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brake system | exhaust system | tires | engine system | spark plugs | tune-ups Tires
Description There are several simple ways to check tire tread depth.
The first way is to measure tread depth with a tread depth gauge. The
second method involves the use of an old penny inserted into the grooves
of the tread. Tire wear bars are also used on today’s tires as
a hands-off visual indication that a tire needs replacement. Regular tread depth checks are important to ensure that
your car’s tires are safe. Excessive wear can result in a loss
of traction, especially on wet and slippery roads. Tires are regular
wear items and staying on top of their condition not only ensures your
safety, but also gives you the opportunity to plan ahead and budget for
inevitable tire replacement. When using a tread depth gauge, tires need to have at least 1/16-in. of tread or more (this is the minimum amount of tread allowed by law). By using an old penny as a quick reference, insert the penny into the tread groove with the Queen’s face showing, but with his head upside-down. If you are able to see all of the Queen’s head, the tire needs replacement. (New pennies don't work because the image of the queen is too close to the edge.) If you see a wear bar across the width of the tread while facing it, it is time to replace the tire. Generally, it is best to replace tires in sets of four. If your car’s tires show signs of abnormal or unequal wear, have this looked into by a professional technician. Excessive wear on both outer edges generally indicates under-inflation. Excessive wear in the centre of the tread generally indicates over-inflation. Cupping or dipping of certain tread sections may indicate worn suspension parts or a wheel balance problem. Saw-toothed or feathered tread edges may indicate wheel misalignment. If your car needs alignment or suspension work, have it done before you drive off with a new set of tires. Taking a "big picture" approach to protecting your tire investment will reap many rewards for miles to come.
Description Proper tire inflation pressure is the specified air
pressure given by a carmaker for a certain tire on a specific vehicle.
This pressure specification should not be confused with a tire's maximum
pressure, which is usually listed on the tire's sidewall. Some vehicles
may specify different pressures for the front tires and the rear tires. Correct inflation pressure is critical for good fuel economy, safety, maximum tire life, and proper vehicle handling performance.
For the small amount of time it takes, checking tire inflation at least once a month is one of the best investments you can make to get the maximum life out of your tires. Proper inflation can also improve gas mileage by more than 3%, when maintained regularly. Keep this in mind: Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi (pounds per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires. You may want to check your tires more often during the winter months. Tires will lose about 1 psi of pressure for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature drop. Keep an accurate tire pressure gauge in your car's glove box (many gauges at "air stations" give false pressure readings) and check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Never trust the appearance of a tire as a gauge for inflation. A tire could be 10 psi low on pressure and not appear to be low on air. Use the recommended inflation pressure listed in your vehicle's owner's manual or on the inflation sticker found on the driver's door jamb. While you're at it, don't forget to check the spare. There's nothing more annoying than a flat spare when you have a flat tire.
Description ire rotation refers to the regular practice of switching
the position of each tire on the car. Tire rotation helps to equalize tread wear and is critical to gain the maximum life from your tire investment.
Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended rotation interval and pattern; generally a rotation interval of 10,000 kilometres is recommended. The rotation pattern varies with different makes and models, which shows the tire locations during rotation. Some vehicles have different size tires on the front and back or directional tires. This limits the locations that a tire may take on the vehicle. When in doubt, check the owner’s manual or consult a professional technician for guidance. Tire rotation time also offers a good opportunity to have the tires and wheels balanced. It is another step you can take to maximize your tire investment.
Description Historically, pads and shoes contained a lining material
made of asbestos or asbestos compounds. Today's friction lining may contain
semi-metallic compounds, non-asbestos organic compounds, and ceramics,
among others. Pads and shoes are the wearable friction elements of
the braking system. When installed properly, they should provide reliable
and quiet braking for many miles. Have your car's brakes inspected annually to make sure everything's OK. It's always best to be able to plan ahead for brake work by knowing brake condition as your car ages. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car, so sooner or later they're going to need replacement. Planning can also save you money, because the brakes won't get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which usually means expensive rotor or drum replacement. Symptoms of brake problems may include dragging brakes, squealing brakes, a pulsating brake pedal (with ABS not functioning), grinding brakes, a low brake pedal or pulling when braking. If your car exhibits any of these symptoms, have it checked out by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
Description Spare tires and wheels may come in full-size versions
(the same tire size as is used on the car) or as a "mini-spare",
a compact tire and wheel assembly that conserves storage space. Many
cars are equipped with temporary spare tires and wheels, which are noticeably
different from regular tires and wheels. Some require higher inflation
pressure, or the use of a pressurized canister to inflate the tire. The spare tire serves as a back up in case your car
has a flat. Check the air pressure in your spare tire whenever you check tire pressure. There’s nothing more annoying than a flat spare when you have a flat tire. It is also a wise idea to become familiar with changing a tire on your car, before you have to. Acquaint yourself with the location of the jack and its handle, where the jack is supposed to contact the vehicle when raising it, the lug wrench, the location of the key for the wheel locks (if equipped), and how to access the spare tire. Too often, motorists are surprised to find essential tire-changing tools damaged or missing. It is a good idea to make a practice run at changing a tire, so you’re on top of things when your car has a real flat. If your car has a temporary spare, drive your car within the limits specified on the tire's sidewall, or until it is convenient to repair the disabled tire or replace it with one of the same size and construction as the other tires on your car. Always check your car’s owner's manual and the tire sidewall for instructions on proper use of a temporary spare. return to previous menu
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