Minivanmotoman
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2017
- Messages
- 1,027
- Reaction score
- 11
Tire Guidelines
Tires are very important for safety and reliability on the road. Your life and vehicle depend upon them. Good decisions avoid/minimize problems down the road, optimize your expenses and give safe, durable operation.
1. Get the best tire you can afford. Driver door jamb usually has the proper size and inflation.
2. Research tires for comparison and rating. Tire Rack, Consumer Reports, Prius owners forum report on fuel saving tires, etc... Compare price, performance, durability.
3. Research tires for best price online and in store before you need them to find a sale or deal. Sometimes can get a deal on nearly new tires on Craigslist from those who upgrade rims and tires " take offs". Walmart.com also can find deals.
4. Safety, start looking for tires before you need them. Said that 90% of all flats occur in the last 10% of tread. Won't find a deal when your stuck and will cost more. Plus avoid the hassle and potential danger/ damages of a flat or blowout. Procrastination here will cost you.
5. Check spare for condition and air pressure occasionally. Like, NOW.
6. Check air pressure frequently for maximum mpg and lifespan. Once a week, month.
7. Rubber hardens, weakens and dries out as it gets older (~5yrs+). Giving poorer braking, handling and more potential for flats and blowouts which is dangerous. Acceptable if driving local and slow. Could be hazardous for high speed, distance travel. General rule, replace if more than 5yrs old.
8. Tire sidewall info. Date of manufacture (4 digit code = week/year made. Get less than 2 yrs old, 1 or newer better), treadwear rating ( <500 lower mileage, +700 high mileage), speed rating ( higher means better made, safer), traction and temperature rating (A is best). See pics.
9. Carry can of sealant, plugs and patches, small compressor for on the road repairs.
10. You can drive on a flat if you have to, but not fast or far. Few miles, slowly at most. This will kill the tire, possibly damage the rim so only if you must.
11. Road hazard warranty worthwhile, depending on cost and if with national store chain.
12. AAA or other membership for bigger rigs can be a good thing. Cheap insurance and support.
As BTO sings, Let it roll, roll on down the highway. Roll, roll, roll...
Would be great for everyone if someone could add info specific to larger rigs such as trucks, class C & A tire specfics.
Tires are very important for safety and reliability on the road. Your life and vehicle depend upon them. Good decisions avoid/minimize problems down the road, optimize your expenses and give safe, durable operation.
1. Get the best tire you can afford. Driver door jamb usually has the proper size and inflation.
2. Research tires for comparison and rating. Tire Rack, Consumer Reports, Prius owners forum report on fuel saving tires, etc... Compare price, performance, durability.
3. Research tires for best price online and in store before you need them to find a sale or deal. Sometimes can get a deal on nearly new tires on Craigslist from those who upgrade rims and tires " take offs". Walmart.com also can find deals.
4. Safety, start looking for tires before you need them. Said that 90% of all flats occur in the last 10% of tread. Won't find a deal when your stuck and will cost more. Plus avoid the hassle and potential danger/ damages of a flat or blowout. Procrastination here will cost you.
5. Check spare for condition and air pressure occasionally. Like, NOW.
6. Check air pressure frequently for maximum mpg and lifespan. Once a week, month.
7. Rubber hardens, weakens and dries out as it gets older (~5yrs+). Giving poorer braking, handling and more potential for flats and blowouts which is dangerous. Acceptable if driving local and slow. Could be hazardous for high speed, distance travel. General rule, replace if more than 5yrs old.
8. Tire sidewall info. Date of manufacture (4 digit code = week/year made. Get less than 2 yrs old, 1 or newer better), treadwear rating ( <500 lower mileage, +700 high mileage), speed rating ( higher means better made, safer), traction and temperature rating (A is best). See pics.
9. Carry can of sealant, plugs and patches, small compressor for on the road repairs.
10. You can drive on a flat if you have to, but not fast or far. Few miles, slowly at most. This will kill the tire, possibly damage the rim so only if you must.
11. Road hazard warranty worthwhile, depending on cost and if with national store chain.
12. AAA or other membership for bigger rigs can be a good thing. Cheap insurance and support.
As BTO sings, Let it roll, roll on down the highway. Roll, roll, roll...
Would be great for everyone if someone could add info specific to larger rigs such as trucks, class C & A tire specfics.