A tire's most important job is to carry the load required of it, and the load range/ply rating branded on the tire's sidewall indicates how much load the tire is designed to carry (at a specific pressure). Whenever changing tire sizes or from one tire type to another, it's important to ensure...
Why do we change our tires and wheels? Aside from necessity, most of us do it for performance, comfort and style. But to be sure our tires are performing properly and that we're rolling comfortably and in style, we'll need to correctly install our new tires and wheels. Here's a few tips from us...
Proper wheel installation requires the wheel-attaching hardware (lug nuts or bolts) be tightened to the recommended torque specification for the vehicle make, model and year. Torque specifications are usually found in the vehicle's owner's manual.* Proper torque requires using the correct...
*Fuel Economy, That is. And More. Maintaining correct tire inflation pressure helps optimize tire performance and fuel economy. Correct tire inflation pressure allows drivers to experience tire comfort, durability and performance designed to match the needs of their vehicles. Tire deflection...
Proper wheel installation requires the wheel-attaching hardware (lug nuts or bolts) be tightened to the recommended torque specification for the vehicle make, model and year. Torque specifications are usually found in the vehicle's owner's manual.* Proper torque requires using the correct...
Wheels come in many different styles, sizes, bolt patterns and offsets. How do we know which wheels will fit a specific vehicle? And further, how can we ensure trouble-free installation? First, we get to know a vehicle inside and out. Measuring a vehicle's critical components with sophisticated...
The same level of care must be taken when removing tires for warranty and road hazard claims as you would use for any other tire removal/installation. Take steps to ensure your work isn't the reason a claim gets disqualified. When a Tire Rack customer's tire order related to a warranty or...
Match mounting is an often-referred to installation process where a new tire's position on the wheel is selected to help minimize the tire and wheel combination's force variation and/or imbalance. Many installers have asked about the meaning and usage of match mounting and the use of the...
In today's world of increasingly difficult to service lower profile tire/wheel fitments it is important to use up-to-date tire service equipment. Modern, full feature tire mounters typically utilize a powered roller assist device and/or a variety of attachment arms to effectively position the...
Since tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are a relatively recent addition to most vehicles, it's important to know which vehicles are equipped with TPMS and recognize what types of sensors are used. It is also important to check for aftermarket TPMS installed on vehicles, as well. The...
Tire Rack's product applications and development team has been actively researching and monitoring the industry's use of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) both prior to and since the November, 2000 enactment of the TREAD Act requiring the use of TPMS on all vehicles built after September...
A growing number of installation attempts that lead to a torn/ripped bead after the technician realizes they are mounting a smaller diameter tire on a larger diameter wheel are being reported (for example, mounting a 15" tire on a 16" wheel). Several Recommended Installers have asked who is...
Flat tires can happen any time and usually occur when it's least convenient. And while having a flat tire can be upsetting in itself, being stranded waiting for help can be even more distressing. Having a properly inflated spare tire in the trunk allows drivers and/or roadside assistance...
When Buying a Pair of Tires It's best to replace all of a vehicle's tires at the same time. Having the same tread design and tread depth promotes balanced traction and handling. However if only a pair of tires is replaced, the two new tires are to be installed on the rear axle with the...
Racing tires, even those required by competition rules to meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, are designed first-and-foremost to win races. And in order to accomplish that goal, they are manufactured with minimum weight to deliver maximum performance. Lightweight racing...
Need help choosing the right products for your vehicle? Our team of highly trained experts has the knowledge and passion to help. Just pick up the phone and give us a ring. Or let's chat via email. We love solving problems and lending a hand (or an ear).
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