Category Archives: Tire Maintenance

Take Time to Love Your Tires

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Image from www.vintagevintagevalentinemuseum.com

Hope everyone had a Happy Valentine’s Day! Now don’t forget to show your tires some love this weekend by making sure their pressure is right. Not only will your tires love you for extending their service life, you will be happier because properly inflated tires mean safer driving and better gas mileage.

Be sure to check your owner’s manual to find out the manufacturer’s recommendation for proper tire pressure. Although you will see a tire pressure number on the tire, that number is the maximum pressure, so you’ll want to inflate to the pressure recommended in the manual instead.

Unscrew the valve cap and press the tire gauge on the valve stem. You will hear a hissing sound when you first press down, but it stops once you press all the way down. You only need a few seconds to get an accurate reading. Once you’ve reached the right pressure, replace the valve cap. Do the same for all four tires.

If your tires need air, you can fill them with a portable compressor, or use the air pump at your gas station. Filling the tires is a lot like checking the pressure except that instead of pressing the gauge to the valve stem, you’ll be pressing the fitting on the air hose to the stem.  Watch  the pressure as you inflate until you reach the right pressure number. If your tires are over inflated, remove the excess air from the tires with your gauge. Remember that hissing sound? When you hear it, let it go for a moment, then recheck the pressure. The more experienced you become with checking your tires, the better you will be able to tell how long you need to inflate or deflate to get the right pressure.

And remember, just because tires look good does not mean the pressure is right. By the time a tire looks underinflated, tire pressure is extremely low. Make sure you catch it before it gets to that point.

Good Tread May Not Mean Good Tire

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Dear Tracy,

Our family has inherited an RV/Camper that is older, but in excellent condition. It had belonged to  my aunt and uncle who have not been able to use it much over the past several years due to health issues. They very generously decided to give it to our family so we could enjoy it. My uncle suggested that we have the tires replaced since they have not been used often, but we think the tread on them looks fine. As long as the tread is not worn, the tires should be safe, right?

Melinda D.

Dear Melinda,

Congratulations on your RV! RV vacations are wonderful, and will make great memories for your family.

Regarding those old tires, I am inclined to agree with your uncle – they could be an issue.  Even though the tire tread looks fine, tires are subject to the affects of “tire aging” and can become unsafe. Tire aging specifically refers to the deterioration of a tire’s structural integrity. On a typical vehicle that is driven regularly, tire aging is not an issue because the tread wears out before degradation from aging can occur. Vehicles that are driven only occasionally, such as collector cars or those used for recreation, are especially susceptible to tire aging problems. While un-mounted tires that are properly stored should not age as quickly as mounted tires, spare tires can also become too old to safely use before they actually wear out.

In deciding whether or not to replace your RV tires consider a few things. How old are the tires? Has the RV been stored in a garage or out on a driveway? Having an overall inspection of the RV performed by your auto shop is a good idea – you can get professional opinion on the tires then. Lastly, according to general advice given on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website www.safercar.gov, “it is always wise to err on the side of caution if you suspect your vehicle has tires that are over six years of age.”

Replacing Two Tires – Age Before Beauty

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Dear Tracy,

I recently did the “penny test” and discovered that the two front tires on my Ford Focus need to be replaced.The rear tires still have a decent amount of tread left. I asked my dad how the two sets could be so different and he explained that on front wheel drive cars, the front tires wear out faster if the tires have been not regularly rotated. (Then he lectured me about not having my tires rotated.)

So I thought I needed to have two new tires put on the front of my car, but my dad said that the new tires need to go on the rear, and the ones that were on the rear get moved to the front. This does not make sense to me! If the front tires wear faster, why wouldn’t I put the new ones on the front? That way, by the time the front ones wear out, I’ll be ready for a whole new set. Plus if it is a front wheel drive car, shouldn’t you have the better tires in the front?

Peter B.

Dear Peter,

Your line of thinking does seem logical, but I am going to have to agree with your dad on this one.  Here is why:

No matter what type of car you have, the driving stability that enables you to brake and steer is provided by the rear tires. Installing  your new tires on the rear will help you to maintain vehicle control on wet roads. This is largely because of the different types of hydroplaning that can occur.

Hydroplaning happens when tires cannot maintain road contact due to the tire’s failure to move water through tread patterns. When front tires hydroplane, the vehicle trends to understeer or stay straight. When rear tires hydroplane, the vehicle tends to oversteer, or spin. While understeering can be alleviated by releasing the gas pedal and slowing down, in the case of oversteering it is much harder to regain control. This is why it is important to have the better tread on the rear tires. To see a demonstration, check out this video.

I know getting a lecture on tire rotation from your dad may seem like adding insult to injury, but again, father knows best. The optimal way handle this dilemma is to avoid it. Next time you have a new, full set of tires remember to keep them rotated.

The Salt Assault

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Dear Tracy,

In my area there has been some significant snow fall and ice accumulation lately and I have seen the salt trucks out in full force. While I appreciate the safer roads, I am worried about the affect the salt will have on my tires. Is there any particular maintenance or protective measures I should be taking to preserve my tires during winter driving?

Sarah B.

Dear Sarah,

Salt provides an inexpensive and fast way to deal with snow and ice problems on driveways and roadways because salt lowers the freezing/melting point of water. Unfortunately the affects of salt can be brutal on vehicles, asphalt, and roads, as well as your leather footwear. But as long as you have good winter tires that are in decent shape, with a good amount of tread, you should not have to worry about salt damaging your tires.  Your wheels are more likely to suffer damage as a result of road salt. The metal surfaces of your vehicle are most susceptible to salt damage. Salt can eventually lead to rust occurring on the body and underside areas of your vehicle. The good news is that the process of salt leading to rust takes time. Especially since the coatings and paint finishes used today do a much better job of providing protection. If you take your vehicle in for regular washings during the winter months you should have no problems. How frequently you need to run through the car wash will depend on how much salt and road sludge you encounter. Because salt is especially hard on chrome, if you have really expensive wheels, it may be worth swapping them out it the winter months to make sure they are shining brightly for your summer driving. Lastly, make it part of your fall routine to wax your vehicle. This extra protection will make your winter washes more effective.

New Year Resolution: Take Better Care of My Tires

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It is the beginning of a brand new year and time to start or get back into some good habits for taking care of your tires. Here is my suggested list of simple tire care resolutions that will increase the life of your tires, improve your gas mileage and keep you safe on the road.

Check Tire Pressure

Make it part of your car care routine to check your tire pressure at least once a month. If you are not sure of the proper pressure for your vehicle’s tires, check your owner’s manual. Remember that the maximum pressure is not the same as the recommended pressure.

Take the Penny Test

Regularly check your tire tread depth with these easy steps:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Tire Balancing

Make tire balancing part of your regular service, which can be done according to your owner’s manual recommended schedule. Tire balancing provides a smooth ride and assures even tire wear by properly adjusting the wheel weight distribution around the vehicle.

Tire Rotation

Consistent tire rotation is an important maintenance step that will significantly prolong the life of your tires. Different manufacturers have specific recommendations for a particular vehicle or tire, so it is advisable to refer to your owner’s manual tire rotation guidelines to ensure proper tread wear.

Tire Alignment

Improper tire alignment will not only decrease the life of your tires through uneven tread wear, it will adversely affect the safety of your vehicle. Have the alignment checked if you have hit something or notice a difference in your vehicle’s handling.

Spare Tire Check

Make sure your spare tire is in good shape and that you know how to use it. Check the tire pressure of your spare when you check the pressure of your other tires. Be aware that a spare is intended for temporary use only. Finally, be familiar with the tire changing process before an emergency strikes. You can look up a tutorial video or ask a knowledgeable friend to give you a hands-on lesson.

Problem with Tire Repair

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Dear Tracy,

I recently experienced a leaking tire problem after running over an unavoidable pile of road debris. My brother was able to locate the object that punctured my tire, remove it, and patch it with an inexpensive plug kit he purchased. The tire is now leaking again, and I don’t see any signs of a new puncture, so I am guessing the plug did not work. Do you think he installed the plug incorrectly, or is it always best to just replace the tire after damage?

–Maureen M.

Dear Maureen,

In the event of tire damage, it is not always necessary to replace the tire. Tires are expensive! If the tire is in decent condition and has plenty of tread left, it makes sense to try a repair. And if the tire is relatively new, you may have warranty coverage for the damage.

There are a number of reasons that could explain why your tire is still leaking. It could be that the plug was not installed correctly, but it also may be that the damage was not conducive to plug repair. Plugs work best for repair when the angle of the penetrating object is straight, and when the puncture is between the treads. Other types of punctures may require patching, which is often done in conjunction with a plug. Also, it is entirely possible that your tire actually has another leak, since you ran over a pile of debris. Just because you don’t see something sticking in the tire does not mean there was not a second puncture.

At this point, it would probably be a good idea to take the tire in to a professional and have it inspected. Your tire dealer has methods for finding leaks, and also determining the best type of repair for the job.

Rolling Resistance & Fuel Economy

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Dear Tracy,

I know that I am going to need to replace my tires soon and am currently doing research on my options. Can you tell me how important a factor “rolling resistance” is when selecting tires? Is this a crucial feature in getting the best fuel economy with my car?

Adam S.

Dear Adam,

Rolling resistance refers to the force resisting motion when the tire moves along the surface of the road. The rolling resistance of a vehicle’s tires definitely does have an impact on its fuel economy. In fact, most vehicle manufacturers specify original equipment tires with low rolling resistance to optimize performance for government Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) mandate testing. These tires are usually designed for lower weight and rolling resistance, and can be constructed with thinner sidewalls and shallower tread depths. Even the tire’s chemistry may have an impact of rolling resistance. While good for fuel economy, these tires may not have all the attributes you would want in your replacement tires.

Fuel economy is one of many tire buying considerations you should think about in selecting a set of replacement tires. The type of tire you select should offer both performance and safety for your particular car, the type of driving you do, and for the climate in which you live and drive. Many of today’s major tire manufacturers are now offering fuel-saving, low-rolling-resistance tires. Make sure you work with your tire dealer to find a quality tire that offers a good balance of the features and benefits that are important to you.

Finally, when striving for the best fuel economy, remember that your tire selection is just the beginning. Proper tire maintenance is essential not only in getting the best fuel economy, but also making the most of your tire investment. Monitor your tire pressure at least monthly, and keep the pressure level at the amount recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The correct pressure will be listed in your owner’s manual or labeled on the driver side doorjamb. Regular checks on balance and alignment will also help to make sure you get the best mileage and longest performance life from your tires.

Nitrogen vs Air

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Dear Tracy,

Are there real advantages to inflating my tires with nitrogen instead of air? Is nitrogen that much different than air?

-Karl M.

Dear Karl,

Nitrogen is becoming more widely available as an alternative to air for inflating tires. While the air ordinarily used to fill tires is already 78% nitrogen, advocates say that filling with pure (93% to 95%) nitrogen does make a difference.

Nitrogen is said to be less sensitive to outside temperatures and better at maintaining tire pressure. Since nitrogen is supposed to maintain tire pressure better under hot and cold conditions, it can improve gas mileage, increase tire life, and is safer because tires are less likely to blow-out when driven at high speeds. Due to the fact that nitrogen is dry and does not support combustion, it has long been used in applications such as aircraft tires and racing tires, in which tires run extremely hot.

Another advantage said to be gained with nitrogen is that, as a dry gas, it reduces oxygen and moisture. This is important because oxidation accelerates as the tires heat up, causing damage to the tire and wheel. Air contains moisture, which increases oxidation and pressure fluctuation.

Some of the research available seems to suggest that while there are advantages to nitrogen use, the actual benefits tend to be modest.  Since you typically have to pay for nitrogen inflation, some drivers may not feel the benefits are worth the expense.

It is important to note that a big factor involved with the benefit of nitrogen is tire pressure. Checking and maintaining proper tire pressure will provide you with a host of benefits including longer tire life, improved safety, and better gas mileage, whether you fill with nitrogen or regular air.

What is Tire Siping?

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Dear Tracy,

A friend recently mentioned that he was going to be taking his car in this fall for tire siping. He said that siping improves traction and tire performance, especially for driving on snow and ice. Can you tell me what exactly tire siping is, and whether or not this is something I should do?

-John C.

Dear John,

Siping refers to the process of cutting slices across the tire tread to improve traction. The idea is that the slice opens up on the surface of the road, grabbing the road and dispersing water that may be on its surface. To understand siping a little better, it is helpful to know the history behind this concept.

Siping is said to have been invented in the early 20’s by John Sipe, a slaughterhouse employee who had problems with his shoes slipping on the wet floor. He discovered that by cutting groves into the rubber sole, he could greatly improve the traction of his shoes. Since Mr. Sipe had the foresight to patent his idea, the concept has been since known as “siping.” In the 1950’s, tire manufacturers began employing this concept in tire tread designs, and today we see specialized siping patterns used for a variety of tire types. This short Goodyear video shows an example of a sophisticated self-locking siping design.

To your question of whether or not to have your tires modified with additional siping, there are varying opinions on the subject, as you may have guessed. Advocates of tire siping maintain that post-manufacture siping, or micro-siping, offers real performance and safety benefits. Tire siping machines are available in a variety of configurations for after-market tire modification. On the opposing side, Consumer Reports did a test concerning tire siping benefits. While they did report modest performance gains, they pointed out that this often costly modification could result in the voiding of your tread-wear warranty.

John, regarding siping your tires, your best bet will be to consult your tire dealer who knows the type, condition, and age of your tires. It might make more sense to purchase a quality set of winter tires, which have been designed and manufactured to incorporate siping features and benefits.

Blowing it during a Tire Blowout

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Dear Tracy,

I have not been driving very long, and have not had a lot of on-the-road experience. Even though I do take care of my tires and have all of the necessary maintenance done, I am worried about having a tire blowout while I am driving. I am afraid I will not be able to handle the car and have a wreck! Do you have any advice for me?

-Kristy M.

Dear Kristy,

Having a tire blowout while driving along at 55 mph is a frightening mishap, even for an experienced driver! It is great that you are doing what you can to keep your tires maintained to prevent a blowout, but road debris can easily destroy a good tire at any time.

If you find yourself in a blowout situation try to remember not to panic. It is very important that you maintain control and balance of your vehicle. If you slam on the brakes or even take your foot of the accelerator tot quickly, you will lose stability and control.

The best way to maneuver through a tire blowout is to first slowly release the accelerator. As you gradually reduce speed, correct steering until you regain control and stabilize the vehicle. At this point, it should be safe for you to slowly pull off the road. Whether the blow occurs in the front or back, on the passenger’s side or driver’s side, a tire blow out should always be handled the same way.

While you should react the same way to a front or rear tire blowout, the two types of blowouts do not feel the same. A front blowout is felt in the steering of the vehicle, and a rear blowout is felt in the vehicle’s body.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) website, www.safercar.gov, has some helpful flash animation videos that demonstrate what to do and what not to do in the event of a blow out:

What not to do in a front tire blowout situation.

What to do in a front tire blowout situation