All Tire Questions & Answers

Have you ever taken the time to observe the rear wheels of any vehicle during parking? Did you notice the difference in motion between the front and rear wheels? Should rear wheels turn when in park?  Once you set your vehicle to park, you want to be sure that it will stay in the same position till you return. Generally, when the car is in park position, a metal arm- otherwise known as a pawl jams the transmission from the gear, thus keeping the vehicle from moving. However, the park gear position works more effectively on flat surfaces. The park gear complements the handbrake(also known as the park brake) in ensuring that the vehicle remains intact when parked.   So, Should rear wheels turn when in park? Read on! Should Rear Wheels Turn When in Park? With both the park brake and park gear in action, the drive wheels remain locked. Drive wheels, in this context, refer to the wheels that transmit force from the torque. This is known as tractive force, typically transmitted from the tires to the road. If you turn the steering when your car is stationary, you will notice that only the front wheels turn. The park gear position does not lock any wheels; therefore, they will be free to move as long as they are not touching the ground. However, applying the park brake locks the rear wheels. In this case, the vehicle should still be able to move. The motion will differ because the wheels skid over the road rather than roll over.  Understanding that the “Park” position does not lock your car wheels is essential. Instead, it locks the transmission from the gearbox. Therefore, the wheels will be free to move; thus, enforcing the park brake is necessary. The primary function of the park brake-also park brake- is to bypass the hydraulic braking system in case of a failure. It is designed to remain engaged when the car is in parking mode to prevent it from rolling away, especially on sloped surfaces.  However, the front wheels can roll since they are not locked. Most parking techniques show you how to align your front wheels just in case the braking system fails when the car is parked on unlevelled ground. Additional proof that rear wheels do not turn when in Park is ‘dry steering .’Although not advised, dry steering is when you turn the steering wheel when the car is stationary. Also Read: Is Rear Wheel Drive Good in the Rain? Why Do My Wheels Turn When in Park? Wheels can turn when in the park due to various reasons. Typically, the drive wheels lock while the non-drive wheels can rotate freely when the car is in the park. The park position locks the drivetrain; thus, the undriven wheels should be able to turn. If you want to know whether it is normal for the front or rear wheels to turn in park, you need to identify which wheels are drive and which are non-drive. The following are the different types of drive wheels(or drivetrains): All-wheel drivetrain vehicles have advanced electronics and differential capacity to send power to all four wheels. Each will gains traction and is independent of the other thus, all wheels can turn. Four-wheel drive vehicles are similar to the AWD in that the drivetrain system transmits power to all four wheels. However, they offer more traction and stability and are more robust on harsh terrains such as icy and off-roads. The front wheels receive all the engine’s power in front-wheel drive cars or trucks. The rear wheels consequently become non-driven and can move independently. With the RWD, all the power goes to the rear wheels. That means the rear wheels push the car forward while the front wheels can navigate the vehicle. Whichever type of drivetrain, the idler wheels are always independent of the axle and can turn freely even when in park. On the other hand, the drive wheels can turn in opposite directions due to how the differential works. Should Your Tires Always be Straight When Parked? When parking on a level surface, it is wise to always ensure your tires are straight since there is bias to the vehicle’s weight. Straightening the wheels gives you an easy time when you want to leave, especially if other vehicles are parked parallel to yours. However, leaving the tires straight when parking uphill or downhill can be risky. On an unlevel ground, you should leave the wheels turned to prevent the car from rolling into traffic in case the handbrake fails. While parking uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb until the vehicle rolls back and gently until the rear part of the front wheels rests against the curb. Where there is no curb, always turn the front wheels to the right, so the vehicle rolls away from traffic in case the park brakes fail. When parking downhill, turn the front wheels toward the curb and let the vehicle turn gently until the front tire rests against the curb. Where there is no curb, the wheels should remain turned to the right for safety if the vehicle rolls. How Do I Make Sure My Wheels Are Straight When Parking? If you want to know if the car wheels are straight on the outside, let the steering wheel guide you. The standard rule is that a steering wheel should take two complete 360-degree turns before fully locking. Therefore, two turns back should bring the will back to the center of the wheel locks in one direction.  Another hack is to look at the insignia on the steering wheel. For most vehicles, you can be sure the wheels are straight if the steering wheel is facing the right way up. Alternatively, you can add colored tape to the top center part of the steering wheel to know if the wheel is straight without having to look down. You can also set the car to neutral and drive forward or back … Read more

Can bad struts cause uneven tire wear? A lot of drivers do not give much thought to struts and even shocks until they start to wear out. However, every car owner needs to know what to look for when you’ve bad struts. When your struts wear out, your car starts to bounce which compromises your ability to control it. Not only that. It affects the overall comfort of your ride. In addition, bad struts can increase wear and tear or further damage to other suspension components. So, can bad struts cause uneven tire wear? Keep reading! Also Read: Can Bad Shocks Cause Uneven Tire Wear? [Plus 6 Key SYMPTOMS] Can Bad Struts Cause Uneven Tire Wear? Struts help ensure consistent tire-to-road contact. They also provide the damping force necessary to control tire movement. This is essential for optimal performance. When the struts are worn out, your car will start bouncing causing the tires not to have contact with the road. This bouncing causes scalloping or cupping of the tires.  If you have bad struts and worn shocks, they will contribute to uneven tire wear. Not only are you prone to a sudden flat but you also risk hydroplaning which reduces the driver’s ability to brake or steer. Symptoms of Bad Struts Driving with bad struts and worn shocks can result in a bad ride. Also, it increases your stopping distance, especially on slippery and wet roads.  Here are the symptoms of bad struts. If you notice the symptoms above, make an appointment with your service provider. The team will carry out a thorough inspection and make proper repairs. Can Bad Struts Cause Inner Tire Wear? Yes, bad struts and worn shocks can cause inner tire wear. This is because bad struts allow your car to bounce too much, especially on rough roads. Not only does this result in our wear of your tires. But it also results in an inner wear pattern on the tread. If the problem is not addressed quickly, severe damage can occur to other suspension components. This will affect the braking of your car. Also, the problem can result in a shaky steering wheel, especially when driving on rocky terrains or through potholes and speed bumps. Finding the root cause of the problem is necessary. So, take your car to a local repair shop where they’ll execute the following: By taking the steps above, they’ll fix the problem. Do Bad Struts Cause Tire Wear? Your car’s suspension system is critical for controlling the ride comfort and your vehicle. However, when driving your car on highways and rough terrains, the suspension system often takes a beating. Some parts like the struts ensure safe driving and unless you have an accident, you’ll never notice they’re worn out. If your car has bad struts, certain patterns will begin to manifest themselves. They include cupping and excessive inside or outside tire wear. If this starts happening, the tires will not last their full expected lifetime. Not only will this cost you more money. But it will make your tires less safe. What Damage Can Bad Struts Cause? When bad struts wear, they allow for more suspension movement. As a result, other suspension components suffer the same effect.  Besides damage to the suspension components, bad struts can cause inner and outerwear on your tires. It all starts with your car bouncing causing a reduction in uniform road contact. This bouncing also causes scalping and cupping of the tires. Conclusion Struts have a direct effect on your safety and the performance of your car. With so many cars and people on the road around you, driving your car with bad struts puts everyone at risk. To avoid your car breaking down or causing accidents, keep your car’s maintenance up to date. By doing so, experts can inspect your car and find out if important components such as tires and struts need repairs or replacement. It’s important to have all the components in your car working perfectly for you to handle and control your car on the road. If you experience poor braking, rough handling, and excessive bouncing, have your car inspected by a mechanic.

Run flat tires are vehicle tires that are capable of allowing you to drive safely even after encountering a tire puncture. But, can you pump up run flat tires? Run flat tires offer some advantages over conventional tires. These advantages includes, increased safety in the event of puncture as well as prevent any loss of time to changing deflated tires.  Like all other tires, run flat tires need air pressure for an efficient performance – but they can also be driven for up to 50 miles at low speeds (about 50 miles per hour) without air. Essentially, similar to conventional tires, they too can be pumped up, especially where they deflate from natural causes and not due to any malfunctioning. What Are Run-Flat Tires? Run flat tires are pneumatic tires that can effectively take you home across several miles even after a puncture by just driving at the recommended speed limit which is 50 miles per hour(mph).  These tires offer increased safety, and less inconvenience by sparing you from having to stop and change tires after a puncture. They also save on weight and space during storage. They are the products of a new tire technology that enjoys wide global acclaim. Run flat tires are equipped with re-inforced sidewalls that provide extra support to the tire. This provides temporary support to the tire and keeps it from collapsing in the event of puncture. They offer an added measure of convenience and peace of mind during your long drives. (Read Also: Can I Put A 2.1 Tire On A 1.95Rim? Find Out) Can You Fill Run Flat Tires With Air? You’ve probably been wondering, can I fill run flat tires with regular air? The short answer is yes, yes you can – provided they deflate gradually due to natural causes. Run flat tires are meant to help push you for a few more miles (around 50 miles) at slow speeds to help get you out of a tricky situation. Inflating run flat tires helps push a few more miles on top of the guaranteed 50 miles, ensuring even better safety and convenience to you and all other occupants. Despite this, run-flat tires should not be driven indefinitely after losing air pressure. Upon driving on a deflated tire, it should be inspected by a mechanic and replaced if necessary. Please note, these tires may not be repaired if they are damaged. For example, if they are punctured, it may not be possible ton repair it, and will need to be replaced. How Do Run-Flat Tires Work? They work by continuing to run smoothly in the event of sudden or gradual deflation. Any vehicle fitted with run-flat tires can continue to move despite any loss of tire pressure. However, unlike regular tires which require air to stay hard, run-flat tires have a kind of reinforced sidewall as a result of which they stay hardened even without any air in them. This reinforced sidewall keeps the rubber hard without any air pressure. Allowing you to drive out of any sticky situation you may be under. How Long Do Run-Flat Tires Last? The life span of run-flat tires vary depending on a number of factors such as, road surfaces, driving conditions, tire maintenance, and more. These tires last for at least five years with careful use or cover about 60,000 miles. If you run flat tires are deflated due to a puncture, it may not be possible to repair them and therefore you may be required to get a new one. The lifespan of a run-flat tires can be impacted by various factors but with proper care and maintenance – the longer they can last. Always ensure your run flat tires are checked regularly by your local mechanic and proper maintenance and care accorded to them. These will go along way in determining how long your run tires will last. How Do I Know If My Run-Flat Tires Are Punctured? This is difficult to know due to their toughened sidewalls which are not affected even without any air pressure in it despite bearing heavyweights. To ascertain when they are punctured, you will have to use a pressure monitoring system and check their pressures regularly. (Read Also: Can You Put Mud Tires On A 2wd Truck) Otherwise, it will be almost impossible to know when your run-flat is punctured. In some cases, you might hear a hissing sound of escaping air which is a sign of a puncture, or if you notice any cuts, holes, or objects sticking out of the tire. Trending Searches Is It Possible To Have A Flat Tire Without A Puncture? Of course, it is. This is primarily because tires deflate not only through punctures but natural causes too, such as the air escaping through any minute spaces that may exist between the rims and the tires,  especially after being heated in the sun for long periods. Your tire can also deflate when the air valve through which you pump the tire is faulty. There may also be a crack or hole in your rim through which the air in the tire can gradually escape too. Can You Repair Run-Flat Tires? Whether you can repair a run-flat tire or not depends on some factors actually. For one, run-flat tires can be rendered unusable due to either a puncture or other road hazards. However, before you can repair them, you ought to consider vehicle speed, load, the amount of inflation pressure loss as well as ambient temperature. The extent and location of the puncturing object are also important with regards to whether you can repair them or not.(Read Also: Will Discount Tire Buy Takeoffs?) All in all, run-flat tires are not repairable if that is stated on their sidewall. Similarly, if the tire is driven when its inflation pressure falls below 15 PSI and also if there is abrasion damage on the outside or inside of the tire or other similar conditions of rubber defects. You should endeavor to have a trained technician … Read more

Does tire shine cause tires crack? The question of whether tire shine causes tires to crack is an important one for any car owner. Using the right products and techniques can prolong the lifespan of your tires while using the wrong ones could cause significant damage. In this article, we will look at whether tire shine does indeed cause tires to crack, what causes dry rot on tires, and how to use tire shine safely. Does Tire Shine Cause Tires To Crack? So, does tire shine cause tires to crack? Tire shine is a product designed to make your car look shiny and new. However, the chemicals used in many tire shine can damage if not used correctly or with caution. Tire shine contains petroleum distillates, which can break down the rubber of your tires over time and cause dry rot. This dry rot can lead to cracking in the tire walls and reduce their overall lifespan. In general, the occasional use of tire shine is not likely to cause any significant damage to your tires. However, if you regularly use tire shine on your tires, it is vital to take some precautionary steps. Use a tire shine formulated specifically for tires rather than one designed for other vehicle parts. Again, clean off any excess product to minimize contact time, and follow up with a coat of carnauba wax or a clear sealant for added protection. Trending Searches Is It Okay To Get Tire Shine On Wheels? Tire shine can be used safely on wheels if you take the necessary precautions. First, use a wheel-specific tire shine product designed specifically for this purpose. These products are formulated with safe chemicals and will not damage your wheels or tires over time. Additionally, be careful to avoid getting any tire shine on the brake pads — the heat generated by braking can cause the product to vaporize and damage the parts. It is also essential to clean off any excess tire shine from your wheels before they can dry. Any residue left on the wheel can attract dirt and grime, leading to scratches that may be difficult or impossible to repair. Further, if too much product is left on the wheel, it can eventually break down the protective coating and cause corrosion. Also Read: Can You Use Tire Shine On Rubber Floor Mats? What Causes Dry Rot on Tires Dry rot is a common problem that affects tires, and any number of factors can cause it. The most common cause is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Over time, UV rays will break down the rubber in your tire and reduce its overall strength. Other causes include incorrect tire pressure, excessive heat, and chemical damage from tire shine or other products. In some cases, dry rot can be prevented by ensuring your tires are properly inflated and rotated regularly. Additionally, using wax or sealant on your tires can help protect them from UV radiation and chemical damage. Finally, use tire shine products cautiously and do not leave excess products on your tires. You May Also Like: Can You Use Tire Shine On Leather? Find Out What Does Tire Shine Do To Tires? From the perspective of what the tire shine is made of, the general goal of the application of tire shine on the sidewall of any tire is not to fix tire problems such as leaks, cracks, or dry rubber, rather, it is to improve the looks of the tire. Tire shines have no repair capabilities. They are not for any other purpose aside from giving the tire sideways its lost glory. They are applied to the tires with the hope of removing the old looks from the tires and making them look brand new once more. When directly done, this goal can be achieved without any harm to the tire in the form of cracks or other side effects. As usual, there is no product without hearsay, superstitions and baseline assumptions, and claims. The tire shines is not an exception to this. There are not of opinions on the trending tire shines used by many to enhance the looks of their car, and make the tires tidy and appealing to the eyes. One of the prevailing principles or theories is that the chemical constituents of tires are such that they speed up the aging process of the tires upon which the shine is applied. This is in addition to the claim of brown discoloration of transformation claimed to be caused by the tire shine. None of this however has any bearing on the tire shine but can be explained as the long-term effects of constant exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun.  How Does Tire Shine Cause Tires to Crack? When cracks are noticed in the tires, whether this is seen following the application of the tire shine or not, it will be wrong to assume this was caused by the tire shine. Tire shine is not ruled out completely as a possible cause of tire cracks, this is only however seen when the shine is not applied correctly. By not following the instructions or guidelines provided with the product, you may have contributed to the development of cracks in your tires. How Do I Stop Tire Shine From Affecting Tires?  Most of all bottles of tire shine have written on them the guidelines for applying the shine on the tire. This guideline is to be followed stepwise and all precautionary measures stated in the bottle are adhered to. Avoid leading to controversies or taking advice or applying instruction from unauthorized sources.  When confused about the right thing to do, you may reach out to the manufacturing company of the tire shine through their company’s official website or seek the assistance of auto repair shops or dealers of the product who are reputable are trustworthy. Tire shines have a limited time in which they keep the tires looking new, after which there will be a need … Read more