Category Archives: Tire Maintenance

Tire Balance and Rotation

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Dear Tracy,

I’ve noticed that tire balancing and rotation are commonly advertised auto services, but I am not really sure how necessary it is to have these services done on my car.  Can you explain what these services are and why they are important?

-Claire M.

Dear Claire,

Tire balancing and rotation are necessary services – you should check your owner’s manual to find out how often service is recommended and make sure you get them done. Here is a brief description of what these services are and why they are important:

Tire balancing is needed because tires and wheels lose balance over time. The weight distribution around the tire changes as the tread wears, leading to an imbalance that causes vibration or shaking. To restore proper balance to your tires your technician will use a calibrated spin balancer.  Both static (non-moving) and dynamic (moving) wheel balance is usually tested. Out of balance wheels are adjusted to the proper balance.

Tire rotation is essential because front and rear tires wear very differently. Tread tends to wear more quickly on the front tires because they are subjected to  more pressure than rear tires. In the tire rotation service process, the front tires are usually exchanged with the rear tires. More often than not, the driver side tires remain on the driver side and the passenger side tires stay on that side. Since types of vehicles and tires vary, in some cases the approach may be different. Your experienced professional technician will know the best process for your car.

Both tire balancing and tire rotation are important maintenance steps to keep up with as they will extend the life of your tires and significantly increase the safety of your vehicle.

Hot Wheels -Wash, Wax, and Don’t Forget the Details

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Dear Tracy,

My dad is going to be going away on business for a few days, and I would like to surprise him by washing and waxing his car, including detailing the tires and wheels. He is so proud of the “hot wheels” had put on it, but he has been working so much, he hasn’t had time to do the detailing himself. My mom said I had better be careful with his baby – lol. Do you have any tips or suggestions for me?

-Shannon M.

Dear Shannon,

What a great surprise – your dad will really appreciate that! Wheel and tire detailing is not a difficult job – it just takes a little time and investment in the right cleaning products.

When you wash the car, have two wash buckets – one for the car and one for the wheels.
Since tires tend to have more abrasive dirt on them, it is important not to use that cleaning water on your car’s painted surface. Clean the wheels and tires first, scrubbing  with a sturdy, soft-bristle brush to prevent scratching. Finish and rinse each tire before moving on to the next  so that the cleaning product doesn’t dry on the surface. After washing the entire car, dry it with a chamois, then towel dry each wheel. As with the water, designate a separate towel just for wheels and tires. After waxing the car, you should apply a wheel wax and tire dressing. Give your tire dealer or mechanic a call to find out the best product for your particular tires.

Although you may have a wide selection of cleaning products at home, but not all of those may be safe for cleaning wheels and tires. Non-petroleum based products should be used to clean tires. A cleaner that has no abrasive detergents or harsh acids is the best option for your wheels. Look for products that are specifically designed for tires and wheels. There are many good ones on the market, including environmentally friendly formulas.

Your dad will really appreciate your efforts. Clean tires and wheels not only make your car look fantastic, cleaning them is an important step in good vehicle maintenance. Brake dust accumulates on your wheels and tires, and includes abrasive elements such as metal, adhesive, and carbon residue from your brake pads and rotor. Driving creates heat and friction that makes this dust extremely corrosive. Regular wheel cleaning removes the dusts and contributes to longer tire and wheel life as well as an awesome looking ride.

Blowouts – Keeping Calm is Key

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Dear Tracy,

Do you have any advice for handling a tire blowout? I recently saw an auto accident on the highway that was caused by a tire blowout and it really got me wondering if I would know what to do if that happened to me. It seems like my instinct would be to hit the brakes and swerve off of the road. Would that be the right thing to do? Also, I know there is not a lot a driver do about road debris, but are there things I can do to help prevent a blowout?

-Lucas Z.

Dear Lucas,

Experiencing a blowout at highway speeds is a scary situation. Even seasoned drivers may panic and handle the vehicle in a way that makes a bad situation even worse.
If you experience a tire blowout try to remain calm. Maintaining control and balance of the vehicle is critical in getting off the road safely. While your instincts may tell you to hit the brakes or abruptly take your foot of the accelerator, you should not do either of these as it will diminish your vehicle stability and control.

In order to safely maneuver through a tire blowout  your must first slowly release the accelerator. As you gradually reduce speed, you will be able to correct your steering and maneuver the vehicle off the road.

Be aware that front and rear tire 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. No matter which tire is effected, a tire blow out should always be handled in the same manner.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has some information and videos that explain what to do and what not to do in the event of a blow out.

Lucas, you are wise to think about steps you can take to avoid a tire blow out. Making sure your tread depth is adequate and keeping your tires properly inflated will help decrease your chances of trouble.

Tire Leak – Fix it or Forget it?

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Dear Tracy,
I recently noticed that one of my tires is continually losing air, so I need to either repair the tire or replace it. I know that some places repair tires, but I have heard that the only safe option is to replace a damaged tire. I like the idea of repair because my tires are fairly new, however safety is my primary concern, so I am ready to buy a new tire if necessary. Is it okay to repair a leaking tire or should I just get a new one?
–Collin A.

Dear Collin,
If your tire is in good condition, with plenty of tread left, repairing the tire could be a wise option. Whether or not the tire can be repaired, however, will depend on the nature of the damage or puncture. Tire repairs are typically limited to the tread area, and can be prohibited by the diameter and angle of the puncture.

The safest and most thorough way to repair a tire is with a patch and  a plug. The plug, which is a rubber stem, is used to fill the punctured area and the patch is applied to seal the inner lining.

Tire repair is a great alternative to the expense of replacement. Just make sure you have your tire repaired by a tire expert you can trust. It is important that tire repair be done properly to make sure you are safe on the road. Also, don’t put off that repair too much longer. Tire damage that is unaddressed will only worsen, and eventually ruin the tire.

Wheel Alignment Vs. Tire Balancing

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Dear Tracy,

What is the difference between wheel alignment and tire balancing? Are these separate services, and if so, should I have them both done at the same time?

-Ben S.

Dear Ben,

Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are separate services, but they are commonly confused. Both of them are important and necessary for enhancing the life and performance of your tires.  Wheel balancing should be performed more frequently, while a wheel alignment should not be needed as often.

Wheels lose balance over time, so wheel balancing service is necessary to restore proper balance. Tread wear causes the distribution of weight around the tire to change. This leads to an imbalance that causes the vehicle to shake or vibrate. During wheel balancing service, the technician will use a calibrated spin balancer, and usually will test both static (non-moving) and dynamic (moving) wheel balance. Improperly balanced wheels will be adjusted to the proper balance. Tire balancing is typically performed when tires are rotated on the vehicle, which is usually every 5-6,000 miles or 6 months.

Wheel alignment is sometimes referred to as “front end alignment” or “tire alignment.” During this service, your technician will adjust the angle of your car’s wheels to the position to the manufacturer’s recommended specification. Wheel alignment service will include a tire tread check for signs of poor alignment, as well as inspection of the toe, camber, and caster, which are the three components for measuring wheel orientation. Following the evaluation, all necessary adjustments are made and the service is complete. Most manufacturers recommend having wheel alignment checked every 10,000 miles. You should also have it checked if you notice the vehicle pulling to one side, or if the vehicle has recently been in a collision.

National Tire Safety Week

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June 2-8, 2013 is National Tire Safety Week. In honor of this week, Bridgestone is sharing some helpful tips for safe tires and safe travel:

“This spring and summer, many families will take to the roads to enjoy time away from school and work,” said Gregg Trosper, Manager, Consumer Education, Bridgestone Americas. ” Our tires are the only parts of the car that touch the road, so checking tread and proper inflation is critical to help ensure safe road travel.”

Bridgestone has a helpful way to remember the essentials of good tire maintenance: Inflate, Rotate, Evaluate. In following these simple steps, drivers will be able to drive safely and confidently, on vacation and day to day.

  • Inflate: Proper tire inflation is a critical aspect of tire maintenance. Tires may lose up to one psi per month under normal conditions. Three out of four drivers wash their cars monthly, but one out of seven checks tire pressure correctly.
  • Rotate: Scheduled tire rotations also help prevent irregular and premature tire wear. An estimated 40% of drivers do not rotate tires within the recommended interval, which is at least 5,000 miles.
  • Evaluate: Make it a habit to look for signs of tread wear or damage. The “penny test” is an easy way to check tread wear. Remember, if Lincoln’s head is visible when you place the penny in the treads, the tires are too worn and need to be replaced.

If you just can’t remember to check tire pressure, Bridgestone can help. Visit www.tiresafety.com to sign up for a free monthly email to remind you to check your air pressure. You will also find a wealth of information and advice, as well as an Interactive Tire Pressure Demo.

Buying a Tire Pressure Gauge

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Tire GaugesDear Tracy,

I would like to purchase a quality tire gauge to make sure my tire pressure is always at the right level. Can you provide me with any advice for selecting the right type of tire pressure gauge?

-Robyn M.

Dear Robyn,

A quality tire gauge is a great investment! Improperly inflated tires can lead to a host of issues including handling and traction problems, premature tread wear and poor gas mileage. Many folks believe that if their tires look fine, they are fine. That’s not always the case. By the time a tire looks underinflated, tire pressure is extremely low. It is important to do something  before it gets to that point, so monitoring pressure with your own quality gauge is a great way to do that.

There are three types of pressure gauges that are available:

  • Stick gauges – Ball-point pen sized, these gauges are compact and affordable, but can be somewhat difficult to read
  • Digital gauges – These gauges usually have an easy-to read display, but they require batteries and are a bit bulkier
  • Dial gauges – The clock-type faces on these gauges are easy to read, but some models are harder to use and more expensive

When considering the three types of options, think about what features are important to you. If you want to save money, look for a simple stick gauge. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, but want something that is easy to read, the digital gauge is the model for you. If you want something close to what race car drivers use, go for the dial gauge. Whatever model you decide on, don’t necessarily go for the cheapest – go for quality. Ask a sales person about the brands, or if you are shopping online – read reviews. You should be able to find a quality gauge for $5 to $20.

Remember: To maintain the optimal tire condition, check the pressure of your tires at least once a month and before starting on any long trip. For the most accurate reading, check pressure in the morning, when temperatures are cool, and make sure the car has been parked for three or more hours.

Understanding Car Maintenance

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Dear Tracy,

My brother recently handed down his 2005 Honda Accord to me. While he is very generous, I am afraid he was not all that committed keeping up with auto maintenance. I plan to take the car in for inspection and maintenance services, but before I do, I would like to check things out for myself. Not only do I want to be familiar with my car, I want to be an informed consumer of auto products and services. Can you tell me what things I can check out myself ahead of time?

Anna B.

Dear Anna,

Congratulations on your new car and on your decision to be an informed car owner! You are smart to take care of your car, and especially wise to want to educate yourself on car maintenance.

Your decision to take your car in for a professional  inspection is a good one. Auto safety is extremely important, and your trusted auto service provider can make sure your car is in peak condition. That said, there are some basic things you can check on your own regarding simple auto maintenance:

  • Air Filter – this simple, but important maintenance step will help keep your engine clean.
  • Oil Check – oil changes are necessary, but it is also important to regularly check your oil
  • Engine Leaks – these are a sure sign of trouble, but easy to miss – watch for them
  • Accessory Belts – worn belts can mean big problems – catch them before they break
  • Wiper Blades – blade condition means the difference between good visibility and bad
  • Exterior Lights – take the time to make sure your lights are working
  • Tire Condition – make sure the tread looks good and that the pressure is right

Being an educated vehicle owner is important! In the next few weeks, I will offer a little more in depth advice on some of these checks, so stay tuned.

Knowing your vehicle and finding a trusted local auto service professional will keep you driving safely,  reliably, and efficiently.

Proper Tire Storage

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Dear Tracy,

I am planning to switch my tires this weekend and am wondering about proper tire storage. Can you tell me the best way to store tires while they are not in use?

Jim G

Dear Jim,

Great question! Proper tire storage is an important part of tire maintenance, and it is too often overlooked. Storing your tires the right way will keep them looking good and performing well.

Store tires is a clean, cool and dry area, away from sunlight and protected from strong air currents. While the rubber used to make tires is formulated to resist the effects of sunlight, ozone, and water, these elements do cause wear. During storage it is easy to minimize exposure to these stresses and help extend tire life.

Here are a few additional suggestions:

  • Wrap tires or cover them. A variety of cover types are available online or from auto part stores.
  • Tires mounted on rims should be stacked, no more than four deep, underneath a tire cover.
  • Tires not mounted on rims should be stored upright, under a cover 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 prevent black rubber staining.
  • If tires must be stored outdoors, they should be raised off the storage surface.
  • Tires stored while mounted on rims should be inflated to 10 psi
  • Tires initially put in storage during warm weather should be inflated to about 15 psi to offset the pressure drop during cold weather months

Don’t Leave Your Tires to Luck

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Tis the season of Erin go bragh, and even folks who aren’t Irish tend to feel a wee bit green. This year’s Food City 500 NASCAR race, held in Bristol, Tennessee, takes place this Sunday, on St. Pat’s Day and Danica Patrick has her car decked out for the occasion. For those who want to sport green on the road but cannot indulge in a custom paint job, don’t worry! There are other ways to dress up your car.

Though you may be feeling lucky in the spirit of the season, remember  that it is never wise to leave your tires to chance. It is very important that you check your tires on a regular basis. At the first indication of trouble, you should have a trusted tire professional inspect and correct issues or replace your tires if necessary.

Warning signs to watch for include:

  • Uneven tread wear. Any number of problems can cause uneven wear – have them corrected before it’s too late.
  • Excessively worn tread. Most tires have tread-wear indicator bars running across the tread, or you can use the penny test. When the tread wears down to 1/8″, it’s time to shop for new tires.
  • Cracks, cuts, bulges or blisters. If you see these potential weak spots, replace the tire as soon as possible.
  • Excessive vibration. Tire vibration may indicate misalignment, imbalance, or internal tire damage. Get service right away.

Top of the drivin’ to you and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!