Category Archives: Tire Information

Two New Tires: Put the Best in Back

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Dear Tracy,

I recently parked in a spot that had some broken glass I did not notice, and now I have to replace my two front tires. Since the rear tires are still in good shape, and my budget is tight, I am only going to replace the damaged tires.

I was planning on putting the two new tires put on the front of my car because it is a front wheel drive car, and it seems like the better tires should be in the front. Is this true?

Eric C.

Dear Eric,

Sorry to hear about your mishap, Eric! I have had this happen, too, and it’s very frustrating.

Regardless of the type of car you have, your two new tires should go in the back. This is because the driving stability that enables you to control your steeling and braking is provided by the rear tires. Installing  the tires with the best tread in the back will help you maintain better control on wet roads and avoid the dangers of hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road due to the tire’s inability to channel water through tread patterns. As front tires hydroplane, the vehicle tends to under steer and remain straight. But when rear tire hydroplaning happens, the vehicle tends to oversteer, or spin. Under steering can be can be controlled to a large degree by releasing the gas pedal and slowing down. In the case of over steering, it is a lot harder to resume control. This is why it is important to have the better tread on the rear tires.

Once you have your new tires installed, makes sure to stay on schedule with regular rotation and alignment checks, and always keep them properly inflated.

Summer Time, Summer Tires?

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Dear Tracy,

I live in the Midwest and as long as I’ve had my car, I’ve always put on snow tires during the winter and changed over to all-season tires for the spring, summer, and fall. Recently a friend told me he was shopping for a set of summer tires for optimal driving performance in the summer months. I’d never heard of summer tires and now I’m wondering if the all-season tires are best for spring and fall only. Can you shed some light on these different types of tires and how to make the right choice?

-Chuck A.

Dear Chuck,
Understanding the differences between winter tires, summer tires, and all-season tires will help you in selecting the right tire type for your vehicle. The climate in which you live, the season, and the type of driving you do are important factors in your decision.

Winter or snow tires are a necessity in areas that get a significant amount of snow and ice. The softer rubber used for winter tires is developed to grip better in low temperatures. The tread design features small tread blocks with tread cuts called siping, to promote better traction and help prevent hydroplaning. Winter tires wear faster because of the soft rubber, so they should be only used during the winter temperatures and conditions.

Though called summer tires, these performance tires are not necessarily the best choice for all summer driving. The name “summer” is more of a limitation than a recommendation, meaning  that these tires are appropriate for warm seasons and climates only. Summer tires do offer excellent driving performance by enhancing handing, acceleration, and braking response. These features aside, they are probably not the most practical choice for the typical driver due to expense. The rubber used in summer tires is soft like winter tires, but summer tires are subject to more heat and friction so they wear out  even more quickly.

All-season tires are designed to provide the best ride and driving performance in a range of climates and weather. The rubber composition and tread design are engineered for reliable handling and grip in a variety of temperatures and road conditions. I’d say your current tire game plan is probably the best approach for you.

Old Tires Avoid End of the Road

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Fortunately a lot fewer old tires are ending up in landfills these days. Concerns about the environment as well as innovation and creativity have inspired some great ideas for how tires can be re-used. Today, Tire Business published an article about how instead of meeting the end of the road, old tires are becoming the road, as part of the asphalt mix of the future.

The Technological Institute of Plastics in Valencia, Spain has reported the development of a “more durable and sustainable asphalt mix” made from plastic waste and end-of-use tires. After 18 months of studies, the 1.35-mile section of test road is performing very well. The combination of plastics, including polypropylene caps, polyethylene packages, polystyrene hangers and old tire material provides increased strength and rigidity.

Some of the other ways that old tires are being repurposed include:

  • Retreads: End-of-use tires can be recycled into new tires. Called “retreads”, these tires are often used on trucks and on airplanes.  Before tires can be retreaded they must be thoroughly inspected for damage, wear, and manufacturing defects. Many tires are not suitable for retreading and must be scrapped.
  • Energy from Tires: Nearly half of all old scrap tires are used for energy. Burned as fuel in factories and power plants, as well as cement kilns and paper mills, these examples of operations use either whole or shredded scrap tires for energy. This reuse keeps millions of tires from landfills and also helps reduce the need for fossil fuels. While burning tires releases gases and noxious substances, from an environmental position, the output is cleaner than that of many other fuel sources.
  • Construction: Just as scrap tires are being used in road asphalt, they are also being used in other construction projects. Use is becoming more widespread, with scrap tire rubber being an inexpensive, lightweight product used to fill underneath roads where bogs, clay or other weak soils that cause construction complications. Tire rubber is also beneficial in sound walls, bridge foundations and other home and community building projects such as patio decks, running tracks and the pliable black surface that is used in school playgrounds.

Winter Tires: Does a Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle Need Them?

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Dear Tracy,

This fall I replaced my car with a “new” used  four-wheel drive vehicle. The guy I bought it from said that with four-wheel drive I do not have to worry about driving in bad weather.  Now that winter is here I am wondering if this means I do not need snow tires for winter driving. Can you tell me?

Sandy T.

Dear Sandy,

While a four-wheel drive vehicle does provide some performance advantages, driving a truck, SUV or crossover with four-wheel drive does not eliminate the need for winter tires to allow for safe driving in snow and ice.

Four-wheel drive by design does offer more power than two-wheel drive. That is why four-wheel drive vehicles are less likely to get stuck and may accelerate faster. The problem is that winter driving is also about stopping and cornering; without the assistance of winter tires, four-wheel drive offers little advantage in these areas. Additionally, four-wheel drive vehicles tend to be heavier and may take longer to come to a stop.

Winter tires are made from a softer rubber than all season tires, which allows them to provide better road grip and handling. The open tread design is another feature that gives winter tires better handling capability on slush and snow.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles typically come with large, wide tires so it is especially important to consider the switch to winter tires, if you know you will be encountering a lot of snow and slush. Due to the larger surface area of the tires, they may not cut through snow as efficiently and may be likely to hydroplane.

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.

 

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

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Dear Tracy,

My friend just purchased a new car and one of its features is an internal system that monitors tire pressure. Can you tell me how this system works?

-Becca G.

Dear Becca,

A tire pressure monitoring system, also referred to as a TPMS, is an electronic system that continuously monitors the air pressure of all four tires. The TPMS alerts the driver when tire pressure falls below a preset limit by illuminating a warning light on the dashboard.

As of 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has required that all passenger cars, light trucks and vans (Gross weight less than 10,000 pounds) be equipped with a TPMS. Earlier model vehicles can be retro-fitted with a tire pressure monitoring system installed by a qualified service professional.

Tire pressure monitoring systems come in two designs –  direct and indirect. A direct monitoring system places a pressure sensor on each tire, usually on the valve stem or band mounted. The sensors used in direct systems are powered by separate lithium batteries, which ultimately need replacement. This means that direct tire pressure monitoring systems need to be serviced regularly and should be part of scheduled maintenance.

The technology used in indirect tire pressure monitoring systems is based on the calculation of factors, including tire size. The diameter of a tire is smaller when it is not properly inflated, and when one tire is smaller than the other three, it will have to spin faster to keep up. Speed sensors applied at each wheel position identify an underinflated tire by comparing the rotational speed of each wheel with the average speed of all four wheels.  This calculation is used to determine if one is spinning significantly faster than the others, and therefore underinflated. While the indirect system does not require servicing, the design does have some issues, such as the problem that if all four tires are underinflated, the system may not detect an abnormality.

All tire pressure monitoring systems installed on 2008 vehicles and later are required to detect and warn the driver when the system is not functioning properly through a malfunction indicator. For some systems, a malfunction is indicated by a flashing of the low tire pressure warning light for a period 60 to 90 seconds with the warning lamp remaining illuminated following the flash sequence. The flash and illumination sequence will repeat at each subsequent vehicle start-up until the problem is addressed. If your vehicle has a TPMS, be sure that you are familiar with the malfunction warning for your specific system.

Rolling Resistance – What Does it Mean for Tires

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Dear Tracy,

I have heard the term “rolling resistance” used in describing tire features. Can you tell me what rolling resistance means and why it is important?

Amber M.

Dear Amber,

Rolling resistance is a term that describes the force resisting motion as a tire moves along the surface of the road. Most vehicle manufacturers install original equipment tires with low rolling resistance to optimize performance for government Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) mandate testing. Tires developed for lower weight and rolling resistance are often constructed with thinner sidewalls and shallower tread depths. The materials that go into tires can also have an impact on rolling resistance. While tires with low rolling resistance are good for fuel economy, these tires may not have all the features you need for your replacement tires.

The kind of tire you put on your car should offer both performance and safety for your particular model, as well as the kind of driving you do on a day to day basis. Weather factors may also be a consideration if you happen to live in a climate that experiences extreme conditions on a regular basis.

In today’s market, most tire manufacturers offering fuel-saving, low-rolling-resistance tires. Make sure you work with your tire dealer to find a quality tire that offers the right features for your needs, vehicle, and budget.

While we are on the subject fuel economy, remember that proper tire maintenance is essential in getting the best fuel economy, and maximizing the life of your tires. Check tire pressure at least once a month, and keep the pressure at the level recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Scheduled maintenance checks on balance and alignment will also help you get the best mileage and optimum performance life from your tires.

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.