Archive for the ‘Cars’ Category
Tire Tips
September 7th, 2009 | 
Author: • Unless you have the luxury of using multiple sets of tires for your 4×4, select a design that meets the worst driving conditions you expect to face.When you’re stuck axle deep in mud, you’ll forget all about how comfortable your highway rib tires have been. • When you buy replacement tires, make sure they meet or exceed the original tires’ load capacity.Tires that don’t will wear out faster and make the truck handle poorly. You also run the risk of tire failure, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded.
• Radial tires dominate the market. There are many reasons for this, but one of the most important is that the design helps the tire envelop an obstruction rather than bounce off it or be punctured. Radial tires are available in each of the tire types presented in this guide.
• Light-truck tires feature beefier construction. Generally, they can handle heavier loads and rougher terrain. Depending on the design, they may ride rougher than passenger-car tires when you drive on the highway.
• Sidewalls are a tire’s Achilles’ heel. If you routinely venture into terrain with sharp rocks or thorny vegetation that can pierce the sidewall (such damage is not repairable), consider tires built with three-casing plies in the sidewall.
• Be aware that the sophisticated electronic equipment found in modern trucks can be negatively affected by a change in tire size. There is an acceptable range, but if you exceed it your truck’s performance may suffer Consult a knowledgeable tire dealer if you’re considering changing tire size.
• A set of good tires isn’t cheap. (The range of good tires runs from $400 to $800 depending on the brand, size, and whether you buy them on sale.) Regardless, buy the best tire you can afford. Cheap tires aren’t worth the money; they’ll wear out faster and perform poorly.
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