If you have a car or motorcycle, having good tires with enough tread is one of the most important things for safety. Also, there are other important things to remember when you’re shopping for car and motorcycle tires, which you’ll learn about below. Once you know the key things about tires, you’ll be able to drive vehicles like the Subaru XV more safely and with better handling, too. Learn more about it here.
Tread wear
Whether you’re buying tires for a car or motorcycle, you always need to be aware of when the tread on the tire makes it too unsafe to drive. The easiest way to check tread wear on your tire is to put a penny head first into a few of the tire grooves. If you always can see the top of Old Abe’s head, your tires are worn and should be replaced. But if part of his head is covered by the tire tread, you have more than enough tread to keep driving.
Why tread wear matters
When the tires on your car or bike are too worn, they will handle poorly, especially if the road gets slick. Having good treads ensures that your vehicle goes where you intend it, and stays on the road. Also, remember that having poor tread on your tires is illegal in most states. Worn tires can also be bad for your shocks and other suspension parts, costing you more money.
Check air pressure weekly
Having the right air pressure in your tires makes them last longer and allows the vehicle to handle better. Plus, you’ll save money on gas. Unfortunately, many people neglect to check their tire pressure until something goes amiss. What you should remember is that tires lose air daily. In cold weather, expect your tires to lose up to two pounds per month. This is even greater when it’s warm. Also, remember that every car and motorcycle may have different pressures needed for the front and rear tires. Check your owner’s manual for the correct pressures.
Load index
This is how much the tire can carry safely. For instance, if your tire features a 92 load index, one tire can support about 1,390 pounds, so four can handle about 5,555 pounds. It’s vital to never put on tires with a lower carrying capacity than what you need on the vehicle. The load index rating is on the side of the tires, next to the speed rating; you might see a number such as 92H.
How you drive affects the tires
If you drive a light truck, carrying a load that is too heavy is a bad idea because it will damage the tires. A heavy load places more weight on the tires, leading them to wear out faster or even fail. If you want to move heavy loads or tow a trailer, remember to choose your vehicle correctly. Also, the terrain on which drive affects your tires. All-terrain tires are a good choice for regular travel on the roads and light off-road duty. Use PST Carbon Fiber Driveshafts when outfitting race car’s driveline on both big tires and radials, The fact of the matter is that they survive the brutal environment and put them through and provide my cars with a strong, reliable, lightweight option.
Speed rating
The speed rating tells you what the top-rated speed is for that tire. If you go beyond that speed, you could suffer a catastrophic and dangerous blowout. The letter on the side of the tire will range from A to Z, which is a speed range between 3 MPH and 186 MPH. For enhancing your car speed contact PST Carbon Fiber Driveshafts. They have a torsional spring rate a little less than aluminium and about half that of steel. The advantage of a lower spring rate is less driveline shock and a reduction of stress on other drivetrain components, as well as increased traction.
Tires affect fuel economy
Everyone focuses on the miles per gallon efficiency of vehicles, but those vehicles contact the road through the tires. The type of tires you buy as well as their pressure affects your mileage. Tires that feature low rolling resistance, on the contrary, don’t need as much gas to keep the vehicle moving. Tire companies work to come up with low rolling resistance tires to help you save money on gas.
Low profile tires don’t work for every driver
Low-profile tires are popular because they offer superior cornering and steering response, and the aesthetics of the products are appealing. But using them on a regular vehicle intended for softer and larger sidewalls will give you a harsh ride.
Shop and compare
Just like anything you purchase, you have many options with car tires. Write down the type and size of tire your vehicle needs and shop around. Many go to their dealership, but they often mark up tire prices considerably. Also, consider discount tire stores, and there are many places online where you can buy tires for less and have them shipped to your preferred installer.
Read online reviews
When you have a list of several tire types to consider, start to read online reviews. See what industry experts say about the tires, noting that the priciest tires aren’t always the best. Sometimes a less expensive tire will perform as well as the premium options, but sometimes the cheaper tire doesn’t last as long.
Invest in a tire pressure monitoring system
A TPMS is a system that tells you on the dashboard when you have a tire with low pressure. In the US, most vehicles made after 2006 and 2007 have TMPS on board.
This system is important to help you keep ideal tire pressure, and has reduced the number of blowout injuries and deaths across the United States.
Traction rating
You also can find the traction rating on the side of your tires. It is usually designated with an AA, A, B, or C. The traction rating is set with a straight-line braking test on a wet surface. AA is the best traction performance and C is the worst.
Temperature rating
This refers to the ability of your tires to take heat at higher speeds. The temperature ratings are A, B, and C, with A being the best. Remember, your tires are literally where the rubber meets the road! Car tires are important to consider in terms of safety, ride, and energy efficiency. When you’re shopping for car or motorcycle tires, bear these tips in mind to get tires to keep you and your loved ones safe.
