Friday, November 22, 2013

wiseGEEK: What are Run Flat Tires?

Run flat tires are car tires which are designed so that they can be used when punctured or extremely low on air. The basic genesis of the run flat design actually dates to the late 1800s, but it didn't become more widely available until the 1970s, and it is primarily a feature offered on luxury cars, especially sports cars. There are a number of advantages to using run flat tires, but there are also some distinct disadvantages which should be considered before equipping a car with run flat tires.

Several different systems can be used for run flat tires. Self sealing tires have an inner lining which automatically seals puncture holes, thereby keeping the tire inflated if it is punctured. Self supporting tires have rigid sidewalls which allow the tire to be used even if it has been punctured or partially deflated, and auxiliary supported systems have a secondary support ring.

Run flat tires are also equipped with sensors which provide data about tire pressure to the data, along with warnings. The car will usually need to be driven at reduced speed if the tires have been compromised, and it has a relatively short range. It is still possible to have a blowout if the tire is damaged in a way which causes catastrophic failure or if the car is driven despite run flat warnings indicating that the tire needs to be changed or repaired.

The big advantage to run flat tires is safety. Blowouts and tire deflation can be serious safety risks for drivers. As with other measures which increase vehicle safety, using run flat tires can decrease insurance premiums, as insurance companies want to provide an incentive for customers to increase safety. These tires are also convenient, as it isn't necessary to stop right away to address a flat. For people who do a lot of driving, especially at high speeds such as those found on the freeway, run flat tires can be extremely useful, and they may even save lives.

However, run flat tires can be substantially more expensive than conventional tires, and there is some dispute about the tread wear over the life of the tires. These tires are also stiffer, making for a stiffer ride and less fuel efficiency, which can be an issue for some drivers. Additionally, many cars designed for use with run flat tires lack an area for a spare tire, which means that if a driver opts to switch to conventional tires, there's no room for a backup in the event of a flat.

Source: www.wisegeek.com

Written By: Mary McMahon
Edited By: O. Wallace
Last Modified Date: 17 November 2013
Copyright Protected: 2003-2013 Conjecture Corporation

Top Reasons To Buy Roadside Assistance Insurance

Emergency roadside assistance insurance (ERS) provides 24-hour on-site aid in the event of a breakdown, flat tire, empty gas tank, or of locking yourself out of a vehicle. While the services provided by a roadside assistance policy vary, potential services include the following:

§ Tow truck services.

§ Gas delivery.

§ Oil delivery.

§ Locksmith services.

§ Tire changing.

§ Battery jumping.

§ Labor for vehicle repairs, up to a predetermined amount.

Top 3 Reasons to Purchase ERS Insurance

Below are three of the most important―and attractive― reasons to purchase emergency road service coverage.

1) Roadside Assistance Insurance Helps Most Drivers

Of course ERS insurance will help every driver who has it, but it's especially helpful to certain subsets of drivers.

In addition to the benefits of free towing services and repair labor services, general maintenance and manual labor services are particularly helpful to people with limited knowledge of automobiles. For example, for the person who doesn’t know how to change a flat tire, having roadside assistance can the difference between walking and driving to the nearest tire repair shop.

Roadside assistance is also available for motorcycles. If you are a beginner rider just learning to handle your first bike, or if you are riding a new model type not yet familiar to you, you might want to consider purchasing motorcycle roadside assistance coverage.

2) ERS Insurance Packs Plenty of Benefits

The more roadside assistance coverage you purchase, the more services you will have at your disposal. Also, purchasing additional roadside assistance coverage might lift certain auto insurance limits, such as the number of times per year you can take advantage of roadside services, and the number of miles your vehicle can be towed without charge.

Purchasing additional roadside assistance might also provide coverage for additional drivers or multiple vehicles.

3) Roadside Assistance Isn't Expensive

Roadside assistance is fairly inexpensive, considering the amount it can save you in towing and repair expenses. The actual cost of roadside assistance depends on the car insurance provider, and the amount of services the policy includes. You can compare roadside assistance rates and policy details online, or by contacting the Insurance Department in your state.

Source: www.dmv.org

Thursday, November 7, 2013

How to Raise Your Vehicle's Hood?

How can you check the oil, coolant, and transmission fluid, refill windshield wiper fluid, and check accessory belts if you don’t know how to get the hood of your vehicle open? Opening the hood is easy and uncomplicated — if you know how to do it. Although the location of the hood release may differ from one vehicle to the next, all releases work in pretty much the same way.

If after reading the following instructions and consulting your owner’s manual you still can’t figure out how to get your hood open, head for the full-service bay the next time you stop for gas and ask the attendant to show you how to do it. You may pay a little more for fuel and a tip, but the lesson will be worth it — and you can get your windows washed and your tire pressure checked for nothing!

Here’s how to open the hood yourself:

Find your hood release and pop open the hood.

Either consult your owner’s manual, or try to remember the last time a service station attendant opened the hood of your car. Did he or she ask you to pull a lever inside the vehicle? Or did he or she go directly to the front grill?

In newer models, the hood release is often inside the vehicle, somewhere near the steering column or on the floor next to the driver’s seat. (It generally displays the word “Hood” or a picture of a car with its hood up.) In older models, the hood release is behind the grill or the bumper.

If the hood release is inside the vehicle, press, push, or pull it until you hear the hood pop open. If the hood release is at the front, look around and through the grill and feel under the grill and behind the bumper to find a handle, lever, arm, or button. Then press, push, or pull it from front to back and side to side until it releases the hood.

The hood will open a little, but it will probably be stopped by the safety catch — a metal lever that, when pressed one way or the other, releases the hood so that it can open all the way. This gizmo prevents the hood from opening accidentally while you’re driving.

With one hand, raise the hood as far as it will go.

With the other hand, feel along the area between the hood and the grill for the safety catch. Release it and raise the hood the rest of the way.

Secure the hood if necessary.

If the hood stays up all by itself, fine. If it doesn’t, look for a hood prop — a long, thin metal rod attached either to the underside of the hood or to the bottom edge of the hood opening. Either lower or lift the rod (depending on where it’s located) and fit the end of it into the slot that’s provided to hold it in place.

On some vehicles, the hood is held up by two gas-pressurized cylinders known as hood shocks. If the hood doesn’t feel secure, gas may have leaked out of these units and the hood could come down at any moment. If you’re not sure, secure the hood with a broom handle or similar object and have these units checked — or replaced, if needed — as soon as you can

Source: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-raise-your-vehicles-hood.html

Basic Car Seat Safety

Don’t put your child at risk—buckle up the right way on every ride!

http://www.safekids.org/sites/default/files/documents/basic-car-seat-safety-english_0.pdf

What does bumper-to-bumper coverage mean?

A bumper to bumper warranty means that whatever goes wrong (unless caused by an accident or other abuse of the vehicle) the warranty will cover the repair. A power train warranty only covers the engine, transmission, and drive line. Some only cover internally lubricated parts, meaning that it does not cover things like the starter and alternator.

A bumper to bumper warranty covers much more than a power train warranty, and because of that, it is better for the buyer.

Examining Auto Insurance Coverage

If you drive, you need auto insurance coverage. But just exactly which type of coverage should you have, and which ones are you required to have? Following are the key features of auto insurance (depending on your unique circumstances, you may or may not need all these features):

Collision: If you’re in an automobile accident, regardless of who is at fault, collision insurance provides protection to replace or repair your vehicle, subject to a deductible.

Comprehensive: In the event of hail damage or a tree limb falling on your car (risks not involving an automobile collision), this coverage insures you. Comprehensive coverage pays to repair your vehicle, subject to a separate deductible.

Personal injury protection: This type of insurance coverage is for medical and other expenses resulting from an automobile accident for the people specified in the policy, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.

Medical payments: This feature provides a limited amount of coverage for you and your passengers’ medical expenses as a result of an accident. The coverage pays regardless of who is at fault.

Bodily injury and property damage liability coverage: The insurer agrees to pay damages if you injure someone or his property in an auto accident.

Uninsured and underinsured motorists liability coverage: If you’re in an accident with another driver who doesn’t carry any or enough liability coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorists liability coverage allows you to collect damages that you personally experience from the accident.

The following table lists commonly recommended limits and deductibles for various coverage involved in basic auto policies

Coverage Deductible
Collision $500 to $1,000
Comprehensive $500 to $1,000
Personal injury protection Deductible doesn’t apply. 1
Medical payments Deductible doesn’t apply. 2
Liability Coverage Limits
Bodily injury $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident
Property damage $100,000 per accident
Uninsured motorists $100,000 (This coverage may be required in your state; however, the limit is likely less.)
Underinsured motorists $100,000

1 This coverage may be required in your state.
2 This feature is optional. If you and all your passengers have comprehensive health insurance, you shouldn’t need this additional coverage.

Because states' regulations differ and because you may have unique circumstances, you may need more or less coverage than shown. You can view up-to-date state-by-state regulations on required auto coverages at Insure.com. Also consider the following before deciding on what coverage you need:

Increasing your liability limits and your deductibles may be appropriate for you if you have cash reserves. The additional liability coverage raises your premium; however, increasing your deductibles helps offset those additional costs. In fact, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage premium by 15 to 30 percent. Going up to a $1,000 deductible could save you about 40 percent.

You buy insurance to cover big financial risks. If you’re involved in a major accident and cars are totaled, people are injured or killed, and property is damaged, the total financial impact could be hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. The liability benefits on your automobile policy help to protect you from this financial devastation. You can’t afford to skimp on liability coverage.

If you have a much older vehicle or drive your vehicles until they drop, a time will come when maintaining collision and comprehensive insurance coverage isn’t financially worthwhile. A general guideline is to drop collision and comprehensive coverage on vehicles worth less than ten times the cost for that portion of your auto policy.

Don’t drop your liability coverage under any circumstance — your old clunker can still wreak havoc in an accident. Besides, your state law probably requires that you maintain liability insurance. And like the money-savvy person you are, you wouldn’t want to put yourself and your family in this kind of financial jeopardy

Source: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/examining-auto-insurance-coverage.html

Study: Even with your eyes on the road, mental distractions affect safety

Hands-free technologies might make it easier for motorists to text, talk on the phone, or even use Facebook while they drive, but a new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study shows dangerous mental distractions exist even when drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

With a predicted five-fold increase in new vehicle infotainment systems by 2018, AAA sees a major on-the-road public safety crisis ahead is calling for action as a result of this ground-breaking research.

“There is a looming public safety crisis ahead as the number of these in-vehicle technologies increase,” said Lloyd P. Albert, AAA Southern New England senior vice president of public and government affairs.

“It’s time to consider limiting new and potentially dangerous mental distractions that are built into cars, especially since there’s a common public misperception that hands-free means risk-free.”

The research, conducted at the University of Utah, found as a driver’s mental workload and distractions increase:

Reaction time slows;
Brain function is compromised; and
They scan the road less and miss visual cues, such as stop signs and pedestrians, who at times can be right in front of them.
This is the most comprehensive study of its kind to look at the mental distraction of drivers and arms AAA with evidence to appeal to the public to not use these voice-to-text features while their vehicle is in motion, Albert said.

Multi-tasking

Cognitive distraction expert Dr. David Strayer and his research team at the University of Utah measured brainwaves, eye movement and other metrics to assess what happens to drivers’ mental workload when they attempt to do multiple things at once.

To study reaction times, Dr. Strayer:

Mounted cameras inside an instrumented car to track eye and head movement of drivers;
Used a Detection-Response-Task (DRT) device to record driver reaction time in response to triggers of red and green lights added to their field of vision; and
Charted participants’ brain activity using a special electroencephalographic (EEG)-configured skull cap so researchers could determine mental workload.
In the study, researchers rated various levels of distraction, representing them on a scale similar to the one used for hurricanes.

For example:

Tasks such as listening to the radio, ranked as a category “1” level of distraction – a minimal risk – but still a risk;
Talking on a cell phone, both handheld and hands-free, resulted in a level “2” – considered moderate risk, depending upon the nature of the conversation; and Listening and responding to in-vehicle, voice-activated voice mail, dialing, and email features increased mental work load and the distraction level of drivers. This was rated as a “3” – one of extensive risk.

Based on the research, AAA urges the auto and electronics industries to find new ways to:

Limit the use of voice-activated technology to core driving-related activities, such as climate control, windshield wipers; and cruise control; Ensure these applications don’t lead to an increased safety risk because of mental distraction while the car is moving;
Disable certain functionalities of voice-to-text technologies such as using social media or interacting with email and text messages so they’re inoperable while the vehicle is in motion; and
Educate vehicle owners and mobile device users about the responsible use and safety risks for in-vehicle technologies.

“This study constitutes the most in-depth analysis to date of mental distractions behind the wheel,” said Albert. “AAA hopes it will serve as a stepping stone to collaborate with automakers to promote our shared goal of improving safety for all drivers. Specifically, these increasingly common voice-driven, in-vehicle technologies should be limited to use for just core driving tasks unless the activity results in no significant driver distraction.”

To view the full Cognitive Distraction in the Vehicle report or AAA’s Distracted Driving Fact Sheet, visitwww.NewsRoom.AAA.com.

Nine Ways to Keep Your Car Safe on the Road

Travelers put their cars to almost every use imaginable: as a place to eat meals, hide things, take shelter from the elements and even live (on a trip to Pamplona several years ago, the smallest guy in our traveling party slept in the trunk).

thief robbery burglary car vehicle auto theft criminal Since your car can be almost your home away from home while traveling, you will want to take some precautions to protect it and the things inside it. Ideally, you wouldn't leave anything valuable at all in your car, but the reality of travel is that your car is going to serve as much like a safe deposit box or luggage storage closet as transportation -- especially during the day when you're between hotels. Read on for nine tips to help you protect your car and everything in it while traveling.

1. Load and hide your stuff before you reach your destination.
By the time you pull into a hotel lot, valet queue, parking garage or any parking spot, everything you plan to leave in the car should already be well stowed and hidden. To pull into your spot, and then take your most valuable items and pack them in the trunk, is to broadcast to anyone within view exactly where to focus their attentions if they want to rip you off. The best approach is to put your things in the trunk or other safe compartment before you even get in the car at the beginning of your trip.

2. Unload your stuff away from your parking spaces as well.
Similarly, if you are planning to return to the same parking area, you will want to take your stuff out of the car away from the lot if possible. If you open the trunk and take out all the good stuff each time you return to your car, eventually someone will notice. Best case is to be able to pull over somewhere safe away from either your home base or destination, and get your stuff then.

The Eight Best U.S. Road Trips

3. Choose your parking space wisely.
When I lived in Manhattan, I found that a shift of a few feet in where you left your car overnight could make the difference between your car being safe and your car being robbed. On one street in particular, there was a fire hydrant in the middle of the block, and all cars on one side of the No Parking Fire Zone were safe, and most cars on the other side were robbed, every night. It had everything to do with sightlines; the spots beyond the fire hydrant could not be seen by folks in the foyers or lobbies of any of the local buildings. Out of sight, out of safety.

Here are my recommendations for your best parking spots when traveling:

A) In airport lots, I recommend parking in view of the exit toll booths or parking office if possible, or just as well within view of a shuttle pickup location or kiosk. The increased foot traffic and eyeball count will discourage potential thieves. Well-lit areas are next best; most airport lots have surveillance cameras in place, so making it easier for an attendant to see your car on a grainy camera will help.

Park "trunk out." If you are storing items in your trunk, you will want to point the trunk out into the lot aisle, where more people can see anyone trying to break in. Don't give thieves the opportunity to use your car as cover while ripping you off.

C) When parking on the street, try to park within sight of a busy store or hotel entrance, under a street lamp, near a busy corner or out in the open away from things that might provide shelter to a thief (like thick or low-hanging trees). The busier the street, the better.

How Do You Keep Your Car Safe?

parking garage4. When in doubt, use a parking garage.
Parking on the street is the most vulnerable place to be, so if you are uncomfortable with your street parking options, by all means use a parking garage instead. Although you are safer in a parking garage, that does not mean that you are invulnerable; certainly enough travelers get ripped off by garage personnel everywhere. Remove or lock up any really juicy items -- GPS units, accessories for your cell phone or MP3 player, a loose E-ZPass apparatus -- in order to remove temptation. All of the same precautions above apply; no matter where you park, make it as difficult and uninspiring to potential thieves as possible.

5. Self park when you can.
Most attendant or valet parking garages are safe on the whole -- but if you make it too easy, the temptation to steal can be too great for a person working at or near minimum wage.

Car Travel Tips and Ideas

6. Assume in most cases thieves want to steal your car outright.
It turns out that most thieves will try to steal a car outright rather than break into a car; if there is anything valuable inside, they can take it and dump the vehicle, and certainly there is a market for hot cars as well. For this reason, parking your car in a well-lit place where there is likely to be some foot traffic is always a good idea. Similarly, visual cues that might deter a thief can be critical -- even if they are just for show. Things like a steering wheel lock or a blinking alarm system light will inspire thieves to move on to the next vehicle, even if you don't have the alarm activated.

7. A neat car is less likely to get robbed.
A car that is filled with jackets or beach towels that appear to be covering items of value, or that has wires sticking out here and there suggesting that electronic devices may also be stowed, are much more likely to attract interest. If a potential thief sees nothing but car upholstery, he or she is less likely to be curious about what might be hidden in the car.

8. Check for your valuables as soon as you return to your car.
Notwithstanding our second rule above, if you have any suspicions, you will want to make sure nothing was stolen before you pull out. If your car does get ripped off, you want to figure it out at or near the location it was robbed, in case you have to file a complaint. When surveying your vehicle, keep in mind that thieves know what to take -- often items you won't notice until you are long gone. For example, a common tactic is to take a camera out of a camera bag, but leave the bag behind; it looks like it was undisturbed so you won't figure it out for hours or days.

Get Our Best Travel Deals and Tips!

9. Rent wisely.
When renting a car, keep the following tips in mind:

A) Rent models that are not easily exposed or broken into, and that have a trunk big enough to store anything you need secured. A hip and tiny convertible sounds like a great idea, but it could not be harder to hide stuff, and easier to break into.

The more modest and nondescript the rental model, the less likely to attract attention it is.

C) Don't leave your rental contract in the car, as this document has just about all the information you will need if the car is stolen -- and also all the information a thief will need to evade detection if he or she is stopped for any reason before you report the vehicle as stolen.

Remember that as a traveler or tourist, you are a mark. (For example, a Florida law requiring rental cars to display a special sticker was recently repealed after it became clear that criminals were targeting tourists in rental vehicles.) Making the time and effort to take a few precautions with your vehicular home away from home can help ensure that you and all your stuff return home intact.

Source: http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/travelers-ed/nine-ways-to-keep-your-car-safe-on-the-road

What I need to know about ON-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes

The list below contains standard diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) that are used by some manufacturers to identify vehicle problems. The codes provide below are generic codes that may not apply to all vehicles. Vehicle manufacturers may use manufacturer specific DTC codes that are different from the codes shown below.

Foreign vehicles may also use DTC codes different from the generic DTC codes. The Division recommends that motorists not depend on the DTC codes in this list for vehicle repairs until they confirm the generic DTC codes apply to their vehicles. The list below is for information purposes only and is not intended for use in vehicle repairs.

http://www.dmv.de.gov/services/Vehicle_Services/dtc_list.pdf

A DTC is made up of 5 digits. Knowing the composition of the code makes it is easier to trouble shoot a DTC without knowing the description of the code.

Here is a breakdown of what each digit of the code means.

First Character – System

The first character identifies identifies the system related to the trouble code.
P = Powertrain
B = Body
C = Chassis
U = Undefined
Second Digit – Code Type

The second digit identifies whether the code is a generic code (same on all OBD-II equipped vehicles), or a manufacturer specific code.
0 = Generic (this is the digit zero — not the letter “O”)
1 = Enhanced (manufacturer specific)
Third Digit – Sub-System

The third digit denotes the type of sub-system that pertains to the code
1 = Emission Management (Fuel or Air)
2 = Injector Circuit (Fuel or Air)
3 = Ignition or Misfire
4 = Emission Control
5 = Vehicle Speed & Idle Control
6 = Computer & Output Circuit
7 = Transmission
8 = Transmission
9 = SAE Reserved
0 = SAE Reserved
Fourth and Fifth Digits

These digits, along with the others, are variable, and relate to a particular problem.
Composition of a DTC

Diagram of a DTC

Types of DTC’s

There are two categories of DTC’s that apply to OBDII. They are listed below with Type A being the more severe.

Type A

Emissions related.
Requests illumination of the MIL after one failed driving cycle.
Stores a freeze frame DTC after one failed driving cycle.

Type B

Emissions related.
Sets a Pending Trouble Code after one failed driving cycle.
Clears a Pending Trouble Code after one successful driving cycle.
Turns on the MIL after two consecutive failed driving cycles.
Stores a freeze frame after two consecutive failed driving cycles

Anatomy of an automobile

Don't know what to do with your old engine? Recycle

A Battery Check Today Can Keep the Tow Truck Away

A battery check today can keep the tow truck away, says the Car Care Council, as it advises vehicle owners to have their battery tested and replaced if necessary this fall to avoid being stranded this winter.

Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced, and excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high of a charging rate, leading to slow death for a battery. Colder temperatures increase the thickness of the engine oil, making the engine harder to turn over and the battery work harder, leading to harder starting.

To get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following:

Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.
If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.

Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.

Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.

Source: www.carcare.org

The ABCs of Car Care for New Drivers

Casual Young Man Holding Out Car Key It’s never too early to learn the ABCs of car care, says the Car Care Council.

A – Always follow a preventative vehicle maintenance plan.
B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect there is a problem.
C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down away from home.

“Most young people can’t wait to drive, but their car care education should begin well before their parents hand over the keys,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Understanding the basics of car care before taking the wheel will help keep new drivers safer on the road.”

The Car Care Council recommends that new drivers keep a free copy of its popular Car Care Guide in the glove box and learn about 10 car care inspection procedures that are an important part of any preventative vehicle maintenance plan:

Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen.

Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

Source: www.carcare.org

New Infographic: 6 Vehicle Warning Smells

The new inforgraphic from the Car Care Council outlines six car smells that could mean trouble for your vehicle. The infographic is based off a recent press release titled “Six Vehicle Warning Signs Your Nose Can Recognize” and a non-technical approach to understanding when something may be wrong with your car.

Remember, once you know what a smell may be, don’t delay in fixing it to ensure you are safe on the road!

Source: www.carcare.org

Tire repair: Safety Tips

How do I know when a tire is repairable?

Knowing the difference between a proper tire repair and an improper tire repair could be critical to vehicle safety. A tire industry study showed that nearly 88 percent of the tire repairs are performed improperly. An improper tire repair could pose a safety hazard to you and your family and could also affect a tire manufacturer’s warranty.

One key process in a proper tire repair is removing a tire from the wheel to inspect any damage that may occur to the inner liner of the tire.

RMA offers tire dealers and automotive repair outlets a detailed wall-chart for proper tire repairs. Among the criteria to perform a proper repair are:Tire Repair
◦Repairs are limited to the tread area only
◦Puncture injury cannot be greater than 1/4 inch (6mm) in diameter
◦Repairs must be performed by removing the tire from the rim/wheel assembly to perform a complete inspection to assess all damage that may be present
◦Repairs cannot overlap
◦A rubber stem, or plug, must be applied to fill the puncture injury and a patch must be applied to seal the inner liner. A common repair unit is a one-piece unit with a stem and patch portion. A plug by itself is an unacceptable repair

Source: www.rma.org

What I need to know about used tires?

The Rubber Manufacturers Association cautions that used passenger and light truck tires that have an uncertain or unknown history pose a potential risk. This pertains to used tires purchased as replacement tires or as equipped on a used vehicle. Used tires may have been exposed to improper service, maintenance or storage conditions and may have been damaged, which could eventually lead to tire failure.

RMA has a tire industry service bulletin that lists a series of conditions under which a used tire should never be installed on a vehicle. Those conditions include:

◦Any punctures or other penetrations, whether repaired or not. NOTE: This is not meant to preclude the proper repair of a tire installed on a consumer’s vehicle when the consumer is aware of the tire’s history.

◦Any innerliner or bead damage.

◦Indication of internal separation, such as bulges or local areas of irregular/fast treadwear indicating possible tread or belt separation.

◦Indication of run-flat, under inflated and/or overloaded damage (e.g. innerliner abrasion, mid- to upper sidewall abrasion and stamping deterioration, delamination, or discoloration, excessive tread shoulder wear, etc.).

◦Any damage or wear exposing the body material of the tire — cuts, cracks, bulges, scrapes, ozone cracking/weather checking, impact damage, punctures, splits, snags, etc.

◦Defaced or removed DOT tire identification number (TIN), which is located on the tire sidewall.

◦Involved in a recall or a replacement program.

◦Inadequate tread depth for continued service (i.e. nearly worn out). Tires with a tread depth of 2/32” or less at any point on the tire are worn out.

◦Currently mounted on a rim that is bent, dented, cracked or otherwise damaged.

◦Evidence of improper storage.

◦Chemical, fire, excessive heat damage, or other environmental damage.

◦Designated as a “scrap tire” or otherwise not intended for continued highway service.

◦Evidence of prior use of tire repair sealant.

◦Altered to look like new tires (e.g. a regrooved tread).

◦Labeled on the sidewall as “Not For Highway Use,” “NHS,” “For Racing Purposes Only”, “Agricultural Use Only”, “SL” (service limited agricultural tire), or any other indication that the tire is barred from use on public thoroughfares.

Below you will find resources that can help you learn what you need to know about used tires.

Source: www.rma.org

What’s Inside a Tire?

TREAD: Provides traction and cornering grip
BELTS: Stabilize and strengthen the tread
SIDEWALL: Protects the side of the tire from road and curb damage
BODY PLY: Gives the tire strength and flexibility
BEAD: Assures an air-tight fit with the wheel
INNERLINER: Keeps air inside the tire

Modern tire technology blends a unique mix of chemistry, physics and engineering to give consumers a high degree of comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability and safety. Many tires are custom-designed to meet the stresses and performance needs specified by the maker of a particular model vehicle. Every tire is carefully inspected, and random samples are pulled for additional safety tests. As part of these tests, tires are x-rayed, cut apart and examined, run on test wheels, or road-tested to evaluate handling, mileage and traction performance. If properly cared for, tires can last a long time – usually from 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the application.

How a Tire is Made

As many as two hundred different raw materials combine into a unique mix of chemistry, physics and engineering to give consumers the highest degree of comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability and safety modern technology and creativity can provide. Here are the basic steps:

Planning and Design

Many tires are custom-designed to meet the stresses and performance needs specified by the maker of a particular model vehicle. The process begins with a computer, which converts the mathematics of the car’s special needs into specifications. A prototype tire is then made to test the tire design’s ability to provide the desired characteristics. Custom-designing a tire for a particular vehicle typically takes many months of testing, inspection, and quality checks by the tire maker and the vehicle maker. Only then does the vehicle maker commit with an order.

Manufacturing

The production process begins with the selection of several types of rubber along with special oils, carbon black, pigments, antioxidants, silica, and other additives that will combine to provide the exact characteristics wanted. Separate compounds are used for different parts of the tire. A machine called a banbury mixer combines the various raw materials for each compound into a homogenized batch of black material with the consistency of gum. The mixing process is computer-controlled to assure uniformity. The compounded materials are then sent to machines for further processing into the sidewalls, treads or other parts of the tire.

Then the task of assembling the tire begins. The first component to go on the tire building machine is the innerliner, a special rubber that is resistant to air and moisture penetration and takes the place of an inner tube. Next come the body plies and belts, which are often made from polyester and steel. Plies and belts give the tire strength while also providing flexibility. The belts are cut to the precise angle and size the tire engineer specifies to provide the desired ride and handling characteristics. Bronze-coated strands of steel wire, fashioned into two hoops, are implanted into the sidewall of the tires to form the bead, which assures an airtight fit with the rim of the wheel. The tread and sidewalls are put into position over the belt and body plies, and then all the parts are pressed firmly together. The end result is called a “green” or uncured tire.

The last step is to cure the tire. The “green” tire is placed inside a mold and inflated to press it against the mold, forming the tread and the tire identification information on the sidewall. Then it is heated at more than 300 degrees Fahrenheit for twelve to fifteen minutes, vulcanizing it to bond the components and to cure the rubber. (FACT: This twelve to fifteen minute curing process is for passenger and light truck tires only, off-road and large tires may take up at a day to cure because of their size!) Every tire is then inspected, and sample tires are randomly taken from the line and tested. Some are x-rayed, some are cut apart to look for flaws, others are run on test wheels, or road-tested to evaluate handling, mileage and traction performance.

Source: www.rma.org

Be Tire Smart This Fall!

As temperatures drop this season, it’s time to Be Tire Smart!

Special attention should be paid to the tread on your tires. The gray, rainy days that mark fall in many parts of the country create a particular driving risk. Without sufficient tread depth, your vehicle can’t properly grip the road. Under wet weather conditions, insufficient tread depth can cause a vehicle can hydroplane — skim over the surface of the road with little or no traction, which can lead to a crash. So check your tread. All you need is a Lincoln penny.

Insert Abe’s head into the tread in a couple of spots on each tire. If you can see the entire top of his head, your tread is less that one-sixteenth of an inch deep – below the level where you can count on it in slippery conditions. It should be replaced.

While you’re administering the Abe test to your tires, take a good look at them. Any signs of uneven tread wear? That could mean a number of different problems – under inflation, tires out of balance, or wheels out of alignment. If you can tell that your tread is wearing unevenly on some of your tires, ask your dealer to take a look. He can correct a problem before it causes trouble. If you don’t rotate your tires every 5,000 miles or so, you should get into the habit. The forces exerted on tires differ, depending on the tire’s position on the car, and wear patterns may differ. Front wheels work harder because they do the turning and most of the braking. And rear wheels can be unevenly loaded.

Tires have “wear bars” built into them. These are indicators that appear when you have worn your tread down to the limit. Don’t neglect the signals your tires are sending you. Be Tire Smart – Play Your Part!

And as always – once a month for sure – check your tire air pressure with an accurate tire gauge. You can’t tell if a tire needs air just by looking. It could be 50 percent under inflated and still look fine. The most serious consequence of riding on an underinflated tire is heat buildup caused by the increased flexing of a tire that isn’t as firm as it should be. Driving on underinflated or overloaded tires at high speeds over long distances – for instance, driving on the highway – can lead to tire failure.

Source: www.rma.org

Tire wear and wheel alignment

Proper alignment is an important part of tire maintenance. Poor alignment will cause your tires to wear unevenly and you may experience handling problems, such as "pulling" or vibration Poor alignment will also increase your fuel consumption. With our current American economy and a increasingly outrageous gas prices, everyone is looking to better their gas mileage to save money. By having your vehicle aligned properly, it decreases any resistance while rolling which increases your gas mileage. Common practice is to have your alignment checked annually, or every 25,000 km

Source: http://betiresmart.ca/

Know your tires

Tires are designed to grip the road, allowing your vehicle to start, stop and go around corners safely in any weather. The treads that accomplishes this wear out over time, but drivers can take precautionary steps to prolong the life of their tires.

Properly maintaining your tires will increase their life.

Source: http://betiresmart.ca/

How to maintain the proper tire pressure?

Maintaining proper tire pressure is important for many reasons other than reducing the potential of a flat tire or a blowout. In order to achieve optimum handling from your vehicle, from everyday driving to making emergency maneuvers, tire pressure needs to be at the proper inflation level. Even a tire that doesn’t appear to be low on air can result in reduced vehicle handling and excessive tread wear.

Tires that are not at the correct air pressure will also increase the rolling resistance (the friction that occurs when an object rolls) of the vehicle. Under-inflated tires, for example, result in increased rolling resistance and therefore require more energy (or fuel) to move the vehicle, which negatively impacts fuel economy.

Source: http://betiresmart.ca/

Frequently Asked Auto Service Questions To Ask Your Mechanic

When you see a technician for repair or maintenance, you can expect thorough, reliable vehicle care. You can also expect your technician to answer any questions about your vehicle's needs. If you know which relevant questions to ask your technician, then you'll be better prepared and informed through every step of vehicle service

Service Engine Soon Light
•What are the possible problems when my "Service Engine Soon" light appears?
•While you're investigating what triggered the "Service Engine Soon" light, do you recommend any additional services?
•If I ignore the light, what are the possible consequences?
•If I don't investigate the problem, will the light turn off by itself?
•Is it possible for my vehicle to pass an emissions test if the "Service Engine Soon" light is on?

Source: ACDelco

Frequently Asked Auto Service Questions To Ask Your Mechanic

When you see a technician for repair or maintenance, you can expect thorough, reliable vehicle care. You can also expect your technician to answer any questions about your vehicle's needs. If you know which relevant questions to ask your technician, then you'll be better prepared and informed through every step of vehicle service

Air Conditioning Service
•When it's hot outside, should I turn the air conditioning on immediately? Or should I roll the windows down and let the car run before engaging the A/C?

•If my A/C system is not cooling properly, can I damage it if I keep using it anyway?

•Is liquid dripping from the bottom of my vehicle normal when using the A/C?

•What is wrong with my A/C if it is emitting a musty smell from the vents?

•I hear a clicking under my hood and the A/C is cooling inconsistently. What is wrong with the system?

•What are the benefits of R-134a refrigerant? Should I switch my older vehicle over from R-12 or Freon refrigerant?

Source: ACDelco

Frequently Asked Auto Service Questions To Ask Your Mechanic

When you see a technician for repair or maintenance, you can expect thorough, reliable vehicle care. You can also expect your technician to answer any questions about your vehicle's needs. If you know which relevant questions to ask your technician, then you'll be better prepared and informed through every step of vehicle service

Tire Service
•If my car begins shaking at higher speeds, are my tires the problem?

•Are my driving habits affecting my vehicle's tire wear?

•Should my driving habits be a factor in determining which type of tires to buy?

•What are the consequences if an incorrect tire size is installed on my car?

•If I need one tire replaced, should I replace two at the same time? All four?

•How do I determine proper air tire pressure?

•Do front and rear tires require the same amount of pressure?

•How will my vehicle be affected if there is too much or too little air pressure in the tires?

Source: ACDelco

Frequently Asked Auto Service Questions To Ask Your Mechanic

When you see a technician for repair or maintenance, you can expect thorough, reliable vehicle care. You can also expect your technician to answer any questions about your vehicle's needs. If you know which relevant questions to ask your technician, then you'll be better prepared and informed through every step of vehicle service.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Auto and Car Service Questions

Oil Change, Filters and Fluids

•How often should I get an oil change?

•Is the oil you're using the right type for my vehicle and driving habits?

•Do I need a new oil filter every time I get an oil change?

•How often does my air filter need to be changed?

•Is an oil filter change included with oil change service?

•When my fluids are low, will my vehicle alert me?

•How often should my vehicle's fluid levels be checked and refilled?