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  For Example, above Tire size P215/65R15 89H Means The "P" stands for "P-Metric" or "Passenger". This means that it is a North American tire sizing designation. European tires typically don't have the "P" attached to the size. Tires with higher ply ratings will generally start with "LT" which stands for "Light Truck". This indicates the tire is an LT metric and will always have a Load Range indicated. It is important to note this for vehicles that call for LT metric tires. Never substitute ...

When mounting wheels & tires on to the vehicle, ensure the following checks are made: - Wheels are not damaged in any way - There is no dirt or oily build up between the hub and the wheel - Lugs are properly torqued - Both tire beads are securely mounted - Any retaining clips on the brake drums are removed Tires are manufactured to close tolerances, however as they wear their mass can become unevenly distributed, negatively affecting the original balance. The most common signs of unbalanc...

Below are the most common (but not the only) causes of noise and vibration problems: - Tire / wheel assembly is out of balance - No hub rings on aftermarket wheels - Incorrect mounting hardware for aftermarket wheels - Tire is poorly seated on the rim - Irregular tire wear - Out of round rim - Out of round tire Do not ignore apparent impacts, pulling, or vibration. This could be an indicator of tire damage as much as mechanical problems that should be inspected by a professional. If the...

A puncture to any area of a tire's tread will affect performance and safety, and therefore must be immediately attended to through either replacement of the tire (spare or new tire) or a patch. Any patch that is applied to a tire must be applied to both the outer part of the tire (tread) and the inner part of the tire. The reason for this is that the rubber on each side is very different (inside is made of halo butyl rubber meant for holding air, while the outside is a harder durable rubber pri...

Vehicle alignment is one of the most important factors in tire care. For most vehicles, poor alignment results in excessive and/or uneven tire wear. Improper alignment can reduce a tire's life by more than 70%. Improper alignment on either the front or rear wheels can result in unusual tread wear, damage to your suspension, and unusual handling for the car. Wheel alignments should be performed every time you install a new set of tires, and any time you experience an impact such as a large potho...

Because each tire on your car typically supports a different amount of weight, and your driving patterns will typically wear out one tire faster than the others, it's important to rotate your tires every 5000 to 8000 miles. Rotation patterns differ depending on what kind of vehicle you drive. The best place to check is in your vehicle's owners manual. If you cannot find what you are looking for, below are some diagrams showing you the most common patterns.   Of course, if your vehicle has diff...

As your tires wear down, their ability to grip the road decreases. Each tire has what are known as wear bars. These appear at various points around the tire as bars running through the tread design from one side of the tire to the other. When your tires are legally worn out (2/32") the tread will be at the same level as the tread wear indicators and they will be easily visible. Usually before the tire gets to this point, they will begin to feel unsafe. If that is the case, do not wait for them ...

The most common way of damaging tires is improper inflation. As tires lose pressure over time it causes them to experience irregular treadwear, poor vehicle handling and traction, and decreased gas mileage. Under inflated tires can build up excessive heat and blow out without warning. Pressure should be checked at least once a month using a good quality tire pressure gauge. Pressure should be checked when the tires are cold (tires have not been driven for 2 hours). You can find out what the pro...

Generally tires should not be mixed on any vehicle. To receive maximum safety and performance it is preferable to keep every tire on a vehicle identical in size, brand, model, rating etc. One of the only exceptions is if the front and rear wheels are different like on all Porsche's and other high performance vehicles.

Five Most Important Tire Saving Tips   Check tire pressures regularly - with a good tire gauge, before you drive, when tires are cool. Don't guess - read your owner's manual or the vehicle's door jamb for proper pressure. Don't under- or over-inflate them. The first tire rotation is the most important. When regularly rotated, your tires will last longer and produce even tread wear. Follow your owner's manual guidelines, or the rule to rotate tires at every 5,000 - 6,000 miles. When you replace ...