Tires Archives - certifiedauto.com

WHEN YOUR TIRES SHOULD RETIRE

Replacing tires is expensive and the better you take care of them, the longer they will last. Still, tires do have a life expectancy but what that actual life span is, seems to be up for debate. Some seem to think that six years is the magic number even if they haven’t actually been used. When tires sit on a shelf or have been in storage for six years they still age and deteriorate. The Rubber Manufacturer Association says it isn’t as simple as that. Until the experts agree it is up to us in the automotive service and repair industry to keep a good eye on our customers’ tires.

Most consumers may not be aware that the date of manufacture is on the tire sidewall. For example, in a recessed area on a tire, a code such as 8PY0816 stamped on it, the 0816 means it was manufactured in 2016 and in the eighth week of that year. When you do purchase new tires check the date. Some tires sit around for years before being sold as “new” and you don’t want to purchase aging tires! You want to purchase new tires! That is what you are paying for.

Reasons To Be Proactive

It has been determined that over 6,000 accidents a year are caused by tire problems. Under inflation is a major cause, however tire monitoring systems have helped with this issue. Tires should be inspected every 3 to 4 months for inflation, wear, balance, alignment and rotation.

Tires do come with wear bars or flat spots between the tread grooves. When the tread wears to the point it is equal to the flat spots the tire needs to be replaced. When you look at the rubber tire and see cords showing through, or bulges, deep cracks or tread starting to separate, you have a very unsafe tire and should not drive on it.

Tire Inflation

Driver checking air pressure and filling air in the tires close up, safety before trave. Staff filling air in to the tires at gas station.

Tips for tire inflation: some consumers think the tire pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the proper pressure. That is not always the case. The tire pressure listed on the tire is the maximum pressure the tire can hold. The recommended tire inflation pressure can be found in your owner’s manual, or on the vehicle’s door jamb sticker. Keeping your tires at the recommended inflation can save you nine cents per gallon of gas and prevent premature wear.

And when you are thinking about tires, don’t forget the spare! The tire monitor light will light on the dash if the spare is low on air for some models. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it, but it is nice to know it is ready just in case!

Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions, and we will be glad to help, or visit our website at CertifiedAutoCa.com

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Abraham Lincoln and Tire Tread

Customers look at me strangely when I tell them they can use the Abraham Lincoln method to test their tire tread. Actually we are talking about using a penny. Place the penny within the tire’s grooves and channels. Insert the penny so that Abraham Lincoln’s head faces downward. If the tire tread hides his face, your tires don’t need to be replaced. If you can see all of Abe’s face, it is time to replace your tires!

Keeping tires properly inflated increases their service life. Under-inflated tires lose tread around the outside edges. Over-inflated tires loose tread near the center. Your car care provider should rotate the tires every six months to help prevent tread wear.

Also with record gas prices, properly inflated tires with save you more than a penny, improper inflation can cause a loss of

1-3% of you fuel economy. Many cars have tire monitoring systems to ensure correct pressure, please don’t ignore them.

When it is time to buy new tires, make sure they match the specs listed on the car’s placard that can be found in the glove box, the gas filler door, on a car door edge or on a visor. All four tires need to be the correct size, all the same size; all have the same construction and speed rating. All four tires need to be balanced and aligned. Last note on tires: shop smart and ask questions, less expensive tires can also cost MPG, so explore all your tire brand options.

Your car care provider will keep an eye on your tires, most times for free, and know exactly which tires are best for your vehicle when it is time to replace them.

Please call us with any questions at 626-963-0814.

Happy Motoring!

Don’t Let This Be You

It is estimated that 600 deaths a year are a result of bad tires. Remember, they don’t last forever. Most tires don’t make it to the 50,000 mile mark. Bald may be beautiful but it isn’t beautiful on your tires! They need good tread so you have traction and you can stop without sliding. They need to be properly inflated. Check the number listed on the inside of your car door (not the tire) for the proper inflation for your make and model of vehicle. Have your tires rotated every 5,000 – 6,000 miles.

Proper inflation is also of high importance for the health of your car’s tires. This is a service that should be performed each time you get your car serviced or quarterly. Many things effect tire pressure, including temperature fluctuations and this puts an unnecessary pressure on your tires which wear them out! Not only does improper inflation cost you in fuel efficiency, it can lead to tire puncture and poor car handling if left unchecked for a long period of time.

Q: What causes tires to wear out?

A: Tires wear unevenly even when they are properly aligned. Irregularities in the road and of the car can lessen tread and tire life.

Q: How can one increase their tires’ life?

A: By having your tires rotated and balanced regularly you can increase a tire’s life expectancy by nearly 50%.

Q: Why do cars need an alignment?

A: Even if your tires’ tread looks normal, rough roads and repeated encounters with curbs will make your vehicle’s tires suffer. Having your car put on an alignment rack once a year will keep the tires healthy. Incorrect alignment makes tires follow their own paths and causes scrubbing action against the road surface. In addition to excessive wear, this friction causes the steering wheel to fight the driver, requiring additional efforts to keep the vehicle on the road. A wheel alignment service should include a careful examination of steering and suspension components. Even the best equipment and technicians cannot align a vehicle with worn or damaged parts.

Q: What is the big deal about proper inflation of tires?

A: Under-inflated tires cause your tires to wear along the sides, while over-inflated tires cause your tires to wear down the middle of the tread. Radial tires always look a little soft, but don’t be fooled and assume inflation is correct. Buy a tire gauge and use it monthly to keep your tires properly inflated. It saves your tires and saves on fuel too!

Q: What is the best thing one can do for their tires?

A: Take your vehicle to a service repair facility quarterly to make sure you are driving on the safest and most comfortable tires possible. You and your passengers depend on them.