MICHAEL ECKERSON
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January 17, 2023
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All Feature Vehicles
Technically speaking: The material composition of modern tires are synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric, wire, carbon black, and other chemical compounds. They are comprised of a tread and a body. The tread provides traction while the body provides containment for a quantity of compressed air.
Early versions of tires were simply bands of metal fitted around wooden wheels to prevent wear and tear. Early rubber tires were solid. Pneumatic tires are used on many types of vehicles, including cars, bicycles, motorcycles, buses, trucks, heavy equipment, and aircraft. Metal tires are still used on locomotives and railcars, and solid rubber (or other polymer) tires are still used in various non-automotive applications, such as some casters, carts, lawn mowers, and wheelbarrows.
The tires you choose affects your ride-quality, maneuverability, and safety… choose wisely. Your smartest options come from a knowledgable professional.
We’ve compiled a short list of brands that can alter the way you feel behind the wheel. Whether you are running on the wear-bar and need replacements, or looking for a lower profile and more grip in the corners, these will get you down the road satisfied and safe.
A: Siping
Q: What is the term for the process of cutting thin slits across a rubber surface to improve traction in wet or icy conditions?
Trail Blade MTS
Atturo’s Trail Blade MT Sport is the race inspired evolution of the MT. An ultra modern aggressive sidewall draws buyers while the new tread pattern is a mudslinging phenom. Made for 12” wide wheels, the 35×13.5R20 is now available. The Trail Blade MTS size range is from 17” up to 24”, including select 12 Ply rated sizes.
AZ850
The AZ850 asymmetric tread design features different inside and outside tire contours to achieve optimum balance across the tread face. This design evenly distributes the pressure of the contact surface to enhance comfort and handling.
The unique compound and tread design of the AZ850 were specifically engineered for the contemporary performance utility vehicle. The result is a rubber compound that helps reduce rolling resistance, which, in turn, allows the tire to run cooler at high speed. High-tensile steel belts and jointless nylon bands increase stability at high speeds and provide secure braking, handling and durability.
Mud-Terrain T/A® KM3
Representing the latest innovation in BFGoodrich’s 40-year history of advancing off-road tire technology, the Mud-Terrain T/A® KM3 tire is must-have equipment for those who need tires to perform in nearly any off-road scenario.
“The KM3 tire is essential equipment for serious off-road enthusiasts. We designed this tire for extreme toughness and traction,” said Harold Phillips, global general manager of the BFGoodrich brand. “Whether building for off-road fun or for extreme capability to reach outdoor activities, this tire was made to take drivers anywhere they want to go.”
(1) These numbers tell you how big your tires are. In this case, the tire is 245 millimeters at its widest point (when it’s mounted on a wheel of a specified width). (2) The number after the slash indicates its aspect ratio, or profile. In this case, this tire’s sidewall height is 40 percent of its width. (3) The “R” stands for radial construction. (4) The number 18 indicates that this tire fits an 18-inch wheel. (5) Service description provides insights into the tire’s performance: how much weight it can carry and how fast it can run safely. (6) Some tire makers note the heaviest spot of the tire with a red dot. It ultimately has no bearing on tire-and-wheel balance, so it’s of little importance. (7) The numbers after the word “tread wear” indicate the tread wear life of the tire. (8) The letter after the word “traction” is a rating that results from a test of how much grip a tire generates when dragged across wet pavement without the tire rotating. (9) The letter following the word “temperature” is an indicator of how well a tire dissipates heat, which increases severely at high speed. (10) This is a list of the tire’s construction materials. (11) Some tires carry an “M+S” marking, which stands for “mud and snow.” It means that the tire has a little extra space between its tread blocks. (12) If a tire has the three-peak mountain snowflake icon molded into its sidewall, it has significant snow capability and should be considered a viable winter tire. (13) This area of the tire may display an (OE) marking. Automakers sometimes take a standard, off-the-rack commodity tire and modify its construction or rubber compound to work better on one of their models. (14) This is U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) labeling. The first two characters indicate the factory of manufacture, and the next five or six are manufacturer-specific jargon (for tracking purposes, as in the case of a recall). The last four numbers give the date of production which let you know how old your tires are with the first two digits indicating the week and the latter two the year (for example, “2318” means that tire was produced in the 23rd week of 2018).
CrossContact LX25
Continental Tire’s next generation premium Crossover and small SUV all-season tire line developed with a focus on long tread life. Engineered to be quiet, fuel efficient and responsive, with styling to compliment today’s crossover vehicles.
Mastercraft Courser AXT2
The Courser AXT2 tire is made for people who use their vehicles to work hard and play hard. Specifically crafted to combat cuts and chips from gravel/dirt roads, the Courser AXT2 tire is ready to take on tough worksite hauls and muddy dirt roads thanks to its durable cut and chip tread pattern, tough off-road sidewall, and improved 55K warranty.
Phoenix Race Tires 28×10.5 Drag Racing Slick
Phoenix Race Tires enters the “small tire” market with new four new 28×10.5-inch drag racing slicks, designed for optimal traction, stability and consistency on prepared or unprepared surfaces. The 28×10.5-inch size is a staple in the small tire outlaw racing scene, including “no prep” racing.
Coker Tire
American Classic Model A+ Whitewall Radial Tire
The American Classic Model A+ Radial tire is new and improved for 2020, now available with a wide whitewall. This revolutionary tire has the vintage look of an authentic bias ply tire, and the comfort and safety of a modern radial. This new tire is designed for 1928 to 1931 Ford Model A, but also fits many other applications from the ‘20s and ‘30s.
Destination A/T2
The Firestone Destination A/T2 is an all-terrain truck and SUV tire built for dependable on and off-road traction and longer-lasting performance.* This all-weather tire is built for wet performance and on-road handling, plus 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. Backed by a 55,000 mile limited warranty, the Firestone Destination A/T2 is built tough for dependability on or off road. *as compared to the Destination A/T
Destination X/T
The Firestone Destination X/T is an all-terrain light truck and SUV tire built for dependable off-road traction and heavy-duty toughness that lasts. Backed by a 50,000 mile limited warranty, this all-weather tire delivers year-round performance and is 3 peak mountain snowflake certified. The Destination X/T is built tough to give you proven “anywhere” traction and durability you can count on.
Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628
Premium Performance for value-driven consumers. Exceptional ride and comfort for an all-terrain tire with strong durability, aggressive styling, and an optimized tread design. Best solution for SUV, light truck and 4×4 owners on the road, in snow or off-road. Klever A/T2 is 3PMSF Winter Snowflake certified and has 50K (LT) or 60K (Metric) warranty.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Inflation is key to proper wear and rolling resistance of pneumatic tires. Many current vehicles have monitoring systems to assure proper inflation. For passenger vehicles and light trucks, the tires should be inflated to what the vehicle manufacturer recommends, which is usually located on a decal just inside the driver’s door or in the vehicle owners handbook.
ET STREET® S/S – Street tire for the drag strip
A street tire that can be driven on the track, the ET Street S/S from Mickey Thompson is a high performance street to strip tire with radial construction, R2 compound and more; 15- to 20-inch fitments.
Proxes R1R
Years of grueling on-track experience and advanced engineering shine through in this extreme-performance summer tire. The Proxes R1R helps you drive hard through the corners and quickly accelerate in the straightaways. Features include an aggressive, arrowhead tread design, extra wide footprint, high-grip compound, and autocross-inspired casing design.
AVID Ascend LX
U.S.-made, Yokohama’s premium touring tire, the new AVID Ascend LX, is available in 39 T-, H- and V-rated sizes ranging from 15” to 18”. Made for passenger cars, minivans and crossovers, the Ascend LX offers longer treadlife, superior wet traction, dependable winter traction and a quiet, smooth ride, plus a hefty 85,000-mile tread life warranty.
Pressure, tread, rotation, alignment—these are the top four when it comes to ongoing tire maintenance. Spending a little time on these essentials every month and every few thousand miles will help your tires keep you safe.
1. Tire Pressure
Proper inflation pressure—perhaps the most important tire condition to monitor—gives tires the ability to support the vehicle and you to control it for maximum performance. Bonus benefit: Maintaining proper inflation pressure maximizes fuel economy, too.
Under inflated tires generate excessive heat build-up and stress, causing irregular wear and internal damage.
Over inflated tires are more likely to be cut, punctured or damaged when hitting an obstacle, such as a pothole.
Checking your pressure
Use a tire gauge to check inflation pressure, measured in in PSI (pounds per square inch). You’ll find recommended pressure on a label on the driver’s door or in your vehicle owner’s manual. And don’t forget about your spare.
When to check
Check your tires at least once a month, and check them when they’re cold—meaning parked for at least three hours. Note that inflation pressure increases (in warm weather) or decreases (in cold weather) one to two pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
Also, check your pressure before you head out on any long trips, carry heavy loads or tow a trailer.
TPMS
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) detect loss of inflation pressure and warn drivers when tires are 25% under inflated. For many vehicles, this warning may be too late to prevent damage. TPMS are not a replacement for monthly tire pressure checks with a gauge.
2. Tread Depth
Tread equals traction—giving your tires a grip on the road, especially in bad weather. Lose too much tread and you could lose control.
Once your tread wears down to 2/32nds of an inch, it’s time to visit your local tire shop. Take a few minutes each month to visually inspect your tires for uneven wear, high and low areas, unusually smooth areas and other signs of damage.
Tires have built-in tread wear indicators, or wear bars. When the tops of these bars are flush with the tire’s tread, the tire needs to be replaced.
Here’s a quick and affordable tread test: Place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re good to go. If you can see all of his head, it’s new tire time.
3. Tire Rotation
Rotating your tires based on the recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual can prevent irregular tire wear. If no rotation period is specified, USTMA recommends every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Once you’re done, make sure the inflation pressure is set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Tire Alignment
Striking a pothole or other road hazard could cause alignment issues. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven, rapid tread wear and should be corrected by a tire dealer. Have your alignment checked at any indication of trouble, such as “pulling,” and periodically, along with your tire balance, as specified by your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Thanks to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association for this content.
www.ustires.org
GEOLANDAR X-AT
Rugged gets redefined with Yokohama’s new GEOLANDAR X-AT extreme all-terrain tire. The X-AT is available in 27 sizes, ranging from 15” to 22”. It offers ultimate off-road performance without sacrificing any on-road comfort, making it a great performance upgrade for a variety of pick-up trucks and SUVs, no matter how or where they’re driven.
By SEMA Editors
Yokohama Tire announced that its all-terrain GEOLANDAR X-AT and the performance SUV/crossover GEOLANDAR X-CV each won 2019 GOOD DESIGN awards in the transportation category from The Chicago Athenaeum.
The X-AT was the most decorated tire in the industry this year. It was also named “Best New Tire” at SEMA and earned two Global Media Awards as well. And the X-CV was a 2020 SEMA New Product runner-up.”
According to The Chicago Athenaeum, the GOOD DESIGN awards program, which began in 1950, creates awareness about contemporary design and honors products and industry leaders in design and manufacturing that have chartered new directions for innovation and pushed the envelope for competitive products in the world marketplace.
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