Tire FAQ – Your Answer to All Things Tires

Trail Tire Auto Centers is the place to seek answers to your questions and concerns regarding tire tires, including tire shopping, tire purchase, and everything about tires. This article will highlight some of the frequently asked questions about tires. Continue browsing to discover more.

Is it Easy to Detect Low Tire Pressure?

It’s difficult to tell how much pressure is in your tires just by looking at them. It’s possible for tires to be well below 50% inflated before it becomes noticeable to the naked eye. This is why a precise tire gauge is critical to inspect your tire pressure monthly. To get the most accurate result, do it first thing in the morning before they’re even driven on.

How Does TPMS Work?

Most automobiles built after 2008 include tire pressure and temperature monitoring system that employs a sensor to monitor both. The sensor is installed in each wheel and transmits information to a receiver, which informs the operator of any discrepancies. If the warning sign (shown) appears, it indicates that one or more tires are under-inflated.

What is the Appropriate Tire Pressure? 

Trail Tire Auto Centers advise you to use the tire pressure recommended by the car manufacturer. This information is usually inscribed on the driver’s door jam. Always stick to this tire pressure. With plus-sized tires, pressure needs may differ. To see the manufacturer-suggested inflations for standard-sized tires on your car, employ the tire pressure search tool.

When Should My Car or Light Truck Be Serviced?

To determine what routine services you need and when they should be performed, consult the maintenance chapter of your automobile owner’s manual. An oil change is usually included in regular maintenance services. Other checks such as brakes, transmission, battery, radiator, and air conditioning system can be performed simultaneously.

Which Is More Important: The Time Between Service Visits or The Distance When It Comes to Oil Changes? 

The standard guideline is to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, whatever comes first. However, your vehicle’s owner’s handbook should be the final authority. The type of engine you have, the oil you consume, the age of your car, and the driving you do can all influence how often you need to replace your oil. It’s crucial not to go too long between oil changes, regardless of how many kilometers your vehicle has on it, because oil degrades with time.

Is It True That Underinflated Tires Impact Gas Mileage?

If your tires are not correctly inflated, they’ll have more rolling resistance. This implies the engine will have to work harder and consume more fuel as a result. Properly inflated rubber can boost gas mileage by up to 3.3 %, as per fueleconomy.gov.

How Often Should I Have My Wheels Aligned?

In addition to the routine maintenance suggested by your manufacturing company, you may want to check your wheel alignment. This is especially true if your car begins to pull in one direction. Rapid tread degradation in one area of your tires could also indicate a wheel alignment issue. If you’ve been in a collision, you should always have your wheel alignment reviewed.

How Frequently Should You Rotate Your Tires? 

Tire rotation is usually advised every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Tire rotation is an effective maintenance procedure that will prolong the life of your tires. Proper tire inflation, in addition to the rotation, is essential for extending tire efficiency and tread life. Your auto service technician will inspect the tread to identify the ideal tire placement for even wear. The ideal tire rotation pattern could also be determined by the type of car, such as FWD or 4-wheel drive. Because some manufacturers have unique recommendations for a specific vehicle or tire, constantly check your owner’s manual for tire rotation instructions to ensure correct tread wear.

When It Comes to Wheel Balance and Wheel Alignment, What’s The Difference? 

While wheel alignment and wheel balancing are sometimes misconstrued, the two services are distinct and required. When a car starts to show signs of difficulty, the balancing and alignment are routinely checked. You probably have a wheel balancing problem if you’re experiencing a lot of vibration. An alignment problem is frequently indicated by rapid and unequal tread wear, as well as the car pulling to one edge of the highway. Wheel alignment or wheel balance could be the issue if your automobile or light truck exhibits any of these symptoms. To avoid future tire damage, get an examination as soon as feasible.

What Caused My Tires to Wear Out So Fast? 

Tire rotation isn’t the only element that might lead to premature tire wear. Some instances are adequate inflation, driving habits, misaligned cars, old automotive components, and many other factors.

It’s tough to say why your tires wore out early without physically viewing them. Please stop by your local Trail Tire Auto Center and let one of our certified specialists evaluate your tires for free.

How Often Should My Tires Be Replaced? 

It relies on several things, including your driving habits, the tire’s mileage rating, the state of the routes you frequently travel, the climate, and much more. Bring your car in at Trail Tire Auto Centers at any time for a complimentary visual inspection of the condition of your tires.

Is It Always Necessary to Replace a Broken Tire, Or Can It Be Safely Fixed?

The answer to that query is contingent on the sort of damage and the tire’s age. In many circumstances, repairing a tire is a better option than replacing it. If a fix can safely recover the tire, it will depend on the location of the puncture and the degree to which the denting object entered. The most uncomplicated holes to fill are those that form between the treads and at straight angles.

What Are the Signs That I Need New Tires? 

Irregular wear, a decline in car handling performance or comfort, poor gas mileage, roughness, less brake reactivity, slick tread, and a tire losing air quicker than it should be all signs that your rubbers are wearing out or have to be replaced. Visit any Trail Tire Auto Center location for a candid assessment of your tires’ condition.

Is It Possible for My Car’s Tires to Be Mismatched? 

To achieve optimal performance and avoid risk, we advise that all four tires on your vehicle have the same make, brand, and size, with similar tread depth.

What Is the Best Way to Determine the Size of My Tires? 

By looking at the sidewall of your tire, you can determine its size. You’ll see a number on the side of your tire like P205/65R16 if you look closely. These letters and numerals stand for: The letter “P” indicates that the rubber is for a passenger car, while “LT” indicates that the rubber is for a light truck. 205: The 205 refers to the width of the tire in millimeters. The rubber in this example is 205 mm wide. 65: The 65 is a measure of the sidewall height, computed as a proportion of the tire’s diameter. 65 % of 205 equals 133.25 in this situation. “R”: This letter pertains to the manufacturing of the tire. In this scenario, it’s a radially built tire. 16: The width is the next digit in this series. The diameter of this tire is 16 inches.

Where can I research what tire size is ideal for my vehicle? 

The owner’s manual is the best location to look for the proper tire size for your car. If you can’t find the handbook, look in the driver’s side door jamb, inside the glove box door, or inside the gas tank hatch for your tire size.

Do I Need Snow Tires During the Winter If I Have All-Season Tires? 

Winter or snow tires are designed to remain soft and malleable at low temperatures, allowing them to grasp icy road conditions and mold them. All-season tires are designed to provide traction in both wet and snowy weather. The winter tire’s stronger sidewalls hold the tire shoulders on the pavement, while the tread pattern improves grip in wet conditions.

After Replacing My Winter/Summer Tires, Where Should I Store Them? 

Some motorists prefer to store their tires at home. Trail Tire Auto Centers, on the other hand, provides drivers with the peace of mind of having their tires stored in a climate-controlled warehouse for a relatively low cost every season. It not only saves you space in your residence, but it also eliminates the need to deal with dirty tires every time you replace them.

Two Tires Are All I Need; Should I Install Them in The Front or Back of the Car?

When only two tires on your car need to be replaced, new tires should be put on the back of the vehicle—check out our Balancing and Installation suggestions for a more thorough explanation.

What Is My Tires’ Rolling Resistance?

Historically, rolling resistance has been assessed using the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) system testing J1269. It determines how much force is needed to roll a wheel against a dynamometer at a constant speed of 50 miles per hour.

There are almost 1,300 light truck and passenger products in the Bridgestone brand alone, with each one potentially having a variable rolling resistance. The tread compound is essential, but the size, construction, and even tread pattern can impact it.

To attain a good average, at least three tires should be run in each combination. This translates to 3,900 hours — or more than six months —to run the Bridgestone brand, assuming one hour for each rolling resistance test.

This clarifies why these figures are based on guesswork. We do have some information, but it rarely corresponds to the sizes or patterns required. As a result, the estimate is necessary. These figures are based on estimations from non-profit groups.

Is There a Mileage Warranty On My Original Equipment (O.E.) Tires?

O.E. tires are made to the vehicle manufacturer’s standards and do not come with a mileage guarantee. Your tires, on the other hand, are covered by a quality warranty.

What Does a Speed Rating Mean?

The speed classification (or spectrum of speeds) at which rubber can transport a load under defined service conditions is indicated by its speed rating. The current speed rating system was created in Europe in relation to the necessity to regulate tire performance at uniform speeds.

A tire’s official speed rating ranges from 5 km/h (3mph) to over 300 km/h, represented by a letter from A to Z. (186 mph). The maximum speed for which a tire is authorized is described by this rating system (mentioned below). It does not represent a tire’s overall performance capabilities.

The Maximum V rating of over 210 km/h (130 mph) was the most excellent speed rating a tire could obtain when this speed rating system was first introduced.

As other tires that did not fall into this category were produced, monitoring performance at specified speeds became essential to maintain safety effectively. The Limited V class was formed, with a maximum speed of 250 km/h (149 mph), and the Z speed rating was adopted as the highest speed that a tire could attain. As higher speed classifications, W and Y limited speed symbols have been included.

The top speed of Limitless Z tires should always be checked with the manufacturer. The tire’s speed rating is listed as part of the sizing or service description.

A “ZR” may exist in the size label for tires with a top speed capability of more than 240 km/h (149 mph). A “ZR” should appear in the size description for tires with a maximum speed capability of more than 300 km/h (186 mph). If there is no service information, see the tire maker for the top speed.

Does Nitrogen Affect the Performance of Tires? 

Nitrogen (N2) has recently become an inflation gas for passenger and light vehicle tires at certain tire shops and fuel stations. Firestone and Bridgestone light truck, passenger, and truck tires can use nitrogen as an inflation gas.

Firestone and Bridgestone tire inner liners are meant to operate as pressure retention systems, specifically when using air, ensuring tire lifetime and preventing air loss owing to permeability. The presence of nitrogen will not harm the inner lining. Trail Tire Auto Centers has no way of verifying or disproving the claims made by various nitrogen vendors.

What Is a Non-RFT (Run Flat) Tire’s Repairable Area?

Only RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) authorized techniques are followed while repairing tires. Specific punctures are invisible to the naked eye; hence various methods are used to locate them (soapy water and tire water tubs).

Do You Still Have Questions About Tires?

Speak with a tire professional at your nearby Trail Tire Auto Center. Alternatively, you can reach out to us via phone or email. We’d be delighted to hear from you.