The tires tag has no wiki summary.
17
votes
5answers
1k views
Is tire rotation important?
I just bought new tires for my car and included was free tire rotation every 7,500 miles for the life of the tires.
I have heard many things about tire rotation, including:
it's a worthless ...
11
votes
4answers
1k views
How to fix leaky tires after 2 shops couldn't
I have an SUV with factory 16" steel wheels and P235/70R16 tires. The tires have just under 30,000 miles of gentle driving on them. Two of the tires have been leaking quite a bit (about 10 psi per ...
11
votes
3answers
270 views
How old is too old for a new tire?
When shopping for new tires from tirerack.com, the production date of the tires is listed.
I'm considering tires from a 2007 production run, which would make them around 5 years old today (after ...
10
votes
3answers
4k views
What are the benefits of low profile tires?
I have yet to find anyone that knows of any benefits of low-profile tires. All of the pros that I've asked have said there is no benefit. Naturally, the number of pros that I have available to ask is ...
10
votes
1answer
169 views
Will snow tire studs get rusty if a tire is washed before putting to storage?
Once snow tires are changed to warm-weather tires in spring it's tempting to wash them before putting to storage so that they don't stain stuff they come into contact with. One concern is that studs ...
8
votes
6answers
20k views
How do I loosen stuck lug nuts in order to change a tire?
How do I loosen car tire lug nuts (so that I can change a tire) when they are really really stuck?
I have tried turning the provided wrench, even standing and jumping on it. This worked for 4 of the ...
8
votes
3answers
107 views
Should I change my tires so they all match?
Here is my situation:
2012 Honda Civic EX, 1.8L with P205/55R16 tires recommended
Three (both front, and left passenger) tires are OEM Continental ContiProContact P205/55R16 89H with about 20,000 ...
8
votes
3answers
704 views
How to carry a full-sized spare?
I have a 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX, but I suspect my question can be generalized to apply to many smaller cars.
Not being a fan of donut spare tires, when I replaced my tires about a year ago I kept ...
7
votes
2answers
129 views
Can my tire blowout be attributed to a lower speed rating?
Yesterday I had a tire blowout. When I visited a tire shop (Costco Tire Center) afterward, the person there told me that my tires are under-rated for my vehicle. My vehicle is a Honda Accord 2002, ...
7
votes
3answers
719 views
How long can I drive on a donut spare?
This is a pretty common question and I get a lot of conflicting responses from "Extremely dangerous could blow out at any minute" to "I've driven on it for a month". A mechanic at midas told me I ...
7
votes
1answer
430 views
How to interpret tire condition
What information can be gleaned by visual inspection of a set of tires on a car? How would I interpret excessive wear on the outside edge of the tires vs. wear on the inside vs. wear in the center? ...
7
votes
1answer
108 views
Tires stick when turning after a car wash
I have a 2010 F-150 that just went through a car wash. After the car wash, I immediately noticed that the turning feels reduced/impaired. Specifically, when I have the steering wheel turned more ...
7
votes
3answers
234 views
Are used tires valuable?
I'm in the process of having my 1994 Corolla being picked up for recycling. Currently the car is equipped with relatively unused winter tires with excellent tread.
Are used winter tires valuable? ...
7
votes
2answers
183 views
What factors affect the maximum air pressure that should be put in a vehicle's tires?
For just about every car, there's at least two different "maximum tire pressure" ratings.
The vehicle manufacturer's rating. This is usually found on a sticker attached to the driver's door.
The ...
6
votes
3answers
230 views
Tire runs flat every 30 days [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How to fix leaky tires after 2 shops couldn't
Ever since I bought my car new I have had one tire that goes to 20psi every 30 days. Discount tire said theres no ...
6
votes
2answers
141 views
Do I have to change my speedometer setting if I get larger tires?
I bought a jeep with very small tires (not sure the exact size). I recently bought a new pair of tires that are probably 2 or 3 inches larger radius. Do I have to update my jeep so the speed is ...
6
votes
3answers
207 views
Identifying the Cause of This Tire Wear
The tire is worn on only on side, suggesting incorrect camber alignment. However, the amount of wear varies along the rotation of the tire.
Does the fact that the wear is not even for the entire ...
6
votes
1answer
179 views
What is a hot patch, and how is it done?
I recently picked up a piece of metal in my tire, leading to a flat. The mechanic said he could not plug the tire, and that a "hot patch" was required.
What is a hot patch, how is it applied, and ...
5
votes
3answers
465 views
Just HOW urgently should I replace this tire? Is it safe to drive on at all?
It's my rear right tire. It has a significant bulge in the sidewall.
Here are two pictures of the bulge (original URL):
Do I need to replace it before I ever drive on it again? Should I put on ...
5
votes
2answers
157 views
Trying to figure out the name of this car part!
I got new tires today and saw that the part that's circled is broken on my car. It looks like it just snapped at the top because part of the bolt appears to still be in whatever the tube is. Anyone ...
5
votes
2answers
145 views
How to know if I need new tires?
For the first time in my years of driving, I slid pretty badly the other day. I've slid before a little bit, but this is the first time I slid badly-- I nearly went off the road.
Granted, it was ...
5
votes
3answers
164 views
Max temperature for studless ice/snow tires on asphalt?
I realize this is probably a loaded question with no clear-cut "line in the sand" answer, but I'd still like to see what people say. I live 3 hours from Tahoe area, so in the winter it is nice to ...
5
votes
1answer
46 views
Probably a stupid question: normal for lubricant to leak around edge of new tire?
I just ordered and installed a new set of wheels/tires from Tire Rack. The tires were already mounted and balanced. It was my first time doing this (installing wheels), but everything seemed ...
5
votes
2answers
308 views
Changing tire sizes on my 2009 Ford Focus
I don't understand tires very well, so I'm hoping you guys can double check this.
I talked to the tire shop today about getting new winter tires put on. I have a 2009 Ford Focus SES with 215/45R17 ...
5
votes
3answers
463 views
Tubeless Bead Won't Seat
In attempting to mount a motorcycle tire, I was unable to properly seat the beads. While the tire inflated and held air pressure, it failed to easily seat across identical points on both sidewalls. ...
5
votes
2answers
198 views
All weather tires vs winter tires on well-plowed roads
I live in Minnesota. I've seen lots of people recommend changing to winter tires in the winter. However, what doesn't make sense to me is that the roads are plowed very well here. 90% of my driving ...
4
votes
5answers
381 views
All weather tires vs winter tires
I have a Honda Civic 2005 Value Package. The tires are worn out. I have moved to a location where there is heavy snow in winter. Are All-Weather Tires helpful or should I buy winter tires in winter ...
4
votes
2answers
130 views
Can I put the tires in the opposite direction on the rear-end on my front wheel drive configuration?
When using a front wheel drive car, the rear end is only used for braking. Is it a good idea (and if not, why) to "reverse" the tires so the tire threads are useful when braking?
I know it might ...
4
votes
4answers
352 views
Are there any disadvantage to fuel efficient tires?
I'm in need of new tires and I saw some fuel efficient/low rolling resistance tires. Is there any disadvantage to this type of tire?
4
votes
2answers
155 views
When do I need to replace my spare tire?
Recently I went to a chain tire shop/garage. My left rear tire had a bulge just above the hub cap. I looked online and it appears that this could be really bad if I didn't fix it.
So, the serviceman ...
4
votes
5answers
2k views
2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Clicking Noise When Braking
So I leased a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, brand new (only 2 miles on it), last November, 2010. It was running perfectly fine for a while. Brought it in for the standard tire rotation/oil change a few months ...
4
votes
2answers
55 views
Tire pressure warning when pressure is ok
The low tire pressure warning light has recently come (and stayed) on in my 2009 Jeep Wrangler. The pressure in all 5 tires (spare also) is at the proper level. Any suggestions as to what the problem ...
4
votes
1answer
386 views
Why should winter tires not be used at summer? [closed]
I heard a tire salesman say winter tires are dangerous in summer.
What are the structural and material features that make winter tires not suitable for summer use?
4
votes
1answer
95 views
Identify cause of tire wear inside of rim
This past week, the owner of my former car came to me with this problem:
The tire is new and was mounted after she purchased the car from me. It has worn some inside of the bead. The tire was ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
Can cold weather cause TPMS sensors to malfunction?
I just bought a new 2011 Honda Fit and while driving it home from the dealer, I noticed that a little light on the dashboard was on that said "TPMS". When I got home, I consulted the owner's manual ...
4
votes
2answers
829 views
Why does my engine perform poorly and get bad gas mileage after using fuel injector cleaner?
At the advice of someone at a local auto parts shop, I poured a bottle of fuel injector cleaner into my gas tank. This happened around the same time that I had a brake job done and rotated my tires.
...
4
votes
3answers
257 views
How can I choose the safest affordable tire available?
I need two new tires on my 1994 Toyota Camry, and I live in Minnesota. I have heard that choosing the right all-season tires can make a big difference for safety in rainy/snowy conditions. Suppose I ...
4
votes
1answer
325 views
Motorcycle chewing through too many front tyres
Hey, I have a Y2K Triumph Speed Triple that has an excessive appetite for front tyres. It eats two front tyres for each rear tyre. This is reverse what it should be. I run the tyres at about 38 PSI ...
4
votes
3answers
199 views
Motorcycle: Puncture in tubeless tire. OK to plug yourself?
I got a nail in my tire the other day. Its wedged in the tire so tightly that the tire isnt actually losing pressure. A friend told me I could fix it myself by using a kind of volcanised rubber glue ...
4
votes
2answers
126 views
Putting tires on rims
How much pressure should I use for a tire to settle on a rim?
Is there need to glue the tire on the rim? (Or to try make it more airtight by any means.)
4
votes
3answers
842 views
I drive a 2008 Scion xD tire size 195/60 R16 can I switch to 205/60 R16 tires?
I have a tire that is very worn and just got a flat so I would like to get a tire sooner than later. I called up 4 tire shops Big-O, Les Schwab, dicount tire etc. and none of them have the tires in ...
4
votes
1answer
81 views
low speed vibration, not in the steering
I have some low speed vibration in my car. I feel it more in my butt than feet/hands. It happens while braking or driving. It disappears at higher speeds +25 mph. Because it doesn't affect the ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views
Wheel Alignment: Just how bad is bad?
Context/Information: If I understand correctly, having a fixed axle in a car makes getting things aligned significantly harder. This seems to be the case in my 2009 Toyota Corolla and the rear axle. ...
4
votes
1answer
56 views
Fixing wheel runout after “detour” through ditch
I recently took a detour through a ditch on the way to work. There was a lot of snow there which made itself known - my car and it got along pretty well but as far as I'm concerned, they need to ...
3
votes
4answers
25k views
Is it okay to replace one tire (of four matched tires) with a completely different model of tire?
I have a 2011 Ford Focus, and while the car itself is good quality, I have now ruined two tires in three months by merely driving over a screw.
Ford offers no road hazard on their tires, so I am ...
3
votes
2answers
535 views
Does tire size and/or tread wear significantly affect speed and speedometer accuracy?
I've always heard that tread wear affects the speed of your vehicle; i.e. you technically are going faster with new tires than you are with old, worn tires, for a given indicated speed by the ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Best way to approach a tire with a bubble in the sidewall
I found a bubble in my front right tire's sidewall on my 2006 Mazda3 2.3L (FWD, open diff). So it needs to be replaced. The replacement tire will end up going on the rear as it's time to rotate them ...
3
votes
2answers
88 views
Removing a nail from my tyre
I have a 2" nail in the side of my rear tyre on my motorcycle. The nail is fairly firmly stuck in the tyre but I'm not sure if it has actually penetrated it (it has gone in sideways). The damage is ...
3
votes
2answers
187 views
Is this gouge in the side of the tire a safety issue?
During a routine tire pressure check, I noticed this gouge in the side of my tire:
See image here.
I'm wondering if it is a safety issue, but I hesitate to take it to a tire shop because I want an ...
3
votes
1answer
428 views
Tire Sizing: 2001 Toyota Corolla
Will 185/75R14 tires do the job on a 2001 Toyota Corolla? Stock size is 185/65R14.
