Who Needs Winter Tires?
Everyone who drives in weather that is consistently at or below 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter tires use a different compound that is combined with appropriate tread designs that stay pliable in the winter conditions, creating shorter stopping distances. Winter tires offer great traction on ice, snow and slush, but also on dry roads in cold weather.
Thinking that your all-wheel drive or 4 wheel drive with all season tires is going to get you through the winter weather is a false hope. The all season tires in winter weather will not provide you with shorter stopping distances or better adherence while turning, only a winter tire can provide you with that comfort.
There are two myths that are FALSE:
1) Since my vehicle has 4WD or AWD it will get great traction power, so I do not need a winter tire.
2) Winter tires are more expensive and do not last as long.
These are the average stopping distances you can expect with each type of tire:
SUBCOMPACT CAR
Winter Tire 128.3 ft
All Season Tire 166.3 ft
MINI-VAN
Winter Tire 125.7 ft
All Season Tire 167.7 ft
SUV
Winter Tire 117.1 ft
All Season Tire 140.4 ft.
The life of your tire is hard to predict, but by storing your winter tires properly it can add life. Storing tires outside will cause the tires to become dry and crack. Tires should be stored in a cool, dry, clean, indoor environment. If you choose to store them on a rim they may be suspended or stacked. Storing them without the rim requires them to be stored upright and turned every 4 weeks.
Ask the company where you get your tires if you can rent storage for your tires. Most will have a secure place that meets all the requirements needed to get more life out of your tires.
Knowing the facts, you may want to invest in some winter tires. Most of the time your winter tires will be less than your insurance deductible. Spending some money now, will save you money in the future and increase your safety in the colder months.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tire Tips
Most new cars come with a tire pressure monitoring system already installed on your vehicle, but there are many things to keep in mind when it comes to tires. These systems are not to be used as a substitute for performing routine maintenance.
Under inflated tires can adversely affect your fuel economy, lead to skidding, loss of control and hydroplaning on wet surfaces. It can also increase your stopping distance and you are more likely to have a tire fail.
Some tips to keep your tires safe:
Do your own pressure checks. Over and under inflated tires will cause your tires to wear unevenly. Remember that tires can lose pressure over time and that cold air causes them to lose some air. Tires lose roughly 1 pound per square inch of pressure for every 10 degree drop in outside temperature. Check your tire pressure at least once a month.
Inspect the sidewalls and tread. Cuts or bulges are signs of impending tire failure. It is important to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles or every other oil change. You will get longer life out of your tires. Ask your technician that does the oil change to check the tread depth of your tires also. Uneven wear may be the sign of worn suspension parts or the need for an alignment.
Replace all 4 tires at once. It is recommended that you change all four tires at the same time. Uneven tread depth on your tires will cause early wear on your tires and the vehicles suspension. Other risks you take by not replacing all four tires are fishtailing and hydroplaning.
Tire Age. Tires age over time regardless of if you have serviced them or not. Manufacturers continually work to find out what ages a tire. Remember that a tire in motion is better than a tire that sits. Tires that sit for long periods of time, like on a RV that is only driven in the warm months, will have other issues. Tires that sit may have soft spots and weather checking.
The bottom line. Try to buy those with a build date of two years or less stamped on them. Replace your tire according to the auto manufacturers age recommendation. To find out the correct tire pressure and size of tire your vehicle requires check the white sticker on the inside of the drivers door.
Remember to give your tires some extra attention once a month. If your not sure about your tires, take them to your local shop for some advice.
Under inflated tires can adversely affect your fuel economy, lead to skidding, loss of control and hydroplaning on wet surfaces. It can also increase your stopping distance and you are more likely to have a tire fail.
Some tips to keep your tires safe:
Do your own pressure checks. Over and under inflated tires will cause your tires to wear unevenly. Remember that tires can lose pressure over time and that cold air causes them to lose some air. Tires lose roughly 1 pound per square inch of pressure for every 10 degree drop in outside temperature. Check your tire pressure at least once a month.
Inspect the sidewalls and tread. Cuts or bulges are signs of impending tire failure. It is important to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles or every other oil change. You will get longer life out of your tires. Ask your technician that does the oil change to check the tread depth of your tires also. Uneven wear may be the sign of worn suspension parts or the need for an alignment.
Replace all 4 tires at once. It is recommended that you change all four tires at the same time. Uneven tread depth on your tires will cause early wear on your tires and the vehicles suspension. Other risks you take by not replacing all four tires are fishtailing and hydroplaning.
Tire Age. Tires age over time regardless of if you have serviced them or not. Manufacturers continually work to find out what ages a tire. Remember that a tire in motion is better than a tire that sits. Tires that sit for long periods of time, like on a RV that is only driven in the warm months, will have other issues. Tires that sit may have soft spots and weather checking.
The bottom line. Try to buy those with a build date of two years or less stamped on them. Replace your tire according to the auto manufacturers age recommendation. To find out the correct tire pressure and size of tire your vehicle requires check the white sticker on the inside of the drivers door.
Remember to give your tires some extra attention once a month. If your not sure about your tires, take them to your local shop for some advice.
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