifies the type of vehicle or type of service that the tire is designed for. The letter is typically a "P" signifying "P-metric" which are tires intended for passenger vehicles. Another common service type is "LT" which signifies Light Truck, and are designed for vehicles that can carry or tow heavy cargo such as pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and full-size vans. Keep in mind that not all tire sizes begin with a letter. Tire sizes that do not begin with a letter are referred to as "Metric" or "Euro-metric" sizes. Metric sizes are primarily used on European cars, but they are also used on vans and sport utility vehicles.
Section Width - 205
Following the Service Type, we have a three digit number called the Section Width. This number is basically the tire width measured in millimeters. In our example we have a section width of 205, which means that the width of the tire is 205 millimeters (from inner sidewall to the outer sidewall).
Aspect Ratio - 55
After the section width there is typically a slash and a two digit number called the Aspect Ratio. The aspect ratio is a number that indicates the height of the sidewall (from the edge of the inner rim to the tread) in relation to the section width. In our example we have an aspect ratio of 55, this means that the height of the sidewall is 55% of our section width of 205mm. The higher the aspect ratio - the higher the sidewall, the lower the aspect ratio - the lower the sidewall. You may have heard the term "low-profile tires"; these are tires with a low aspect ratio, meaning they have very low or "thin" sidewalls.
Internal Construction - R
The letter after the aspect ratio signifies the internal construction of the tire. In our example (as with almost all tires sold today) there is an "R" which stands for "Radial".
Wheel Diameter - 16
Next, we have the two digit number after the "R". This number is the wheel diameter measured in inches, and refers to the size rim that the tire fits on. In our example the tire would fit on a 16" rim.
Service Description - 91H
Although not really part of the tire size, there is a number and letter group called the Service Description that can be found following the wheel diameter. The service description is comprised of a two or three digit number and a letter. The number is the Load Index, which signifies the load carrying capabilities of the tire. In our example we have a load index of 91, which means that the load capacity of the tire is equal to 1,356 pounds. The letter after the load index is the Speed Rating and refers to the maximum speed that a tire has been tested to withstand. The "H" speed rating in our example means the tire is rated for a maximum speed of 130 MPH.

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How To Inflate Car Tires

By Contributing Writer

Driving with a deflated tire can surely cause road accidents. Neglecting to check your car tires before traveling is also one of the causes that lead to replacing your car tire with a new one earlier than its expected usability. Keeping the pressure in your car tires at the required levels  will  also save you gas, as it improves the car's mileage. It's simply too easy and important to inflate your car tires to leave  it undone.

1. Acquire a digital tire gauge. You have to realize that these are only 9 to 12 dollars a piece and yet can be a huge asset to your automobile. Always bring it with you in the car, along with a paper for you to record the pressure measurement.
2. Consult the owner’s manual. You can see there, among other useful information, the car tire pressure requirement specific to your car. Take note that not all four tires require similar pressure levels. The front tires may have a different rating as compared to the back tires. You will see all that fundamental information in the owner’s manual, so always keep it in the car. If you’re in a rush or too lazy to flip through the pages of the manual, the requisite tire pressure can sometimes be found in the doorjamb on the driver’s side.
3. Examine the tires in the proper time. Keep in mind that you cannot just check your tire pressure anytime you just feel like doing it. It is perfect to examine those tires in the morning or when you have not driven the car for more than an hour. Tires should be cold before undoing the valve cap of the tire.
4. Push the tire gauge down against the valve shaft. A slight hissing sound is normal, so don’t worry about that.    
5. Check what the gauge reads. Since you will be checking four tires, take note of the pressure gauges for each. Then match up those notes with what’s written in the owner’s manual regarding the requisite tire pressure. If the digits are the same, there’s no need to inflate your car tires. If the requisite reading is 34 psi, and your pressure gauge shows 31 psi, then it is the time to inflate the particular car tire.   
6. Utilize an air compressor to inflate the tires. If you don't own one you could bring the car to the nearest gas station and have the tire inflated. With a portable air compressor, immediately replenish the lacking psi in your tire. Run the portable air compressor, and shove the hosepipe on the valve shaft securely. Then force down the inflation lever. The air will surge through the hosepipe to inflate the tire.     
7. Let go of the inflation lever. Read the amount of pressure filled on the hose fitting gauge. Don’t fret if the gauge reads over 34 psi, you can adjust it with your digital tire gauge by forcing down the tire gauge to discharge a quantity of air pressure. Do it by rechecking with the digital tire gauge until it reaches the correct amount. Twist the valve cover back on, and you’re done.

A little inspection of your car tires and a little knowledge of how to inflate them can save you a lot of trouble down the  road.

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How To Prepare Tires for Snow

By Troy Marshall

When you winterize your car, you should not overlook the tires. Remember that winter presents different driving conditions, making driving quite difficult to manage. The frozen ground itself is somewhat hard to deal with if tires are not properly winterized. When you drive without winterizing your tires, meeting accident is the worst thing that can happen. Sounds threatening, but many winter vehicular accidents are caused by tire traction problems. So if you want to drive safely, here are some tips to consider when preparing your tires for snow.

1. Purchase snow grade tires. Snow grade tires are specifically engineered for winter use. Their traction ability is appropriate for the snow-covered surface, providing you with trouble-free driving experience. For maximum traction performance, remember to use four snow grade tires for your car. Using only a pair may impose traction limitations on your car and might even be dangerous.
2. Make sure the tires are properly inflated. You don’t want your tires to be either under- or over-inflated. Under-inflated tires may result in traction difficulties and worn-out damages. Over-inflated tires, on the other hand, may be susceptible to blowout. Therefore, check that the tires have the proper tire pressure. And depending on the PSI (pounds per square inch) reading, inflate or deflate your tires. Remember, however, that tire pressure changes with temperature. If the temperature is low, tire pressure is likely to decrease. Specifically, a 10° F-decrease in temperature reduces the tire pressure by 1 PSI.
3. Check your tires for tread wear indications. Before winter comes, check your tire treads for wear. Worn out treads are the number one cause of traction problems. If you see that the treads are almost bald, or are already 1/16 of an inch, it is time to buy new tires. You should replace tires in pairs. Never change only one tire, as this can affect tire performance and can be equally dangerous. When replacing tires, tire cost can somewhat be a drawback, but don’t compromise your safety. It is better to spend tens of dollars for new tires than spend thousands of bucks for hospitalization.
4. Use snow chains. Use of snow chains is another way of winterizing your tires. Snow chains are put on the tires to improve traction ability. When purchasing snow chains, remember to choose the type that is appropriate for your tire. Snow chains vary, so you have to ask the snow chain seller which kind works for your specific tire. Installing snow chains also differ according to type. For accurate installation instructions, refer to your manual.

If your tires are properly winterized, vehicular accidents are less likely. However, just because you have winterized tires does not mean you are completely accident-proof. You should, at all costs, practice safe driving. Slow down when needed, be extra attentive, listen to your  car, and offer driving courtesy to other drivers. Again, remember that vehicular accidents  are  common during winter, so you have to take all the necessary measures to be always safe on the road.

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How To Find a Tire Leak

By Amanda Carter

Leaking tires... Who  would have thought that a tire can one day be fine, and another day be flatter than your morning pancakes? If your  tire has an obvious gigantic tear, then you most likely have already found the problem. Tire leaks can be tricky, and slightly annoying though. They are not always visible to  the human eye, and you cannot always pinpoint them just by running your  hand around the tire. For those of you trying to figure out whether it's time for new  tires, and whether or not you can make it to the tire store without  blowing that leaky tire on the drive there, I am hoping to help you out.

Ok, let's  start out with the basics:

There are a few things you can do while your tire is still on the car.

1. Look. Is your tire slightly flat on the pavement? It should be round all the way around. When a tire goes flat, even just a little bit, it will start to flatten out on the part of the tire that is on the ground. Also take a look to see if there is anything sticking out of your tire.
2. Listen. Get down on your hands and knees and put your ear right up to the tire. Do you hear any whistling sounds? Or anything that could sound like escaping air? Hint* When listening for a tire leak, it is best to make sure the car is not running so you can hear.
3. Feel. While you're down there on the ground listening for escaping air, take both your hands and touch every part of the tire. Squeeze it, rub it, hug it, do what you have to. You want to make sure to reach as far around the back of the tire as you can. Some tires will develop a worn-down spot from the amount of times it rubbed on another part of the car, and that can cause a tear in the rubber. Another thing that you want to feel for is anything protruding from your tire. Things like screws, nails and other large sharp objects have their way of getting lodged in your tires, even if you don't normally drive around those things.

Your job, at this point, is to make sure that there are no obvious reasons for your tire to be leaking air. If you do not see any reasons, hear any air leaks, or feel any holes or tears in the tire, then it is time to get to know your tire a little better.

Let's talk about a technique that is most commonly used to find small air leaks.

You will need three things for this adventure:

1. A large bucket that is bigger and deeper than your tire.
2. Enough water to fill that bucket.
3. A leaky tire.

The steps to finding a leak in your tire are relatively easy. Let's go through them...

1. Get out your bucket and fill it all the way up with water.
2. Once your bucket is full, put your leaky tire in it and hold it down.
3. Let the water settle and look around for bubbles.
4. If you don't see any, pull the tire out, turn it around, and stick it back in.

At  this point in time, if your tire has a leak, you will see it. Whether it is a big leak or a small leak, a leak in the  rubber or a leak in the weld, air pushes out of the tire from the pressure of  the  water, and you will see bubbles. If you have found that you have a leaky tire, maybe it's time for a new one. I know Fix-O-Flat is so easy to buy and use, but it's worth it to just get new tires all around. 

Tires should really be replaced every couple of years. Even if you don't do a regular amount of driving, tires, just like everything else on your vehicle, are not made of everlasting material. They get old and worn down from carrying all of the weight of your vehicle. The more you drive, the more often you are going to have to replace your tires, and trust me, you do not want to be stranded with a flat in the middle of nowhere just because you haven't thought about replacing your tires.

I hope you found or eliminated your possible leak. If you didn't, it is still an option to take your tire to professionals and have them do a leak test.

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Information from http://www.howtodothings.com

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