Motorcycle

When you are making decisions about your car or motorcycle, one of the first things to choose is the correct tire for your driving conditions. While this decision is important year round, it is of extreme importance during the winter months when weather turns cold and snow and ice can be very common. Having the wrong tire in these situations can be a question of life and death. But thankfully choosing the right tire is not difficult, if you follow certain steps.

The first step in choosing the correct winter tire is to see what sort of tire, that is, what size and types of tires, your car’s manufacturer has recommended for your car. You can find this information in the owner’s manual that came with your car. Then head to your local tire dealer and purchase snow or mud tires appropriate to your car and have them installed. Tires like these, ones without metal studs manufactured into them, help your vehicle handle slick winter roads and can be used on public highways.

If you live in an area with an extreme climate, where tires with metal studs are allowed during the height of the winter months, you will likely have to purchase two sets of tires. The first set, as outlined above, that has no metal studs, and a second set, which does have metal studs, for the iciest parts of the year. Later in the winter season, you will likely have to change your tires back to the rubber tires, since in most areas metal stud tires are only allowed during the coldest months. Check your local regulations in any case, since metal stud tires are banned in 10 states.

Remember to ensure that all of the tires you have installed at the same time are all of the same measurements. That is to say, that each one is of the same size, tread, and type. Having tires of different type, size, or tread can result in a loss of traction on slippery winter roads.

Never equip your car with tires that are too big for it. Tires that are too large than those recommended in the manufacturer’s guidebook may damage your car’s fenders or suspension, or just make it handle miserably.

The difference between snow tires and regular tires is in the tread. Snow tires are made with wide spaces between their treads, giving them something like cleats to grab into snow with and maintain traction, whereas all season tires are made with narrower treads. Narrower treads can proved a quieter ride, but they cannot ride well on the snow.

If you don’t want to install snow tires, or you do not live in an area that merits them all the time, you might want to consider tire chains. Chains can greatly enhance the traction of tires. As always, ensure that the chain is properly fitted to your car’s tires, since improperly fitted chains will not work properly, damaging your car or malfunctioning.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as custom wheels at www.vintagewheelsplus.com

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If you’re like most of us, or maybe I should say if you’re like me, the way you choose what new tires you should purchase for your car is by reading the label on the side of your existing car tires. After comparing the prices of the compatible tires with the amount of money in your tire budget, then a choice can be made. But is it the right choice? I mean, if you have no idea what the label on your tire means or what you are purchasing, you could really be leaving out a whole new world of tire options.

Okay, a typical car tire label reads something like this “P185/60R 14 82H.” In this little car label “sentence” there is a wealth of information. But it doesn’t do you any good if you haven’t the slightest idea of what it all means. So, if you’re like me, this guide to car tire language can come in quite handy on your next trip to the automotive department.

The first letter on the tire label indicates what type of vehicle the tire is intended for: P is for passenger car, LT is for light truck, and T is for your temporary or spare tire.

The numbers immediately following, “185″ in this label, is the section width of the tire in millimeters. Shorter or narrower tires have lower numbers.

The numbers immediately following the slash indicate the tire’s aspect ratio, which is translated as the section height as percentage of the section width. In lay’s terms, this tire’s height is 60 percent of its width. Performance tires would have a lower number in this space.

The next letter stands for the tire’s type. In this case, “R” stands for radial. The 14 immediately following is the wheel rim diameter in inches.

The next number in the label, “82,” stand for the tire’s load index. According to the Maximum Load-Carrying Capacity chart, a set of four of these tires could safely support a vehicle weighing 4,188 pounds.

The final letter stands for the amount of traveling speeds that the tire is capable of sustaining safely under optimal driving conditions. “The speed ratings are S for up to 112 mph, H for up to 130 mph, V for up to 150 mph, Z for 150 mph+.At high speeds, the tire can get very hot and the tread can separate from the belts. The speed ratings tell you how fast you can go and still be safe.

When selecting tires for your car or motorcycle you should also pay attention to some other tire qualities which may effect your car or motorcycles performance or the durability of your tires. While the most important considerations for you to consider when purchasing new tires will be the tread type, size and mileage warranty, do not hesitate to ask questions if your dealer uses a term that you are unfamiliar with.

After all, it’s your money and you want the safest most durable tires for your dollar. Most of the tire size and speed ratings are the same for car and motorcyle tires but always refer to your owners manual.

By Adam Lenk
For more car and motorcycle tire information visit Premier Tires

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