Tires are the only part of a vehicle that actually touch the road, making them vital for safe and smooth driving. Increasing your tire care knowledge will ensure a comfortable ride and optimal performance and, more importantly, help prevent accidents and breakdowns. Understanding tires and how to properly maintain them, drivers can get the most out of them and navigate the road with confidence.
This guide will cover understanding tire anatomy to troubleshooting common problems so buckle up and get ready to learn all about keeping your rubber on the road!
Anatomy of a Tire
Before drivers can properly care for their tires, they should know what they are. Car tires may seem simple at first glance, but they're intricate pieces of engineering consisting of several key components working together. The outer layer of the tire, called the tread, makes contact with the road. The tread pattern is designed to channel water, provide grip in various weather conditions, and offer a balance between traction, wear resistance, and noise reduction. There are then steel belts embedded within the tire body for strength and stability. These are layers of high-tensile steel wires, and they help maintain the tire shape at high speeds and heavy loads.
There are then cords or fabrics woven together to form the foundation of the tire, called body piles, which provide flexibility and resist punctures. An airtight layer comes next, which is typically made of butyl rubber, that holds air inside the tire. The stiff rings on the inner edges of the tire that secure it to the wheel rim are called beads. The bead area is reinforced with steel cables to ensure a tight and secure fit.
The sidewall of a tire faces outwards, and is a treasure trove of information including the tire size, speed rating, and load capacity as well as the make and model of the tire. The tire size typically consists of a three-number sequence, for example, 225/55R17. The first number represents the tire's width in millimeters, the second number indicates the aspect ratio, the letter "R" denotes a radial tire construction (the most common type), and the last number represents the rim diameter in inches that the tire is designed for.
The speed rating is usually indicated by a letter following the size information, such as 91H. The letter corresponds to a maximum speed rating; in this case “H” being 210 kilometers per hour. The load capacity is indicated by a load index number located near the size information. The owner's manual will help drivers understand the load capacity requirements for their specific car and how it matches to the load index on the tire.
Proper Tire Maintenance
Proper tire maintenance goes beyond preventing flats; it can improve gas mileage, handling, and extend the overall lifespan of tires. When performing tire maintenance, keeping a log of rotations, pressure checks, tread depth measurements, and any repairs or replacements can help monitor tire wear and make informed decisions about replacements down the road. Some maintenance tasks that keep tires in top shape include checking tire pressure and tread depth, as well as cleaning and rotating the tires.
Properly inflated tires ensure the weight of a car is carried safely and efficiently. Underinflated tires wear unevenly on the shoulders of the tire, lead to increased rolling resistance (which translates to poor gas mileage), and they also flex more which can generate excessive heat buildup and potentially damage the tire internally. Overinflated tires can also wear unevenly but in the center of the tire, making for a harsher and less comfortable ride, and they are also more susceptible to road hazards like potholes. Refer to the owner's manual, or the inside panel of the drivers side door, for the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) rather than the numbers on the tire sidewall. The tire sidewall numbers indicate the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not the optimal pressure for the vehicle. Checking and adjusting tire pressure at least once a month is recommended and is better done on cold tires (tires that haven't been driven for at least 3 hours). Always include the spare tire!
The front tires of a vehicle work harder, handling most of the steering, braking, and acceleration forces, causing them to wear down faster than the rear tires. Even without front-heavy workloads, tires on different axles (front and rear) experience different stresses and wear patterns and to compensate for this, tires are periodically moved to different positions on the vehicle. The specific tire rotation pattern depends on the car's drivetrain with front-wheel drive vehicles getting front tires moved straight back to the rear axle and rear tires switched to the opposite sides on the front axle. Rear-wheel drive vehicles have the rear tires moved forward to the front axle without switching sides, and front tires switched to the opposite sides on the rear axle. All-wheel drive vehicles have varying patterns depending on the manufacturer, so you should consult the owner’s manual. Tire rotations are typically completed every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers, but can vary so drivers should consult the owner's manual if they’re unsure.
Just like the rest of any vehicle, tires benefit from a good wash with soap and water during regular car washes. This removes dirt, debris, and road grime that can deteriorate the rubber over time. While cleaning, it's important to inspect the tires for any cuts, cracks, or bulges that might indicate internal damage requiring professional attention.
Keeping a tire’s tread depth within an optimal range will contribute to the best level of traction while driving. The “Toonie Test” is a quick and easy way to check tread depth: insert a toonie upside down between the tread grooves and if the top of the polar bear's paw is visible, the tread depth is getting low and replacements should be considered. For a more precise measurement, an inexpensive tread depth gauge can be purchased. Most tires also have built-in tread wear indicators that become visible when replacement is needed.
Troubleshooting Tire Problems
Even with proper maintenance, tire problems can arise. Some of the most common tire issues are flat/low tires, uneven tire wear, and vibrations in the steering wheel or floorboard. If unsure about the cause of a tire problem, it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult a qualified tire professional. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate solution to get you back on the road safely.
A common culprit of flat or low tires are punctures, caused by road debris like nails or screws. A sudden loss of pressure is often the first sign. If you catch a puncture early and the hole is small, a temporary patch kit might get you to a repair shop; however permanent repairs from a professional are typically recommended. A gradual loss of pressure, rather than a tire that is suddenly flat, could indicate a slow leak from a punctured tire, a faulty valve stem, or a damaged rim seal. A professional can diagnose the source of the leak and recommend the appropriate repair. A worn-out or damaged valve stem can also lead to leaks, so during the daily pre-trip inspection, look for any cracks or excessive wear on the valve stem. Replacing the valve stem is a relatively inexpensive fix that can be done by a tire professional.
In addition to incorrectly inflated tires, alignment issues and bad shocks or struts can lead to uneven tire wear, which can significantly impact performance, handling, and safety. Misaligned wheels can cause tires to wear unevenly on the edges, but a professional wheel alignment can correct the problem and prevent further uneven wear. Worn-out shocks or struts can affect how your car handles bumps and road imperfections, leading to uneven tire wear, particularly on the inside or outside edges.
Vibrations in the steering wheel or floorboard while driving can indicate tire problems, like unbalanced tires or out-of-round tires. Unbalanced tires are easily fixed with a trip to tire shop, where they can rebalance the tires by adding weights to the rim to counteract any imbalances and ensure a smooth ride. Out-of-round tires are caused when a tire has become deformed, often due to a forceful bump or impact, and it can cause a bouncing or vibration sensation. In such cases, replacing the tire is typically the best course of action.
Motorcycles Have Tires Too
While cars and trucks share many tire maintenance principles, motorcycle tires have some unique considerations like the break-in period, tread depth considerations, and the tire type.
Just like a new pair of shoes, motorcycle tires need a break-in period. The initial rubber compound is very smooth to optimize performance once broken in, but it can be more slippery in the first few hundred kilometers. Exercise extra caution during this break-in period, typically around the first 800 kilometers to allow tires to develop a slightly roughened surface texture that enhances traction and grip.
Motorcycle tires have shallower tread depths compared to car tires. The minimum legal tread depth in Canada is 2.0 millimeters, but for safety reasons, many riders recommend replacing tires when the tread depth reaches 3 millimeters.
There are different types of motorcycle tires designed for various riding styles and conditions. Sportbike tires prioritize grip and handling, while touring tires offer better mileage and wet weather performance. Consider riding style and typical conditions when choosing tires.
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You’re well on the way to becoming a tire care pro! Routine maintenance is key to maximizing tire lifespan, safety, and performance of tires, but if you find yourself needing new tires, do some research first to make sure you’re selecting the right ones. Equip yourself with knowledge, prioritize proper maintenance, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with safe and reliable tires!