THINGS TO KNOW / UNDERSTAND ABOUT TIRES:

Every vehicle has specific specification requirements as to what tire should be installed. Each vehicle is designed to perform with a specific size tire and speed rating. Changing the recommended tire size and or rating may cause the vehicle to not perform as expected. Changing tire size can cause the speedometer to be off. It can also cause the the transmission to not shift properly in vehicles with electronic automatic transmission. Generally it is considered ok to use a higher speed rating but not OK to down grade. Of course it is also recommended to not mix tire speed ratings if possible. If tire speed ratings must be mixed try to keep each axle paired the same rating.

All wheel drive vehicle’s tires must all be the same diameter. Vehicle’s manufacturer recommend that all 4 tires match. This means that all 4 tires should be the same brand, design and most importantly the same tread depth. So, if one tire is damaged and must be replaced you should replace all four. A 1/8” difference in diameter will cause that tire to revolve about 4 extra times over a one mile distance. This puts strain on the all-wheel drive train and can cause parts (transmission, axles, differentials) to wear and fail. This is not a issue with part time 4-wheel drive, just the full time all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles. Most auto manufactures make some type of AWD vehicles now. Some of the more popular all-wheel drive manufacturers are Subaru, Volvo and Ford.

Tire Maintenance

Check your tire pressure at least once per month or come by Brown’s and we will check it for free.

Rotate your tires at least every 6,000 miles. If you bought any tires from us we will rotate them at no charge.

Our opinion: Never buy a used tire. Someone else did not want them. They cost less but also have less tread depth and many times they have hidden problems.

Tire Repair

Tire Plug / patch repair: Tires are built with layers of rubber, fabric and steel. See tire cross-section figure below. The thickest of these layers are in the center of the tread and they are layered out and they thin as they move towards the sidewall. Given this, it is not safe to repair a tire in the sidewall or in the first row of tread on either side. The only acceptable tire repair is a plug patch made in the center rows of tread. This is installed from inside the tire. The hole is filled with a rubber plug and covered and sealed with a patch (all one piece). Some times when a tire is punctured and or driven on part way flat the inside of the tire is damaged and is not safe to repair and use. Taking the tire off the rim to do a repair gives the tech the chance to inspect the inside of the tire. Never just plug a tire from the outside. This tire most likely came apart from driving on it too low on air.