Tire rims come in a variety of shapes, sizes and looks. Located on your tire is information regarding the recommended size you need for the specific tire model (check out last week's post for clear directions on this). You can also find out which wheel size best suites your ride if you look in the owner's manual. Many cars can handle rims that are larger than the ones they are fastened with when they are first manufactured; specifications inside your manual should be able to guide you in your pu [...more]

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Making sure that your lug nuts are good and tight on your wheels is a high priority. The installation process should not be rushed or else you run the risk for damaging the surface of your shiny new set of rims. Below are some tricks of the trade th [...more]

No longer do tires simply function as a vehicle's transport mechanism; the tough tread is now being used to provide our feet with safe travels. Shoe manufacturer Timberland will soon launch it's "green" model of work boots, made from 42% recycled tires. Like many of today's new products produced by Eco-conscious companies, this innovative use of recycled rubber is a step towards cleaning up our landfills and creating a cleaner environment. With the help of Green Rubber, Inc., a company devoted [...more]

On every tire there is a code that provides specific size information. This obscure set of numbers and letters is located on the rubber right above the rim. Important sizing information is stated in this order: The the height of the tire, width of the tire (or the distance across the tread), and the size of rims. The video below provides a clear depiction of how to interpret these numbers.

The life of your tires is directly related to the effort you put into protecting them. Typically a tire lasts 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Tires also tell you a lot about your vehicle -- whether its driven on rough terrain or pavement, if it's a speed demon or slow and steady, and if it's traveled on road trips or simply seen the route to work. The points below will help you spot if you need a tire change, and also provide you with tips on how to extend tire life: 1. Check your tire pressure regularl [...more]

Starting April 4th thru May 2nd, Bridgestone is giving out Visa prepaid cards to every customer who buys a set of four tires (the list below provides information on the exact styles). The rebate card is valued up to $100 and sent by mail to our customers who purchase from the popular tire line. Now's a great time to purchase a set of tires! Eligible Tires: $100                                                       $50 Dueler A/T REVO                                 Dueler APT III/IV Dueler [...more]

It's all the rage in the tire world, and for good reason -- nitrogen inflation improves a car's handling, fuel efficiency and tire life. Nitrogen also allows for cooler running tire temperatures and improved fuel economy. These safety features make filling up with nitrogen a smarter choice for all types of drivers, including truck operators and average car owners. Proper tire pressure is vital to the livelihood of your tires. Underinflation can cause decreased gas mileage -- about 3.3 percent l [...more]

Tire rotation extends the life of your tires by preserving balanced handling and traction. It is a very important maintenance duty that ensures tire safety, and should be done every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. An activity that can be performed on your own with the proper tools, tire rotation is relatively simple and straightforward. All you need is a torque wrench and a car jack. Here are the basic steps to rotate your tire: 1. Park your car on level ground. Block the tires on the opposite sid [...more]

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels announced that they will be sponsoring the 2009 Off-Road SXS Stadium Racing Series, which kicks off February 21st at the Perris Auto Speedway in Perris, CA. Known for their off-road, Baja and short-course stadium racing, Mickey Thompson is a title sponsor of the short course racing series.  All SXS Stadium Series racers will receive substantial sponsorship and contingency program from the legendary tire maker. "We have watched this racing serie [...more]

Winter tires may soon be mandatory in colder climates as Canada pursues research on whether traffic accidents most often involve vehicles not equipped with snow treads. P.E.I police recently asked the transportation minister to monitor the number of collisions with cars lacking appropriate tires. Quebec already requires that all drivers install winter tires after noticing that the small percentage of cars without such safety components (about 10 percent in 2005) made up the bulk of traffic accid [...more]

Rims have a cult-like following from the most passionate of car lovers. They come in a variety different styles, sizes and brands, and can bring an instant update to the look and feel of any vehicle. Wheel coverings are an easy way to customize a ride and set it apart from all the other Escalades or beemers on the road. Shiny, flashy, subtle, or spectacular -- rims reveal a driver's connection to his or her car.   Whether they're eye-catching or an eye sore, it's guaranteed that there is a [...more]

Barrett-Jackson, the annual car collector event that gathers auto lovers from around the nation, is held this week in Scottsdale, AZ. Being located just miles from the extravaganza, it's hard to miss the pile-ups of tricked-out and souped-up classics making their way into the tents. This year's event will auction off a record fourteen charity vehicles. Some of the beauties on show and up for auction include a stunning 1934 Ford Custom Coupe, a 1957 fire red Ford Thunderbird and a cream-puff yel [...more]

Ohio is the latest environmentally conscious state to join the mission for a greener world from the ground up: The city of Lima is working towards securing a road project through the state department of natural resources that proposes using asphalt made with ground scrap tires for new and improved city roadways. Asphalt rubber has been around for several years, and its utilization is continuing to grow throughout the country. Benefits of an asphalt upgrade in Lima include a 900-tire landfill re [...more]

With winter officially upon us, and sleet and snow creating slippery street surfaces, it's important to make sure that your tires are well-equipped for slick conditions. Many car accidents typically brought on by icy highways and frigid temperatures can be avoided if we take the time to verify that our vehicles are in tip-top shape. Here are four tips that will hopefully prevent unnecessary accidents from occurring in your area: Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Traction is essentia [...more]

For car enthusiasts concerned about keeping up on the latest trends, sometimes the most buzz-worthy car parts come from distant locations. Originating in the Netherlands, Vredestein tires have become a popular performance brand name known for their sleek look and quiet capabilities. Customers choose the tires to achieve a smooth ride with ultimate control, which make them especially popular for winter driving. Not only is the tire brand garnering attention within the auto market, but its image [...more]

A variety of factors go into the fuel economy of a car. Although tires are not often the first feature that energy-conscious consumers look into when measuring the gas efficiency of a vehicle, tires do indeed contribute to the way in which a car uses fuel. The role of tires in gas efficiency has been a hot topic of discussion in the past: President-Elect Obama made the claim in April 2008 that tire inflation boosts gas mileage -- a remark that was initially mocked, but turns out to be supported [...more]

Resilient Technologies and the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Polymer Engineering Center are working together to perfect a "non-pneumatic tire" that will support excess armor weight, survive IED attacks and still be able to make a clean, 50 mph getaway when escaping enemy combat. The airless tire looks like a honeycomb encased with a thick tread for ground grip. The four-year, $18 million project is in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. Resilient pursued the development in res [...more]

Looks like Wall Street isn't the only U.S. market in dire need of government assistance in today's fragile economy. The auto industry has experienced such a rapid decline since the beginning of the year, the biggest American auto makers are begging for a portion of that infamous $700 billion rescue plan. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi proposed an auto bailout bill yesterday, which could potentially extend the reach of the government funding beyond the financial industry. GM, Ford and Chrysler [...more]

My hands clench the wheel, horsepower surging the veins of my outstretched arms. Wind whips through the cracked window and my eyes narrow, tracking white dashes that divide bending streets. Rise and dip, pull and push, shift and soar – I am one with the road. Since the dawn of its time, the automobile has been a symbol of human ingenuity and a source of ultimate pleasure. Driving is a hobby, tradition and experience that contributes to the composite of American culture. Spoiling the care [...more]