Tires 101 - Automotive & Tire Tips

10

Winter Tires Available: Prepare for Holiday Travels Outside of Virginia

posted on 10/10/2024 12:54:00 PM

As the holiday season approaches, many of us anticipate reuniting with our loved ones. If your upcoming travel plans include driving to states with severe winter weather conditions, you need to make sure your vehicle is equipped with the right tires. Understanding Winter Tires. In Virginia, most motorists get away with a set of all-seasons or all-weathers in winter. However, dedicated winter tires remain the champion when it comes to areas that see intense winter storms and driving cond...

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09

Which Type of Tire Tread Do You Need?

posted on 8/9/2018 4:26:01 PM

There are so many tire designs on the road -- all-season, high performance, touring, light truck -- and even within a specific tire design, there may be several choices of tread patterns. What differentiates them, and what are the pros and cons of each tread design? -- Directional tread has a pattern of grooves and chevron shapes, all pointed in one direction. This design makes it easy to direct water away from the tire's contact patch and prevent hydroplaning in wet weather, and also offers...

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17

Give Your Family the Gift of Safety - New Tires

posted on 11/17/2017 10:05:20 AM

We are the land of the man (or woman) who has everything. We have electric dog nail trimmers, vacuums that work without your help and phones with more computing power than a fleet of space shuttles. With all this great and not so great stuff, it's getting harder and harder to give a great gift. Before you go flailing around for a gift nobody wants or needs just to say you have something to wrap, consider the gift of safety; a new set of tires for a friend or family member. Maybe you think this ...

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16

Storing and Caring for Your Seasonal Wheels and Tires

posted on 11/16/2017 1:47:33 PM

In many parts of the US and Canada, it is common to have two sets of wheels and tires to tackle seasonal differences in driving conditions. You know what to do with them while they are on your car, but what is the proper way to store the ones you put up for the season? Here are some tips to ensure your seasonal tires are ready to go when it is time to swap them out. 1. Clean Your Wheels - Contaminants and road grime can degrade the finish on your wheels while they are in storage. Before you pu...

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05

Why You Should Never Skip a Tire Rotation

posted on 9/5/2017 2:47:44 PM

The cornering and rolling forces on each of your tires are different. If you have a front wheel drive car, the power and most of the force is transmitted to the front tires while the rear tires pretty much just follow along like fixed wagon wheels. A rear-wheel drive car or truck sends power to the back while steering forces are handled by the front wheels. All-wheel drive and 4wd have their unique power, steering and cornering characteristics as well. The point is, your front left tire is ...

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05

The Incredible Evolution of Tires

posted on 9/5/2017 1:56:51 PM

With all the tires you encounter every day, it is easy to forget their humble beginning and just how far they have come since the early days of automotive development. Follow along as we recap the incredible evolution that has taken us from simple rubber rings to the products we see today. The tire had rather humble beginnings. In the late 1800's the invention of the automobile necessitated something for them to roll on. Until then, wheels were rolling around on hard wooden rims or metal bands....

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03

How to Find the Perfect Tire for Your Ride

posted on 8/3/2017 12:58:51 PM

Head into the showroom at any tire retailer and you will find a dizzying array of tire types, sizes, tread patterns and other variables that can have you turning right back around and heading the other way. The good news is a step-by-step approach to choosing the right tires for your car, truck or SUV with a little knowledge can make the process much simpler and give you great results. The type of tire you need depends on what kind of vehicle you have, your driving style and the type of weathe...

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31

Make Those Tires Last!

posted on 3/31/2017 1:18:27 PM

Your tires are a big investment, and while it’s easy to just take them for granted, you want them to last through their entire warranty phase (at least). Here are some tips on how to get the most life out of a set of tires: Tire rotations: No vehicle has 50/50 weight distribution from front to rear, and front tires see a different set of stresses from braking and cornering. Rotating your tires at a 5,000-mile interval ensures even wear and good drivability and handling. Proper inflation: Under...

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31

What Tires Are Right For Your Truck?

posted on 3/31/2017 12:48:35 PM

So you’re in need of a set of tires for your truck? No problem! The question is, though, what kind of tires are going to be best? First, you’ll need to think about what you use that truck for. Will you regularly be hauling heavy loads or pulling a trailer? Do you expect to keep it on the pavement for the most part, or will you occasionally go off-road? If you go off-road, will it be on soft dirt or will you be plowing through brush, mud, and rocks? And finally…what’s your budget? If you’re...

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31

Reasons Why Tire Inflation Is So Important

posted on 3/31/2017 12:18:16 PM

Even just a pound or two of underinflation in your tires can be a problem. Why, though? There are several reasons. Fuel economy: If you ever rode a bicycle with a low tire, you know that it feels like you’re riding through wet cement due to the added rolling resistance. The same thing is happening with your car, and compromising your fuel economy. Over the course of 10,000 miles per year, that can add up to 150 gallons of gas or $500 out of your pocket! Handling: Low tire pressure means poor...

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