Being able to make good contact with the road is always a good idea.....especially with Wisconsin weather.
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Your tires are very important when it comes to your safety. Having proper inflation, proper balance, and a safe tread depth is not only a safety matter, it also greatly reduces fuel mileage, tire wear and stress on your steering and suspension. If you are experiencing a tire problem, let the Technicians at Whitcomb Automotive inspect them for you. Whitcomb Automotive offers computer balancing, tire patching and rim and valve stem sealing. We also sell many major brands of tires.
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Interesting tire facts:
1. If all tires in America were properly inflated, we could save two billion gallons of gasoline a year.
2. Under-inflated tires cause the engine to work harder. It's like riding a bike with low tires...it's harder to pedal because of the increased rolling resistance.
3. Underinflation, by as little as 6 psi in each tire, can cut gas mileage by 3%.
4. Under-inflated tires wear more on the outside edges. Over-inflated tires wear excessively in the center of the tread.
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Tire Rotation:
Rotating a vehicle's tires evens out the wear between the front and back tires (front tires wear out faster on front wheel drive), so that your tires don't wear out prematurely.
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Tire Balancing:
If you are experiencing a vibration around 40 to 50 MPH, there is a good chance your tire is out of balance. If a tire is unbalanced, it can cause problems not only with ride comfort, but also can create problems with steering and suspension components.
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Five unseen dangers of worn tires:
1. Heat Build-up
Worn tire tread increases heat build-up. As the distance between the tire and the road decreases due to less tread, less airflow is available between the road and the tire. Heat is the great enemy of tire rubber and a major factor in tire failure.
2. Puncture
Tire tread protects the tire casing from puncture. Worn out tread greatly increases the chances for a tire blowout due to puncture.
3. Hydroplanning
Worn tire tread can cause hydroplaning, a problem that can begin at about 5/32 inch of tread remaining.
4. Balance
Tire balance problems that cause dangerous tire wear can easily go unnoticed by most drivers.
5. Underinflation
Tires with worn tread are more likely to be seriously under inflated. This condition can adversely impact steering, braking and fuel mileage.
Understanding Tire Size:
Tire size is the most important information given on the tire. The size designation is specified as a series of numbers and letters, for example, 185/65 R 14 86 T, where:
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185 = the width of the tire in mm
65 = the aspect ratio (height to width ratio)
R = radial construction
14 = the rim diameter in inches
86 = the load index
T = the speed rating
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The speed rating shows the maximum continuous driving speed capability of the tire. The speed rating to be selected depends on the make and model of car. The use of tires with speed ratings that are too low can affect the driving qualities and tires with speed ratings that are too high may reduce driving comfort.
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Speed Symbol Maximum Speed:
* above 149 mph
Y** 186 mph
W** 168 mph
V 149 mph
H 130 mph
U 124 mph
T 118 mph
S 112 mph
R 106 mph
Q 99 mph
P 93 mph
N 87 mph
M 81 mph
Spare Tire
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* For tires having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h), a "ZR" may appear in the size designation. For tires having a maximum speed capability above 186 mph (300 km/h), a "ZR" must appear in the size designation. Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed when there is no Service Description. Example: P275/40R17 93W at 168 mph (270km/h) or P275/40ZR17 at above 149 mph (240 km/h). Consult tire manufacturer.
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* *A "ZR" may appear in the tire size designation. NOTE: For "V", "W", or "Y", and tires with a "ZR" rating, a vehicle load adjustment (for speed) is required; consult tire manufacturer. Source: Rubber Manufacturers Association