MAINTENANCE CAR TIRES

Ten tips for proper tire maintenance.

It is easy to forget that the tires are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Therefore it is very important to maintain the quality and performance of the same, both to ensure the safety and mobility. Therefore we recommend that you abide by the following safety recommendations.

  1. Contact area

A GREAT JOB FOR A SMALL AREA

The part of the tire is in contact with the road is about the size of your hand. Your safety, comfort and fuel economy depend on this small area. Be sure to select the right tires and perform maintenance to perform at their best. Note that the tires:

  • They are the only connection between the vehicle and the road

  • They support the entire weight of the car, a charge of up to 50 times its own weight

  • They respond to different driving movements as the direction, acceleration and braking of the car

  • Absorb all obstacles on the road

  1. Wear and depth of tires

A MEASURE OF SAFETY quick and easy

Check the tread depth of tires and change them regularly when worn. Thus the grip and traction are guaranteed, avoiding unpleasant surprises. Change tires before the depth of the sculpture reach the legal limit of 1.6 mm. To make things easier, the Michelin tire wear wear indicators located on the bottom of the main channels of the tread. Your safety and mobility depend on the tread depth because:

  • Sculpture channels take the remaining water under the tire, helping to maintain control

  • The greater the depth of the sculpture and more water will evacuate therefore the risk of aquaplaning is reduced

  • A correct inflation pressure, as well as regular maintenance of the vehicle, ensure that tires have the best performance over its lifetime

  1. Tire pressure

PRESSURE CHECK EVERY MONTH

The correct pressure reduces the risk of losing control of the vehicle. It also protects tires from premature wear and irreversible damage to the internal construction. The tire pressure may decrease pinhole, the natural exhaust air by the tire components or even a decrease in ambient temperature. Check the tire pressure, including the spare wheel, every month and before a long trip, preferably with cold tires (which have not traveled more than 4 kilometers at low speed). If it is found there is hot add 0.3 bar to the recommended pressure. It is important to check the pressure once a month because:

  • Low pressure increases the risk of damaging the tires

  • A 20% excess pressure reduced in a significant way the life of the tire.

  • Proper pressure increases tire life and saves fuel

NOT recommended pressure listed on the tire. The inflation pressure on the side of the tire is only maximum inflation pressure of the tire. The recommended inflation pressure can be found:

  • In the user manual of the vehicle

  • On the side of the door near the driver’s seat

  • Inside the fuel tank flap

  1. Balanced

BALANCING LIFE EXTENDS TYRE

Balanced helps prevent premature tire wear and eliminates vibration. It also protects the suspension, steering and transmission of the vehicle. Whenever you change or dismantle the tires must be balanced.

  1. Wheel alignment

PROPER ALIGNMENT YOUR SECURITY GUARANTEES

Proper alignment steering and a suspension in good condition positively influences the behavior of your vehicle and your safety. This may be affected if the tire suffers an impact with a solid object such as a curb or pothole. It is important that proper alignment for:

  • Getting the best driving

  • Protect tires uneven wear and / or fast

  1. rear tires

NEW TIRES MUST BE IN THE REAR AXLE

The rear tires are not connected to the steering wheel, making it difficult to control adhesion. For optimal efficiency, regularly check the pressure and condition of the tires, especially during rotation thereof as many vehicles specify different pressures for the front and rear axles. For safety, new or less worn tires must always be on the rear axle to ensure:

  • Greater control during emergency braking or sharp turns

  • Less risk of losing control of the vehicle, especially on wet surfaces

  • Driving, especially in difficult situations, whether the vehicle is front or rear wheel drive

  1. valves

TAMPONES VALVES AND PROTECT YOU AND PROTECT THE TIRES
Valves and components are usually rubber, so that end deteriorating. Change the valves when buying new tires is an inexpensive way to protect the tire and the vehicle. At high speeds, a rubber valve is bent by centrifugal force and ends deteriorate. The valve plug is also important. It is what keeps the seal and protects against dust and dirt. regularly check the good condition of the valves and plugs:

  • Keep tightness and correct tire pressure

  • Ensure longer tire life

  1. Handling and storage

KEEP TIRES ON SAFE

For safety, it is extremely important to keep the tires stored away from flames, any incandescent object or substance capable of producing sparks and / or shock (p. Eg., Battery generators). When tires are handled it is advisable to use protective gloves. Tires should be stored:

  • In a ventilated, dry and temperate zone, away from direct sunlight and rain

  • Far from chemicals, solvents or hydrocarbons capable of altering the nature of the rubber

  • Away from any object that can penetrate the rubber (pointed metal, wood, etc.)

  1. Tire repair

IS THE FIRST STEP TO REPAIR A TYRE? Visit a professional.

When it comes to repairing a tire it is essential to consult a specialist to remove the tire from the wheel and inspect the interior. It is absolutely necessary because internal damage is not seen when the tire is mounted on the rim.

A professional:

  • It will ensure compliance with procedures for assembly, disassembly, balancing and inflation of the tire and the systematic replacement of the valve.

  • It checks the internal state of the tire, detecting any damage not visible on the surface

  • You will find that the tire is replaced correctly, optimizing the driving and comfort

  • Ensure compliance with legal regulations and the manufacturer when choosing tires: structure, size, speed rating and load capacity

  • It will ensure compliance with the utilization pressure prescribed by the vehicle manufacturer or tire.

  • Will consider the assembly instructions and warnings on the sidewalls (rotation direction or assembly direction)

  • Take into account the characteristics of specific tires (low profile tires, run-flat, self-sealing, etc.)

  • It will ensure your safety

  1. Duration

WHEN TO CHANGE TIRES?

The duration of a tire varies so much that it is impossible to predict exactly life. A tire is made up of several types of tarps and rubber compounds that influence their behavior. Its evolution depends upon many elements such as weather, storage conditions and use, among many other factors to which the tire is subjected in his life. Therefore we recommend drivers to check the appearance of their tires, which are pending pressure loss or any abnormal phenomena (vibration, noise, pull) which could indicate that the tire should be replaced.

It is recommended:

  • Consult a specialist to check the tires of your vehicle every 10,000 km or once a year.

  • Follow the recommendations of tire replacement vehicle manufacturer

  • Change tires more than ten years from the date of manufacture, although they seem to be in good condition and have not reached the legal wear limit.

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