All Tire Questions & Answers

4-wheel drive cars are known to have many advantages over their 2WD and AWD counterparts. This system is a favorite for many off-roaders due to its impressive traction abilities. 4WD cars can easily plow through snow. But, is 4WD equally as good in rainy conditions?  The guide below will address the benefits of having a car with a 4-wheel drive in the rain. We will also explain whether you should use 4-wheel High or low when on a wet, slippery road. This post will also share tips on how to drive safely when it’s raining.  Does 4-Wheel Drive Help in Rain?  A 4-wheel drive system can be of significant help when you are driving in rainy conditions. This system offers better handling and traction for the car. Therefore, unlike 2WD, your vehicle will not drift when driving over a wet, slippery road. A 4WD system enhances the stability of a car no matter how slippery the road is because of rain.  If you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall, it’s a good idea to buy a 4WD car. With such a vehicle, you can always activate this system when it rains, and you are driving along a slippery or wet road.  To understand better how 4WD helps in the rain, here are some benefits you may get from such a car system;  •    Improves Traction of the Wheels When you activate 4WD, your car sends power to all four wheels. Unlike in cars that only power the front or rear wheels, your 4WD will enjoy better traction on the wheels. As a result, your wheels will make better contact with the road, making it difficult for your vehicle to skid off.  •    Better Stability  With power being sent to all four wheels, your car will be more stable even on wet and slippery roads. Thanks to this improved stability, you can easily drive through mud and wet weather.  •    Increases Handling of the Vehicle  Once you activate the four-wheel drive, you will have better handling of your car. This, in turn, makes it easier to steer through wet roads.  •    It Instills a Sense of Confidence  One of the reasons people often get stuck on the road when it’s raining is because they lack the confidence to steer away from slippery surfaces. When driving a 4WD, you feel more confident because you have better handling, stability, and traction.  4WD High or Low in Rain When you look at the 4WD setting in your car, you will notice that it is divided into two. There is 4WD High and 4WD Low. So, which option should you engage when it’s raining?  Most of the time, when you are driving on a wet and slippery road, you should engage 4WD High. This setting allows you to drive at normal speeds on wet surfaces. For instance, if you are on an off-road trail and notice the road becoming slippery because of rain, you can engage 4WD High to get better traction and handling.  4WD Low is rarely used when it’s raining unless you are driving on a steep off-road terrain or a creek. The reason is that 4WD Low delivers both power and traction. Therefore, the wheels turn much slower, which is only ideal for crawling over rocks.  Never engage 4WD High or Low when it’s not raining, or you are driving on a smooth road.  When Should You Not Use 4-Wheel Drive?  There is some excitement associated with having a 4WD car. But people don’t know that it shouldn’t be used all the time.  4WD should never be used on dry, smooth, or flat roads. Doing so may damage your car. If you are driving on the highway, there is no need for you to turn on 4WD. Also, even if you are venturing off-road and it’s raining, there is no need to engage 4WD if the roads are not slippery.  You should also not use 4Wd if you want to save on gas. When you activate this system, a lot of fuel is used to engage the drive shaft and gears.  Car experts also advise that 4WD shouldn’t be used on extremely slippery roads. That’s because when all four wheels lose traction, it can be challenging to control the vehicle.  Therefore, just because you have a car with a 4WD system doesn’t mean you should use it all the time. Only activate it when it’s necessary.  Is It Better to Drive Fast or Slow in the Rain?  Even if your car has 4WD, driving slowly is better and safer. Always ensure that you go a little under the speed limit because there are so many hazards on the road when it rains.  One of the risks associated with driving fast in the rain is hydroplaning. This isn’t some form of irrigation or agriculture. Hydroplaning is when your tires come across more water than they can scatter. When driving in the rain, your car tires often slice the water on the surface and make contact with the road.  If you start driving too fast, your tires stop making contact with the road, and they float on the water. Hydroplaning is dangerous because it will make your car difficult to steer or even brake. And it can lead to accidents. When you are driving slowly, it’s more difficult for hydroplaning to occur.  In case you find your car hydroplaning when driving in the rain, do not panic. Remove your foot from the gas pedal, and do not press on the brakes. Instead, gently steer the car in the direction you intend to drive to. As the vehicle slows down, the tires will gain better traction on the road.  Conclusion  There is no denying that a car with 4WD is more advantageous when driving in the rain. It gives you better traction, handling, and stability. If you own a vehicle with 4WD, you must know when and where to use it. Don’t forget which mode of 4WD you should use when … Read more

Are you in the market for new tires but unsure which brand to choose? Look no further! In this blog post, we will be comparing two popular tire options: the Goodyear MVT and the Michelin XZL. Both tires have their own unique features and benefits, making it a tough decision for any tire enthusiast. So, let’s dive in and explore the qualities of these two contenders, helping you make an informed choice for your vehicle. When it comes to off-road adventures, durability and traction are key factors to consider. The Goodyear MVT and the Michelin XZL are renowned for their exceptional performance in challenging terrains. However, there are other aspects to take into account, such as tread life, noise level, and overall comfort. Join us as we delve deeper into the world of tires, uncovering the strengths and weaknesses of the Goodyear MVT and the Michelin XZL, ultimately assisting you in finding the perfect tire for your needs. The Historical Journey of goodyear mvt The Goodyear Eagle LS2 tires were first introduced in the late 1990s as a high-performance all-season tire. They were designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride while still offering excellent traction and handling capabilities. Over the years, the LS2 tires have become a popular choice for drivers looking for a balance between performance and comfort. Goodyear offers a wide range of products under the Eagle LS2 line. These include tires for passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks. The LS2 tires are available in various sizes to fit different vehicles and come with different speed ratings to meet the needs of different drivers. They are known for their long-lasting tread life and their ability to perform well in both wet and dry conditions. In addition to the LS2 tires, Goodyear also offers other models under the Eagle brand, such as the Eagle Sport All-Season and the Eagle F1 Asymmetric. These tires cater to different driving needs, with the Sport All-Season providing enhanced handling and the F1 Asymmetric offering superior performance for sports cars. Overall, Goodyear’s Eagle range of tires is known for its quality, durability, and performance. The Historical Journey of michelin xzl Michelin XZL tires have a rich history that dates back to the 1950s. Originally designed for military vehicles, these tires were known for their exceptional off-road performance and durability. Over the years, Michelin has continued to refine and improve the XZL tire, making it a popular choice for both military and civilian applications. The key range of products offered by Michelin XZL includes various sizes and load capacities to cater to different vehicles and terrains. The XZL 365/80R20 is a popular choice for heavy-duty trucks and off-road vehicles, providing excellent traction and stability. Another notable product is the XZL 14.00R20, which is designed for military trucks and armored vehicles, offering enhanced resistance to punctures and cuts. In addition to these, Michelin also offers the XZL 395/85R20, which is commonly used on military and commercial trucks. This tire provides excellent grip on various surfaces and has a high load-carrying capacity. Overall, the Michelin XZL range of products continues to be a reliable choice for those seeking superior off-road performance and durability.   In a hurry here are our top 6 tire recommendations: Best Budget Tires Best Mid-Range Tires Best All-Season Tires Best Summer Tires Best Winter Tires Best Performance Tires goodyear mvt : Pros and Cons When it comes to tire selection, every tire brand showcases a distinct array of advantages and disadvantages. Below are the pros and cons of goodyear mvt Pros: – Excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces – Durable and long-lasting tread life – Provides a smooth and comfortable ride – Performs well in various weather conditions – Offers good handling and stability Cons: – Can be expensive compared to other tire brands – Limited availability in certain sizes and models – Some users report increased road noise compared to other tires michelin xzl : Pros and Cons When it comes to tire selection, every tire brand showcases a distinct array of advantages and disadvantages. Below are the pros and cons of michelin xzl Pros: – Excellent off-road traction and durability – Long-lasting tread life – Good performance in various weather conditions – Suitable for heavy-duty vehicles – Provides a smooth and comfortable ride Cons: – Higher price compared to other tires in the market – Limited availability in certain regions – May produce more road noise compared to some competitors Comparison: goodyear mvt vs michelin xzl Key Differences When comparing goodyear mvt and michelin xzl, there are several key differences to consider. These differences include pricing, warranties, fuel efficiency, comfort, wet performance, dry performance, winter performance, and noise performance. Check out these other comparisons. Let’s now dive deeper into how goodyear mvt and michelin xzl perform in each of these key focus areas. Pricing: – Goodyear MVT is generally priced lower than Michelin XZL. – Goodyear MVT offers a more budget-friendly option for consumers. – Michelin XZL is typically priced higher due to its reputation and premium quality. – Michelin XZL is considered a high-end tire brand, while Goodyear MVT is more of a mid-range option. – Pricing for both tires may vary depending on the size and specific model. Warranties: – Goodyear MVT offers a 6-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. – Michelin XZL provides a 7-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. – Goodyear MVT warranty covers the tire for 6 years from the date of purchase or until the tread wears down to 2/32 of an inch. – Michelin XZL warranty covers the tire for 7 years from the date of purchase or until the tread wears down to 2/32 of an inch. – Both warranties are limited to the original purchaser and are subject to specific terms and conditions. Fuel Efficiency: – Goodyear MVT (Military Wrangler MT/R) is designed for military use, while Michelin XZL (XZL 365/80R20) is a commercial tire. – Goodyear MVT has a higher rolling resistance, resulting … Read more

What two things pop into your mind when you think of a car? You probably guessed it right—the body and the tires. When you look at the wheel, you are quick to notice the tire’s rims and sidewall. Speaking of the sidewall, some of you may wonder where this part is and what it does. Well, true to its name, it is the part between the tread and bead that forms a kind of wall on the exterior and provides stability to the vehicle. Therefore, any crack, tear, or puncture occasioned by this part is sidewall damage. It can be caused by anything that causes the sidewall to perforate or rip, impairing its ability to act as a protective layer of the wheel and provide stability. Caution should be taken if this part is damaged, and immediate action should be taken. One should either take out a spare tire or call a mechanic. One should not drive knowingly with this damage because any weakness in this part may cause the tire to burst and cause an accident that may be catastrophic. Causes of sidewall damage Tire sidewall damage: You may be wondering what causes this sidewall damage. A definite list does not exist, but the baseline is any activity or incident that can cause a sidewall puncture. I have gathered a comprehensive list to alert all automobile owners to this severe problem. Below are some of these things; 1. Road hazards One of the causes of this damage is driving over potholes or heavy debris. This reckless driving causes the sidewall to experience wear. This leads to a breach in the wall’s durability and integrity, exposing it to damage. Therefore, one should avoid driving through unworthy roads filled with potholes and driving at high speed on roads such as marram roads due to the high level of debris present. 2. Under or over inflation If you are a driver, you know that tire pressure is one of the checkboxes that must be ticked before thinking of driving or cruising anywhere. The average tire pressure is 32–35 psi. Anything above or below this may cause the tire to burst or get a puncture, leaving one at risk of an accident. 3. Age and wear Nothing lasts forever, and the tire is no exception. A good tire can last up to three to five years and cover over five thousand miles when well maintained. However, it is subject to wear and tear and should be replaced after this period to avoid bursts and punctures causing sidewall damage. 4. Improper storage Tires should be stored in a cool place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Excessive heat causes the tire tubes to bulge, resulting in sidewall damage. They should also be cleaned, but not with corrosive substances such as petroleum products. Signs of Tire Sidewall Damage A good driver is an observant driver. Some signs may warn you of the possibility of sidewall damage to your tire before it is too late. The presence of leakage in air pressure is one of them. If you keep experiencing the need to pump your tires more often, see a mechanic as soon as possible, for this may be occasioned by sidewall damage from activities such as driving through potholes. Punctures or sidewall cuts and bulges in the tire are another sign. This may be due to sharp objects, driving over curbs, and too much direct heat. Talking of heat, this may also cause “dry rot,” which is the cracking of tires, causing them to weather prematurely and being another indicator for sidewall damage. Consequences of Ignoring Tire Sidewall Damage Sidewall damage is a disaster just waiting to happen. When noticed, one should take action immediately; otherwise, it would lead to further damage to the tire. Continued ignorance leads to reduced tire life as they age faster due to cracks. This further leads to the risk of a tire blowout, which may be fatal at high speeds. As stated earlier, one of the importance of the sidewall is the stability of the vehicle. When sidewall damage is ignored, it leads to increasingly poor handling and stability, eventually leading to loss of control and an accident. Prevention and Maintenance Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, taking care of your tires and driving carefully is the first step to ensuring the safety of your tires. But how can you precisely ensure the maintenance of your tires? The first step to taking care of your tires is to check the tire pressure of your wheels regularly. It would help if you had a tire pressure gauge to do this and always ensure the results fall within 32-35 psi. Simultaneously regularly use a tread depth gauge and ensure your tread depth reads 32/32 inches. The second step is storing tires away from direct sunlight, which causes blisters to the tire, heat, and chemicals whitehat corrode the tire, and all are perpetrators of sidewall damage. Another critical step is to permanently change the tires every 5000–7000 miles or 3-5 years to maintain the durability and integrity of the tire, reducing the risk of sidewall damage. Driving carefully means driving on road-worthy roads, under the speed limit, and avoiding hitting potholes and debris, reducing the risk of punctures to the sidewall. How to Address Tire Sidewall Damage Sidewall damage is more common than you may think; therefore, it is necessary to arm yourself with the dos and don’ts of the situation. It all depends on the degree of damage to the tire’s sidewall. If the problem is minor, patching or plugging may be a quick solution. However, this should be the last resort if you are still looking for a replacement. Otherwise, any damage to the sidewall should result in the change of that tire as a precautionary measure. If the damage is severe, the tire must be replaced immediately, and patching is no longer an option. This is the case also if, on analysis, the damage is found to … Read more

Cars have wheel bearings on both the front and rear wheels. The role of these wheel bearings is to reduce friction when the wheels are spinning. When there’s increased friction, the car tires and wheels will generate a lot of heat which sometimes can be dangerous for its general performance. Wheel bearings serve as wheel and tire lubricants which assist in reducing heat. Wheel bearings are mainly installed in the steering assembly and wheel drive axles. These bearings can last for years, although it’ll depend on the frequency of driving the vehicle. One of the most common questions most car owners ask is whether a bad wheel bearing affects gas mileage. This has been a subject of debate among people across the globe. In reality, bad wheel bearings can affect many things in vehicles, including mileage, speed, acceleration, and brakes. When you drive your car with bad wheel bearings, you’ll likely see uneven tire or wheel wear and tear. This will make your vehicle lean on one side, thus increasing safety risk while on the road. Can a Bad Wheel Bearing Affect Gas Mileage? Most car owners usually don’t care about maintaining or replacing bad wheel bearings until it’s too late. Defective bearings make driving on roads risky. The main causes of bad wheel bearings include: Poor Installation  Wheel bearings will fail terribly due to poor installation, mainly associated with reusing aged accessories like bolts, nuts, etc., or using the wrong installation tools. This will increase accident risks. Uneven road surfaces Driving frequently on uneven road surfaces will damage your wheel bearings. This mainly happens when steel balls can’t reduce wheel friction further. Unbalanced wheels/tires Vehicle tires require routine maintenance to ensure they’re well-balanced. When they’re not balanced, they’ll put excess pressure on wheel bearings, thus causing damage. Driving conditions If you drive your vehicle frequently on water or mud, its wheel bearings will wear out after their grease is polluted and make them start malfunctioning. Accident A car accident can potentially cause damage to wheel bearings. In some cases, hitting speed bumps and potholes also causes them to malfunction. Quality Low-quality wheel bearings will likely fail faster, especially when exposed to harsh driving conditions. Regardless of the cause, bad wheel bearings will affect gas mileage in your vehicle in various ways. First, it’ll reduce your car’s speed and acceleration. When this happens, it means that your car’s engine will have to work extra hard so that it maintains its speed. Secondly, bad wheel bearings will make your car lean on one side, thus making its control difficult thus reducing travel efficiency. Impact of a Bad Wheel Bearing on Gas Mileage? Bad wheel bearings can be quite dangerous for your car. More so they can have an effect on your gas mileage. Below are the impacts a bad wheel bearing can have on gas mileage; Increased friction and drag on wheels Bad wheel bearings will increase friction and drag on car wheels. This will eventually slow down the car, increase wear and tear on the tires, noise emission, energy consumption, and increase rolling contact fatigue on tires. Reduced engine efficiency Defective wheel bearings reduce engine efficiency in cars. This mainly happens due to the increased strain and stress caused by malfunctioning bearings on the wheel. It adds unnecessary strain to the engine, which over time, reduces its efficiency. Increased strain on the car’s transmission Bad wheel bearings will increase strain on a car’s transmission system. This will make gear shifting difficult, which in turn will make your clutch wear out quickly. Make it difficult for wheels to rotate smoothly When your car’s wheel bearings begin malfunctioning, they’ll potentially make the transmission work harder, thus making it difficult for the wheels to rotate smoothly. This will also lead to wear and tear of the wheel over time if the appropriate action isn’t taken immediately. Increase in the rolling resistance of the tire Tire rolling resistance mainly increases with the applied torque. Bad bearings are the leading cause of increased tire rolling resistance. They make it difficult for the car to send the required energy to its tires, thus making its movement on surfaces and speed inconsistent. Can Bad Wheel Bearings Affect Fuel Economy? Generally, bad wheel bearings can affect fuel economy in vehicles. Studies show that there’s clear evidence that wheel end tightness significantly affects fuel economy. When your vehicle has bad wheel bearings, there’s a higher risk of the tires wearing out, increased transmission strain, and tire rolling resistance. All these put abnormal pressure on both the engine and the tires, thus making it difficult for the vehicle to move normally. This strain increases the fuel required to move to a certain distance by at least 20%.   Whenever your car’s wheels aren’t moving freely, you should check their bearings for damage and replace them. This way, you’ll improve fuel economy. How to Diagnose a Bad Wheel Bearing? Wheel bearings play a significant role in the overall performance of vehicles. They help reduce friction, improve wheel rotation, improve fuel economy and reduce unnecessary strain on the car’s transmission system. Below are the signs that your car has bad wheel bearings: Increased vibration and shakiness Damaged wheel bearings result in increased vibration and shakiness in a vehicle when driving. This mainly happens due to the increased friction that makes the wheels move out of their natural place. Grinding noises Wheel bearings act as lubricants in car tires and wheels. Bad wheel bearings will make the metal come into contact with other metals, thus leading to some grinding noises and excessive friction. Vehicle slows down While driving along the road, you might notice that your vehicle has suddenly slowed down from its usual speed. In most cases, this is due to worn-out wheel bearings, which can’t allow the tires to move smoothly as usual. Loose steering wheel Worn-out wheel bearings will make the steering wheel loose making it difficult to drive, especially on rough road surfaces. Worn-out tires When you keep driving … Read more

Tire mishaps have been implicated as the cause of more road traffic accidents and the resultant loss of lives and properties than accidents through all other means of transportation, whether on the land, sea or in the air! This is the singular and most important reason why tire maintenance and care should not at all be taken lightly. In addition, deflated or defective tires constitute a disturbance while driving by both being noisy and uncomfortable. We shall treat this issue of tire maintenance and care with the seriousness it deserves. (Read Also: Can I Use Tire Compressor For AirBrushing?Find Out) On whether you can leave your car packed with a flat tire or not, it requires that we look at all the possible consequences of doing so. To start with, as much as possible, guard against parking your cars or trucks with flat tires for long periods. (except when you jack up and let them rest on a jack stand. Check out this article on some of the Best Car Jacks/Stands currently selling hot on Amazon) When a vehicle with a flat tire is packed for too long, especially in the rains or cold weather, the tires are liable to develop weakened points, particularly where they are in contact with the ground. Firstly, when the vehicle cools and secondly, the weight of the vehicle rests squarely on the tires at those contact points. Eventually, these weakened points of contact with the ground will cause a bumpy sensation during driving and also become points from where the tires will later begin to get damaged. The weakness at these contact points become more severe where the temperature is very cold or the vehicle is left in the rains. So, Can i leave my car parked with a flat tire? No, you shouldn’t leave your car parked with a flat tire. Doing this will cause further damages to the affected tire(s). If you must do this, ensure that you jack up your car for the shortest period possible (24 hours at most) and get the tires fixed by your local mechanic as soon as possible. Make sure to make good use of jack stands when jacking up the car overnight. Additionally, ensure the car is parked in a secure environment – free from rain and other harsh conditions. Trending Searches Are There Any Negative Impacts Of Parking A car With A Flat Tire? Yes, there are certainly. First, the tires will become susceptible to tearing easily, particularly at certain weakened areas of the tires that bear the weight of the vehicle, and secondly, the rims of the tires may rust and become weakened too, especially where the vehicle is left in the rains or the scorching heat of the sun. Tires that are weak at some points are causative to bumpy rides and are also likely to burst open leading to serious accidents and loss of lives. In essence, fix all damaged or punctured tires, as soon as you get the chance, in order to prevent any hard luck stories when it might be too late. How Long Can A Car Sit Before Tires Get Flat Spots? Before we answer the question, it is good for us to know what a flat spot is. A flat spot is defined as the most badly damaged or worn-out section of a tire. There isn’t any definitive answer to the topic question as such, but generally speaking, most tires do not develop any flat spots just because they have been packed for a couple of days and more so when the weather conditions are favorable. Having said that, it is therefore obvious that tires commonly develop flat spots where vehicles are packed for several days or months, and it is for this same reason that flat spots are classified as either temporary or semi-permanent. The temporary kind of flat stop reverses itself after driving the vehicle for only a few minutes while the semi-permanent one requires more attention to reverse, where possible. (Read Also: Can I Use Track Tires On The Street?Find Out Now) Do Modern Tires Get Flat Spots? In fact, modern tires are the most prone to developing flat spots than other tires! This is much because high-performance or more expensive tires are designed for extra flexibility and consequently, they flatten more easily when the vehicles are parked they also have wider footprints, which make them pick up temperature variations on the road faster than other tires. Additionally, they are stiffer and also have shorter sidewalls that do not bulge much under heavyweights, which implies that their treads on the bottom of the tires flatten out more on the road. Through all these qualities, they essentially become tires that hang onto the roads and are more responsive at corners, even at high speeds. These properties render them more vulnerable to flat spots than other less expensive tires. Essentially, therefore, modern tires get more flat spots than all others. Why Do Tires Get Flat Spots? Tires get flat spots when they are parked for prolonged periods, particularly in the cold, due to the weight of the vehicle pressing on them the entire time. This makes the tires to spread out a little and flatten a bit at the points where they touch the road. The rubber of the tires thus stiffens as a result and hence flat spots develop in them. In addition to all the above causes of flat-spotting, tires can equally get flat spots in cases where they settle into a flattened shape when parked for long periods, as well as when they skid frequently during harsh braking. Flat spots are also easy to develop in tires when a minor flat spot from a previous incident gets worsened over time. The good thing is that temporary spotting can be sorted out by just driving on the tires for a short time. (Read Also: Will Snow Chains Damage Rims?Find Out NOw) How Do You Prevent Flat Spots On Tires? There are several ways … Read more