Do you take your vehicle’s tires for granted?
One of the most important safety features on your car or truck, your tires play a key role in getting you safely to your destination, says Elly Ruge, owner of Cowichan Auto Repair in Duncan.
“Some people leave their tires until they have no tread – that drastically affects your vehicle’s steering, plus its handling, ride and fuel economy,” she says. Under poor driving conditions, any deficiencies in your tires are exaggerated, Elly adds. “If you hold out the palm of your hand, that’s roughly the width of the surface that is touching the pavement.”
Here’s some all-season tips about tires:
- Not sure about replacement? – If you have M+S (mud and snow) or all-season tires, but it’s been a while since they were installed, Cowichan Auto Repair invites you to come by and have their technicians inspect the treadwear. They’ll make recommendations based on your typical driving habits and inform you of any related mechanical issues that can affect tire wear, such as front-end alignment.
- Two sets of rims the best bet –If you’re in the habit of putting winter tires on your vehicle, you’re already ahead of the game. But did you know it’s best to have your two sets of tires mounted on their own rims? Regular removal of one set of tires for another stretches and deteriorates the bead on the edge of the tires that forms a tight seal to prevent air leakage.
- Ever wonder about those numbers on your tires? – In a typical tire code like this: P215/65R15/95H M+S, the numbers/letters dictate (in order) width (P for passenger car, 215 millimetres), aspect ratio (sidewall height, 65 per cent of the tire’s width), rim size (R=radial tire, 15-inch), load index (95=1,521 pounds per tire), speed rating (H=210 km/h max.), and the driving conditions they’re designed for (M+S is mud and snow, meaning winter or aggressive all-season tread).
- Fill ‘er up – The other important number on the tire sidewall is maximum air pressure. Newer vehicles electronically monitor your tires and tell you when they need air, but if you have to eyeball them to notice a low tire, ensure you don’t fill it past the maximum listed.
If it’s replacement time for your tires, Cowichan Auto Repair – a certified female-friendly shop – can recommend the right set for your vehicle from a wide variety of brands and models. And installation and balancing is always free! Call 778-422-3100 for an appointment or drop by the shop on Chaster Road. You can also stay up to date by watching Cowichan Auto Repair on Facebook.
