Ottawa Tires

Posts Tagged ‘Vehicle’

As the winter begins to set in it along with a fall in temperature many car owners in cold countries tend to store away their cars for the winter. It is very important to see that the cars are stored away carefully as even a small mistake can cause tremendous damage to the cars. There are a number of points on which car owners should pay attention before putting away their cars for winter car storage.

Following all the above mentioned tips would help in getting good winter car storage for your car. Even if you keep your car in storage for a long duration during the winter months, you can stay assured of the car performance. If you are not able to properly winterize your car for storage contact a local mobile mechanic. There are many mechanics that now offer door to door services that include all of the things you need to take care of when winterizing your vehicle.

Every one of us who owns a car wants the vehicle to be in the perfect shape. To love our cars and keeping them in the best condition is our primary objective. The interiors as well as the exteriors are both very important parts of our car. A car with spoilers on would look great but if the car lacked a perfect tire with alloys that don’t match your car, then spending on your car would be meaningless. Your car would not look great without the perfect alloy wheels. Also the safety and performance of your car is based on great tires. So, it is an important part of your car, and deciding on the apt car tire would mean that you are driving a car that is more than safe to take on the roads.

The new Honda civic has a number of tires and alloys that can fit in. Appropriate tires are necessary for your car along with the alloys. So you can affix the best tires that you want in your car. The new Honda Civic has a pressure monitoring system that indicates tire pressure. This means that before your car faces a dangerous situation, your car will be alerted. The new pressure monitoring system is very perfect, if it detects any problem regarding the air pressure of the car tires the driver of the car will be precisely warned of the air pressure. Also your car has alloys that are very expensive. So you have to make a perfect choice before you go ahead to buy it. The cars tires have another important aspect that is aptly taken care of. The car alloys are expensive and there is every chance of it getting stolen. But this problem can be solved. The Honda civic car alloys have a bolt; these bolts are firmly attached to the car tires preventing it to from being stolen.

Any problem in a car tire would mean disaster, so deciding on the perfect tire can help you reduce the chances of adversity. Extreme weather conditions can put your tires under a real test. There is a lot of help regarding the tires on the Internet. You can choose tires that can suit both you and your car. A perfect tire will add a lot to your car performance so make sure that you affix the appropriate tire for your car. Make sure that you choose the suitable tire for your loved car. Surely, rest assured your car will provide you with a safe ride.

Guide to Caring For Your Tractor Tires

Your tires are your only connection to the road, and they are quite possibly the most important part of your vehicle. As such, they should be chosen carefully and cared for meticulously.

When the tractor is working, avoid the rim slippage for the rear tires. Rim slippage, may pull out the valve tube and make the tire inoperative

Equal weight distribution between the two tires on one axle. Also, make sure there is equal tire pressure for the tires on the same axle.

Avoid parking your trailer in oil. Tires absorb oil and leach out protective chemicals that keep them on the road.

Welding, including electric generators and motors, is a fire hazard and releases tire-damaging ozone.

Consider storing your trailer on blocks so your tires-at least the back tires-can be taken off and stored horizontally this winter. Low pressure due to low atmospheric temperature could damage tires and make them unfit for the road.

If you are not storing your tires horizontally this winter, make sure to keep inflating them to appropriate pressure. When the weather warms up, check to see if your tires need to be subsequently deflated. If your tires are over-inflates, they could burst while you are driving and could cause accident or injury.

Be sure to regularly rotate the tires in an X pattern. Regular rotation can significantly extend the life of your tires.

Regularly check your tires for inflation specific to weather conditions. Not only can proper inflation save you gas mileage, it can provide a better and smoother ride and greatly aid stability.

 Getting your vehicle ready for the winter is easier than you think.

Check the coolant and make sure the antifreeze is clean and strong enough for the temperature where you live. IE; -10 or -50 degrees, etc.Have the heater and air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician. Most people think that the air conditioner is not used in the winter but when on defrost in the winter will remove excess moisture.Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive.Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.Replace air and fuel filters as recommended. These are the type of easy and inexpensive services that will prolong the life of the engine.Get plenty of windshield washer solvent – we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter with sloppy road conditions. Nothing is worse than having dirty slush splashed on the windshield and no fluid in the reservoir to clean it. Also a proper mixture of washer fluid aids in removing icy build up on the windshield.Tires should be rotated every 6000 miles or so leaving the best tires on driving axles. In the front with front wheel drive and in the rear with rear wheel drive for better traction in the snow. Rotating tires gives you the maximum tire life since the front tires tend to wear faster than the rears. This is due to the front tires being subjected to the constant friction of directions turned.Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills. In fact many manufacturers with 10/100 warranties will insist on this to keep the coverage from becoming void.If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away. The life you save may not just be yours but mine as well.Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left and clean the terminals. Who wants to use jumper cables in the middle of a deep freeze or snow storm. Especially if far away from home.

Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working. Cheaper than a traffic ticket.Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.

Insurance—it’s everywhere. One can insure just about anything. Are tires an investment one needs to insure? Tire insurance, also called a road hazard policy, road hazard warranty, or tire reimbursement plan, is a rapidly growing industry in the automotive world.
Tire warranty plans pay in full or in part for the replacement or repair of damaged tires and/or rims from “road hazards.” Road hazards are defined as pot holes, debris, nails, wood, and other hazards found in the road. Curbs, sidewalks, and stone walls are not road hazards. This is an important distinction to consider when deciding if tire insurance is right for you (discussed further ahead).
Tire plans last for a specific period of time and tire wear tread-depth. Some plans last 2-3 years. Others can last 5 years or 60,000 miles. Several plans come with fixed amounts of coverage: $500 per year up to 4 years. Many contracts require three years of law school to comprehend. In terms of tread depth, a tire is usually considered worn out (and thus the plan null and void) at 2/32 to 3/32 of an inch.
Another important distinction is in the type of plan.
Tire reimbursement plans are just what they say. You, the plan holder, will be reimbursed after the claims process is finalized—usually 2-8 weeks. There is an out-of-pocket expense. These plans are often sold by new car dealerships. The prices can range from $300 to $600 dollars.
Road hazard policies operate similarly to reimbursement plans. However, some tire insurance providers, in partnership with the repair facility, may have a direct-pay relationship. Thus, there would be no out-of-pocket expense, except for applicable deductibles, and items not covered in part or in full. These plans are primarily sold by tire dealers and repairshops. The prices range from $10 to $30 per tire. They also can be based on a percentage of the cost of the tire: usually 12% to 15%.
Both types of plans have a number of variables, requiring a magnifying glass to read the fine print. Also, many are pro-rated warranties, covering only a percentage of the cost of the tire based on its wear.
Claims and Coverage:
Depending on the plan, claims are initiated by the repair shop. The process is fairly smooth, although there can be a significant delay from the provider for authorization. This delay may be an hour or an entire weekend. This means that you’ll have to “ok” the tire replacement, and then hope it’s authorized for the full amount, or drive on your spare.
Some plans offer national coverage either among their service facilities or from other repair centers. Claims procedures will vary. Others only provide local coverage, or coverage at the selling facility.
Limitations:
Tire insurance does not mean that everything is covered. Pro-rated warranties are based on the wear and tear of the tire. You may get 75%, 50%, or only 10% coverage depending on the tread-depth. You’ll pay the remainder. While there are plans that offer full coverage, even these have limitations, or they may conflict with a repair shop’s policies.
For example, many plans allow for a maximum of $30 to mount and balance one tire, and a maximum of $15 to repair a tire. However, sport tires often have significantly higher mounting and balancing fees—upwards of $50 per tire—and tire repair prices can exceed $90. There are also discrepancies on the tire and rim prices themselves, which in the end, may have to be supplemented by the service customer.
Although there usually is not an issue with the latter given the competitive market, the service center’s price mark up may be unacceptable to the plan provider. In this case, the service center needs to lower the price or you, the service customer, need to pay the difference—or go somewhere else. This does happen!
Rim Prices and Repairs:
Rim replacement is becoming less frequent. With the high cost of aluminum wheels and sport wheel packages, tire insurers have opted to have them repaired. Repair will only be done if the rim does not hold air. What this means is that even if the rim is warped—enough to cause a vibration and even premature tire wear—they won’t replace it. Rather, they will send it out to be straightened and repaired.
Rims are replaced only if the damage is so extensive that the new tire, when mounted on the rim, won’t hold air. However, even in this case, especially if it’s an expensive sport wheel, they may still attempt to repair it.
Repairing rims is a bad option. While some rim repair is acceptable, badly warped or damaged rims will in no way ever be the same.
Alignments:
If a car hits a road hazard hard enough, such as a pot hole, it’s wise to have the alignment checked. Road hazard policies and tire reimbursement plans do not cover alignments. The service customer will have to pay for this procedure.
Road Hazard Protection Positives:
Some plans include tire rotations, wheel balancing, and nationwide coverage.
Myths:
1) “Can I pop all 4 tires and get a new set of tires?”
You can try. But this type of claim will trigger a number of red flags with the insurer. The policy holder will likely send out adjusters and/or require photographs. You will also have a difficult time explaining how a “road hazard” caused all 4 tire pop.
2) “New tires come with a road hazard warranty.”
New tires do come with a warranty by the tire manufacturer. However, it only covers defects in workmanship. New tire warranties do not cover punctures or damages from external sources. This is why “road hazard” protection is being pushed.
New tires are rarely defective. If there is a problem, it’s usually noticed when balancing the tire. Or, there is a drivability concern such as vibration or noise. If there’s a defect it’s generally caught right away, and the tire swapped out.
3) “It’s so cheap; it’s a no-brainer, right?”
Actually, the experts don’t agree with this statement.
The Economics of Tire Warranties:
An article from the Washington Post by Terence O’Hara explains the economics of extended warranties and purchase protection plans in general. It is quite fitting for road hazard warranties. He writes:
“The decision to buy an extended warranty…defies the recommendations of economists, consumer advocates and product quality experts, who all warn that the plans rarely benefit consumers and are nearly always a waste of money.
‘[Extended warranties or purchase protection plans] make no rational sense,’ Harvard economist David Cutler said. ‘The implied probability [of having an issue with the product] has to be substantially greater than the risk that you can’t afford to fix it or replace it. If you’re buying a $400 item, for the overwhelming number of consumers that level of spending is not a risk you need to insure under any circumstances.’”
In short, road hazard warranties are a waste of money. Don’t insure that which you can afford to replace.
Numbers Game and Slim Chances:
Like all insurance, tire insurance plans are a numbers game. However, this is a game you have a 98% chance of losing. Insider statistics show that the percentage of claims paid out by providers is as low a 2%.
Curbs:
Another interesting note is that a lot of tire damage is caused by curbs. Curb damage is not covered under most road hazard policies. High granite curbs with sharp edges slice through tens of thousands of tires per year.
You Won’t Notice:
Many people don’t even notice tire damage. Other than to see if the tires are holding air, who “really” looks at tires? Tires are subject to a whole host of external influences which cause bubbles, slices and gouges.
Despite the potential dangers of damaged tires, the damage very often does not translate into any noticeable drivability issue. The point is that if you don’t notice any tire damage you can’t benefit from the coverage.
Research Shows:
Those raving about the benefits of a road hazard policy are the actual folks in the industry who stand to benefit from the sale. They’ll argue that it’s so cheap—only $10 to $20 per tire. Even so, for four tires, that’s $80 based on the “possibility,” the “chance,” of damaging a tire that meets the repair/replacement requirement protocols.
Auto Insurance:
If a rim and tire has incurred significant damage, it’s quite likely that other problems have resulted as well. The first is that the vehicle may have been jarred out of alignment. Secondly, hub bearings, front end components: tie rods, spindles, ball joints, and a variety of other components may have sustained damage. In this case, auto insurance, which you are already paying for, will pay for everything—brand new.
Free Road Hazard Warranties:
Many tires come with road hazard warranties FREE. In other words, in an effort to secure retailers, many tire distributors provide service centers FREE road hazard insurance. Some shops pass this on to their tire customers, others sell them. Ask if the tire “comes” with a road hazard protection policy. If not, request that one be provided at no additional charge. It’s worth a shot.
Also, some car manufacturers provide road hazard warranties FREE of charge for 12 months or 12,000 miles. If you’re buying a new car or even used, ask that the dealer provide a complimentary road hazard policy (after all the wheeling and dealing is done, of course), and just before you commit.
“What’s the best road hazard policy?”
Money in “your” bank account.

What you need to know when driving your car during the winter months, it’s important for you to know all the features on your car very well, especially during winter. Because when you are presented with rain, ice, fog and slippery roads, your car will react much differently then at other times. So what will you need to know when you are driving in hazardous condition? I’ll give you 5 tips below to help you .

#1 How driving at a lower speed will decrease your chances of an accident

This is one of the simplest things we can do. Unfortunately we all have busy lives and are always in a hurry. There are so many things like getting our kids to school or going to work, grocery store, repairs on the car and much more. Usually we are always running behind schedule and the first thing we do is speed up. This is a huge mistake especially when it first starts to rain and the oil from the surface of the ground comes up and that makes for a very slippery road and increases the chance of you getting into an accident.

#2 How leaving your headlights on gives you more visibility

This is another simple thing you can do to ensure the safety of you and everybody else. Studies have shown that driving with your lights on will increase the chance of another driver seeing you earlier and helping to avoid an accident.

#3 How applying your brakes slowly will prevent your car from sliding

Make sure to never slam your brakes while driving in the ice, rain or snow. If you do slam your breaks, then your car will be sliding all over the road because your tires will lose traction. If you live in the mountains where it snows a lot then it is best to get snow tires VS the all season tires and use chains for even better traction.

#4 How to be careful regardless of the type of vehicle you drive.

The reason I say that is because some people that have bigger cars or that have four wheel drive vehicles think “I will be ok if I drive fast and change lanes recklessly” but you have to realize that your car is also heavier and if something happens, it will cause a bigger accident. The bigger the car the harder it will be for you to handle and for you to break in time, especially in a wet environment.

#5 checking your tires

Make sure that you have a mechanic check your tires and see if they are ok and they are not bald on the side or in the middle. Tires are very important for you especially when it is raining, because when the tires are bald and you drive on them they do not hold to the ground and you are more likely to sliding all over the road and lose control or your car.

Make sure during the winter time that you try and go with some of the basic information that I have given you. This will help you and others on the road.

This is the third in a series of articles containing useful pointers for coping with frost, ice, and snow while you travel by vehicle. The correct tires can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a hefty towing or hospital bill.1. Summer tread tires are not meant for icy or snowy conditions.

When the temperature dips, so does the traction capability of summer tires. The material used in the manufacturing process loses elasticity and grip as it gets colder. This means that summer tires do not perform as well in freezing temperatures, even on dry roads.2. All-season tires work well in some areas.

If you only experience an occasional mild snowstorm, you might be happy with all-season tires. However, they don’t perform as well as good winter tires. Their composition and tread is a compromise that provides decent handling and traction in a variety of conditions. Busy drivers who don’t have the time to change their tires twice a year will often swear by all-seasons.3. Real winters demand real winter tires.

If you have ever been stuck in a snow bank, you appreciate how much time and inconvenience it requires to get a tow. A car that slides into a snow bank can just as easily careen into oncoming traffic, over an embankment, or into a pedestrian. For safety’s sake, a change to winter tires is a good investment.4. Choosing the correct tire requires some forethought.

There are various types of winter tires. Analyze your driving patterns (fast? slow? heavy on the brakes?), travel routes (uphill and downhill grades? tight curves? gravel vs. pavement?), and other factors that might affect tire performance and needs.

a) Performance Winter Tires

Performance winter tires are responsive on dry winter roads – but their traction is not as good on ice and snow as some other types of tires. The treads tend to be a bit soft; these tires should always be changed in the spring in order to preserve tread life.

b) Snow and Ice Studless Tires

These tires will give better traction than performance winters, but the handling will not be quite as responsive.

c) Winter Studded Tires

These are good-quality winter-tread tires embedded with 60-120 small metal studs per tire. The studs, composed of a very hard metal like tungsten carbide, protrude slightly above the tread surface. This provides superior traction on ice and snow. However, studs also dig into pavement – and they are banned in some areas. If you plan a long trip, be sure to check the regulations regarding studded tires along your route.5. A tire professional can help you to sift through the choices.

Nothing can replace competent advice from a good tire technician. However before you pick a tire shop, consider the following:

a) Does the tire business have a good reputation – or does a check with the local merchants’ association or Better Business Bureau reveal a number of consumer complaints?

b) Do you know of anyone who has used the shop and can provide first-hand recommendations?

c) Are the tire shop’s certifications, licenses, and permits prominently displayed where customers can see them?

d) Are the service people properly certified? And are they experienced?

e) Will the shop honor your vehicle warranty?

f) Do the shop technicians have experience with vehicles of your model and year?

Inventors and manufacturers are continually trying to design the ‘perfect tire’. An online search for ‘tire patent’ will bring up over 1 million pages in Google. Who knows – maybe the perfect tire will be on the shelves next year! In the meantime, do your research, and get the most suitable tire for your driving style and weather conditions.

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.