Car Tires
Car Tires
In today's article, we'll discuss how tires are made and the use of seasonal tires. By taking proper care of your tires, you can even prolong their lifetime, saving you money in the long run.
Tire Manufacturing Process
Tires go through an incredibly complex manufacturing process before getting to consumers. Here's how they make tires: The rubber is harvested and sent to a milling plant to remove impurities and add oils. It's then shipped to another facility for blending with other materials like carbon black (to improve strength) and silica (to improve durability). After that, it goes to another factory for curing (hardening) under heat. Then it gets cut into tire-shaped pieces called cords that are heated even more in a moulding machine. It then gets rolled into a giant roll of treads that will be used on multiple tires. Finally, they're attached to rims and balanced by workers who shake them by hand. This entire process takes place over many months.
Tire Marking
Tire makers use a unique set of marks to identify their tires. These three-digit numbers are found on most cars and trucks—and each represents a specific code related to your vehicle. To decipher them, break down the code: An M means it's made in Mexico, while an R denotes a tire manufactured in Canada. The first two digits represented when the tire was produced (for example, 08 for 2008). The last number is a plant identifier (1 is for Akron, Ohio; 2 is for Decatur, Illinois; 3 is for Ft. Worth, Texas; 4 is for Wilson, N.C.; 5 is for Hialeah, Florida; 6 is for St.
Winter Tires
As winter tires are designed for use in cold weather and on snow, ice and slush, they have a better grip on these surfaces than all-season tires. As a result, drivers can brake and accelerate more effectively on snowy roads. More efficient braking also means minor wear on pads and discs.
Summer tires
When it comes to summer tires, you'll have a lot of choices when choosing a set. There are four main compounds used for summer tires: rubber, silica, carbon and nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR). You'll want something in higher frequencies as well. The specific design will affect wear and tear, so think about how long you want them to last before replacing them.
Demi-season tires
These tires only come into play during periods of precipitation. They're made with silica-reinforced rubber compounds and should be changed every six to 12 months. These tires often come with a white stripe on them, and some experts recommend replacing them annually, as opposed to when they wear out.
What to look for when choosing tires?
The best place to start is with a website that can help you find tires based on your budget, vehicle and driving style. You'll also want to think about what type of tread you need or if you need winter tires. After narrowing down your options, it's time to hit some shops and talk to experts who can help ensure you get good quality tires that fit your car correctly and last a long time.
How to store tires?
If you have a lot of tires and they aren't in use, stack them so that each tire is resting on top of another tire. When storing tires for an extended period, do not stack them so that they are less than 6 inches between each tire and allow airflow around all sides. To extend the life of your tires even further, avoid stacking more than two layers high because it puts too much weight on them.
When should tires be changed?
Tire wear and tear is inevitable, but it can be slowed with proper care. The maximum tread depth for most new cars is around 9/32 inches (5 mm), while light trucks, SUVs and vans typically have more depth. To find out if your tires have enough tread left, look at their surface: A good rule of thumb is that you can still see what's imprinted on a coin in its centre when viewed from above.
How are tires changed?
Please bring them to a professional when you need to change your tires. Have them use jack stands and other precautions, as it is easy to become injured while handling such large rubber pieces. Make sure that they know how to get old tires off and new ones following their car's size. Some shops will even rotate your tires for free if you buy new ones.