Tires have to be replaced when they are worn out and usually after a few years. But what information is necessary to know before hunting for new tires? If you’re unaware of the tire terminology, this is your chance to learn basic information.
What is Treadwear
A treadwear grade is visible on the majority of new tires. However, this is a comparative figure and does not share how many miles a tire can drive. Moreover, companies utilize various methods of creating treadwear mileage claims which is why the comparison of tire mileage between manufacturers is so difficult.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are the conventional equipment in all the cars having the model year of 2008. Ever since the introduction of this equipment, studies have shown that there’s a great decrease in under-inflated tires. This proves to be advantageous for safety and fuel efficiency.
The federal demand states that the vehicle should be capable of monitoring the pressure and notify the driver when it unexpectedly reduces. Lots of wheels have sensors installed which monitor the pressure and share the information wirelessly to the vehicle’s instrument panel. TPMS might need batteries which have to be replaced after a few years, and sometimes, replacing the whole sensor. Some systems only notify regarding pressure loss with a warning light.
However, refined TPMS offer a readout of tire pressure. Indirect TPMS depends on antilock braking system to determine wheel spend and measure the pressure. TPMS doesn’t utilize pressure sensors and can’t feature pressure.
Read More: When to Replace Your Car Tires in Dubai
How to read a tire sidewall
Abundant information is encoded on the tire sidewalls. Whenever you have to replace tires, it’s advised to stick to the speed rating and size of the original tires.
Load index: This refers to the weight a tire can carry easily. If the load index is 94, it means the tire can carry 1,477 pounds per tire. This is a standard load index for a midsize vehicle tire.
Speed rating: This letter refers to the tire’s maximum speed while carrying the pounds according to it’s load index. It doesn’t denote how fast you should drive. Standard all-season tires are usually rated T (118 mph) and H (130 mph). On the higher scale are ZR (149+ mph), V (149 mph), W (168 mph), and Y (186 mph). Winter tires usually have R (106 mph) or higher rating.
Treadwear grade: This is a government demanded number which clarifies the tire’s expected wear. If the grade is 300, it means the tire will wear 3 times more than a tire with grade 100. But these numbers are assigned by tire companies.
Traction and temperature scores: These figures refer to the tire’s wet-stopping ability and temperature resistance. AA is ideal for traction whereas C is the worst. When it comes to temperature resistance, A is best and C is the worst.
Manufacture date code: All tires have a Department of Transportation number besides the letters on the sidewall. The last 4 digits refer to the week and year in which the tire was manufactured. For instance, if the digits are 2321, it means the tire was made in the 23rd week of 2021. It’s advised to not purchase tires that are older than a few years.
Tire maintenance
Reliable tires require safety checks as much as standard tires. Majority of the latest tires last for 50,000 miles or more before they wear out via environmental factors, heat, potholes, and under-inflation. You can keep the tires safe by the following methods.
- Monitor the air pressure on a monthly basis when the tires are cold, as in, prior to when they have been used more than a few miles. Make sure that the tires are inflated according to the air pressure mentioned on the placard on the door jamb, fuel-filler door or the inside of the glove compartment. Do not utilize the pressure on the tire’s sidewall because it is the maximum air pressure for the tire.
- Check if there is any uneven tread wear which usually refers to poor wheel alignment or worn suspension parts. Both tires should be observed in a shop. Have the car’s alignment and suspension checked prior to mounting new tires in order to avoid premature wearing.
- Look for cuts, cracks, or bulges in the tread or sidewall. Replace the tires if they display any.
- Stay inside the car’s weight capacity mentioned on the door jamb placard. Overloading will make the tires heat up and increase the probability of wear.
- Measure the tread depth with a quarter.
