What You Need to Know Before Buying New Tires

March 15th, 2018
I can think of several things I would rather buy, but it looks like a new set of tires is going to be at the top of the list. There are many factors to consider before making this investment. Here is a quick guide to finding, buying, and maintaining your new tires.

New Tire Shopping

Do you need new tires?  Take a close look at your tires and determine if you actually need new tires. Tread is the best place to look. You can measure the depth using an old penny or by looking at the tread wear indicators built into most tires. If your tread is worn down to less than 2/32 of an inch you need new tires.
 
Who to buy new tires from can be a challenge. One option is the car dealer, but they are often the most expensive. You will have b ...[more]
  Tags: tires, tire facts
  Posted in: Tires 101

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Tires

March 16th, 2017

1. For performance and handling, the trend has long been toward fatter tires with a bigger footprint. That’s starting to change, though. Skinnier tires mean lower rolling resistance and better fuel economy, as well as a smaller aerodynamic profile. While fatter tires do handle better, tire engineers are making up the difference by designing skinny tires with a stickier tread formulation for traction and cornering ability.

2. Static electricity used to be a real concern for vehicles; if you’re old enough, you may remember seeing station wagons with a “ground strap” dragging along the pavement. It’s become a concern again, with newer tread compounds cutting back on the amount of carbon black in newer tires. The solution? Many tires are now designed with an “antenna strip” of more conductive material down the center of the tread, providing a positive electrical contact between tire and pavement.

3. Like with cars, tire ...[more]

  Tags: tires, tread wear, tire facts
  Posted in: Auto Repair 101
Towing