How to identify tires based on numbers and letters next to them
width. Aspect ratio. Manufacturing date. This is just a small portion of the information printed on the side of the tire. Do you know how to read them?
The tires will naturally deteriorate over time and will undergo even more damage from pot holes, glass, claws or other debris that you may run on. Keep the tires inflate and spin and constantly checking the tread to last longer.
Here’s how to make the most of your tires:
How long should the tires last?
There are many things that require you to wear tires. The most common is how often a car is driven. The more you drive, the more work your tires can withstand. Age is another factor. For cars that are not driven frequently, the tread will remain on the tires, but the tire structure can deteriorate. Driving over pot holes, running over debris, or grazing curbs will also wear tires faster. Depending on the severity of the potholes and debris, they can instantly flatten the tires.
How do I know which type of tires I have?
Read the sidewall text. This includes information such as make, model, width, aspect ratio, tire load index, tire season, and more. These markings can appear confusing and are often overlooked by car owners. But knowing them is not harmful, so when you’re looking for new tires you can get the right kind. Another way to find the exact size of a tire is to read the owner’s manual.
Check the tire pressure
You need to start with the basics and know the exact tire pressure recommendations for your vehicle. This is on a sticker stuck inside the side door of the screwdriver. To check the current pressure of a tire, many vehicles can use a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) or a handheld tire pressure gauge.
Check the tread depth
Your tires will have optimal pressure and still have problems. The treads on the tires can grip the streets and maintain traction on smooth roads. You can use the tire tread depth checker to measure the amount remaining. Alternatively, you can use the old-fashioned method to stab the penny into the surface of the tread. If you can see the whole head of an honest Abe Lincoln, there is a small tread left and you will need to change the tires immediately. According to Michelin, the legal limit for tire treads is 2/32 of a inch, and less than that is not safe and must be changed.
Get normal tire rotation
If your vehicle comes with spare tires, you will need to check it occasionally. In a best case scenario, you don’t need to use it, but it’s best to be ready. If the spares of “donuts” or regular tires are small, they should inflate to 60 psi. If you have an SUV or truck with full-size spare tires, you should inflate it to the same recommended PSI as the others. Make sure to include tire rotation in the full rear spare.
Runflat technology
Most flat tires need to be changed immediately, but runflats are different. Runflats have thick sidewalls that can support the weight of the vehicle when the tires are not airy. You can drive up to 50 miles after a flat tire and arrive at the store to get new tires. These tires may be useful, but there are a few drawbacks to consider. They are more expensive than regular tires, hard to find, and have a stiff ride. Another defect in the runflat is that even if the damage is too large, the tires need to be replaced and you can’t drive. Vehicles with runflats usually don’t have a spare, so you’ll have to call and wait for the tow truck.
Changes in seasonal tires
There are tires in all seasons of the year. All seasons, you can drive effectively all year round, regardless of the weather. As good as they play, it cannot be compared to the effectiveness of winter tires during summer tires in cold or warm months. Summer tires provide the best grip when warm, while winter tires are excellent in snow, but in warm climates you struggle with cold temperatures while you struggle with towing.
Take care of performance tires
Tires need to be more careful when driving performance-oriented vehicles. These cars are intended to drive faster, so they pass through the tires faster than regular cars. Check your pressure each year, make them work properly, and keep the tires spinning each year, and the car keeps running as intended. Do your best to avoid dents by driving around them when you can prevent damage to your tires and rims. Slowly going on bumpy roads will protect your tires and prevent the bottom of your car from being rubbed against rubbing if you’re in a low-seat sports car.
Off-road tires
If you live in an area with many dirt roads and enjoy camping trips or off-road trails, you will need the right tires for the occasion. All-terrain tires are perfect for vehicles that sometimes go off-roading, but drive quite a bit on normal roads. Off-road tires are a great option for cars that spend most of their lives on dirt roads and often attack off-road trails. Mud underground tires are for vehicles that frequently drive mud, usually used in heavy-duty trucks and SUVs. All-terrain tires handle daily driving better than mud and off-road tires, but are less effective than all seasons on paved roads.
Tires can be simple and confusing at the same time. If properly maintained, they can last for years. It can also quickly lie flat when you hit a large pothole or drive an object on the road. You can do everything right to take care of your tires and still run into trouble. But under normal circumstances, if you have the right tire for the season, keep up with pressure, get regular rotations, and check the tread, the tires will continue to rotate for years to come.
