All Tire Questions & Answers

Jacking up a car may become necessary when you have a flat tire that you must change or you have work to be carried out under its chassis. There are various types of jacks ranging from floor jacks, light-duty jacks, or jacks that operate with round tubing, which are usually very cheap and unreliable. So, is it safe to jack up one side of a car? Yes, it’s generally safe to jack up one side of a car. Ensure the car is turned off, and the emergency brake is engaged before jacking up the car. Jacking up one side of a car obviously could mean either of two things, which are on the right or left or front and back of the car. Essentially, it is better to jack it up ( with a powerful jack such as this Electric Hydraulic Floor Jack) on either the front or back as against the left or right because when you jack up either the left or right, the pinch weld pivot may fold as it operates lengthwise, but with any of front or back, the stands can be put beneath the axle or suspension arms which are roundish and solid parts. In essence, the stands can turn on top of the jack stands as you lift the car which is a more stable situation. In this way, the stands are not likely to tip if you go about it carefully on a solid surface. Note that with a floor jack, the wheel is liable to slide as the lifting arm of the jack extends. Be sure to use the light-duty jack that comes with the car to change the wheel in case of having a flat tire. But, never use them for anything else, and be careful even at that, since the car can fall off in the process with possible dire consequences. Where Is It Safe To Jack Up A Car? The safest places to jack up a car are either the cross members or beneath the diff pumpkin. Although it is possible to jack up a car on any of its left or right sides, it is much better to do so from either the front or back of the car which accords greater stability. In jacking up any car, do so where steel structures meet which are renowned for their strength such as the part of the chassis rail to the rear of the support pad. (Read Also:Can Air Compressor Tanks Be welded?) The head plate of the jack which is that part of it that bears the weight of the vehicle must sit squarely under the jacking point and the load. The cross members and diff pumpkins are places that are good as jacking locations. Support stand placements must go beneath strong structures and never sheet metal. Any car part that you can dent with a hammer is not good enough to act as the jacking point of a car. Look out for suspension components and where gearbox cross members fit into the main structure of the car are good jacking points. Flat and level sections are good and the closer they are to the wheel the better suited too.(Read Also:Will Tire Chains Damage Driveway?Find Out) As a rule of thumb, never jack up a car on anything except on level and flat ground which preferably should be concrete structures. Note, even the firmest surfaces despite reinforcements with bricks or planks can still give way unexpectedly with lethal consequences, so be as careful as possible with this bit. Where Should You Not Jack Up A Car? Do not jack up a car at any place other than the designated places suited for this purpose which are the points where the jack engages. With most cars, the jacking points are made of reinforced steel that will support the car safely. The four jacking points of a car are under the rocker panels just behind the front wheels and in front of the rare wheels. To be certain about exactly where these points are, you should consult the user manual supplied with the car or consult your tire specialist. Never jack up the car anywhere besides these points of reinforced metal. Trending Searches Can You Use Only One Jack Stand To Jack Up A Car? First of all, what is a jack stand? Simply put, a jack stand is a strong object placed under the rocker panel of the vehicle beside or near the jack if you are going to slip underneath the car for whatever reason. The jack stand is meant to protect you as you work under the car should the car slip away from the jack and fall off it. Put in another way, the jack stand is that protection that is taken to make sure the car doesn’t come crashing on you should it slide off the jack. The jack stand is made to save your life. Well, one jack stand is enough, but should you need to move from one end of the car to another underneath as you work, then an extra stand is advisable.(Read Also: Will Snow Chains Damage Rims?Find Out NOw) After all, putting up an extra jack stand impedes nothing and takes little effort but remain on guard to protect your life. So, by all means, if you need an extra jack stand, set it up. You can never be too careful, right? How Do You Jack Up A Car With A Floor Jack? We shall go about this discussion in consecutive steps for easy comprehension. Below is the step-by-step process of how to jack up a car. Step 1 Before you embark on jacking up a car, find a safe location, and pull over to avoid accidents with other vehicles on the busy road. Make sure that the place you find will do just nicely so that the jack wouldn’t sink into the ground or bend at an angle. Step 2 Secure the vehicle by cutting off the engine … Read more

Proper care and maintenance for the tire are one of the ways you can avoid having issues with the tire. While many believe this, some people stated that there is a high chance of having issues with some tires, irrespective of the way you care for them. Due to this, many people wonder if there is any issue with Michelin commander 2. This is because it was produced by a brand that is popular for its quality product. In this article, we will highlight some of the likely issues you will have with Michelin commander 2 and other related information. TRENDING SEARCHES Michelin Commander 2 Problems To most riders, the quality of the tire is very important and they don’t compromise with it. That is why the Michelin commander 2 is popular among riders. To some, they love the tire because of its durability while some have positive things to say about the traction. However, there are complaints of issues about the tire also. The following are some of the issues. 1. Vibration This is one of the problems that many riders experience with the Michelin commander 2. Though this issue is easily noticeable, many people do not know the reason why the tires vibrate, especially when they have mounted them properly. In most situations, the problem with Michelin commander 2 is usually caused by balancing or maintenance issues. Continuous riding of the motorbike in that state is very risky. 2. Slippery Though good traction is one of the main reasons why some riders prefer to mount the Michelin commander 2 on the motorbike. There are, however, reports that the tire is slippery, especially in wet conditions. This means that the tires do not have good traction when it rains. This issue arises in most situations due to wear or lack of maintenance. 3. Easy wear Just like other products manufactured by Michelin, it is likely that the Michelin commander 2 comes with 6 years warranty but with limited mileage. However, some users of the tire have noticed that the tire wears out easily, especially the rear tire. Well, a tire is expected to wear but the complaint is that the tire wears quickly. This issue is usually caused by a lack of maintenance or handling. 4. Handling issue Riders need firm control of the motorbike for their safety. Many riders have, however, stated that they experience difficulty in handling the motorbike when they mount the Michelin commander 2 on their motorbike, especially when they want to corner. In most cases, the problem with handling the motorbike when Michelin commander 2 is mounted on the motorbike is due to a poor job during mounting. What can I do to resolve the problems with the Michelin Commander 2? Experiencing problems with the Michelin Commander 2 doesn’t mean that the tire is of low quality. There are solutions to the problems highlighted above. Michelin could even offer a replacement or discount on new tires. Here is a list of some of the things you can do to resolve the problems highlighted above. Seek help You need help when you begin to experience problems with the Michelin commander 2. The best place you can get help is to go to a wheel shop close to you. Explain any of the problems you are experiencing and the problem will be resolved. Though this might cost you a few bucks, you will be happy you did by the time you ride home. However, in a situation where a particular wheel expert is unable to resolve the problem after a few attempts, you should go to another. Balance the tire Poor balancing of the tire is one of the main reasons why the tire vibrates. If you are experiencing a vibration issue, it is recommended that you balance the tires and see if that would resolve the problem. Contact Michelin In a situation where the problem you experience with your Michelin Commander 2 is quick to wear, it is not recommended that you continue to ride the motorbike in such a state. You can contact Michelin for proper instruction on what you can do. If the warranty is still valid and you have maintained the tire correctly, you can either get a replacement or get another tire at a discounted price. What can I do to make my Michelin commander 2 last longer? Despite its durability and lengthy warranty, the Michelin commander 2 might still not last long, especially when you do not care for it. Did you know what you can do to make the Michelin commander 2 last longer? If not, the following are some of the things. Work with specification Before you mount the Michelin commander 2 tires on your motorbike, you should know the specification of your motorbike. If you install a tire that is not the accurate specification, there is a high chance that the tire will wear quickly. You can seek the counsel of wheel experts before you mount the tires. Ensure proper mounting Working with your motorbike’s specification is not enough to increase the lifespan of the tire if you do not mount them correctly. For instance, tires that are not properly balanced will wear quickly. If you need help with mounting the tires on your motorbike, you should go to a wheel expert. Proper maintenance Some of the problems with the Michelin commander 2 are caused by a lack of proper care. Therefore, if you want your tire to last for a longer duration, you should care for it the way you ought to. For instance, you must wash the tires regularly, maintain the recommended pressure level, have regular inspections, fix problems as soon as you notice them, and many more. Make use of only auto-rated soap when you want to wash the tire. You can read the manual for more information on what you can do to care for the Michelin commander 2. Be cautious You might be an expert rider but that doesn’t mean you … Read more

Have you ever had a slow leak that continuously deflates your tire but is nowhere to be found in the tread area? Yes, not all tire leaks are a result of a nail or screw lodging somewhere in the tread area of the tire. Some are on account of defects between the edge of the tire known as the bead and the rim and cannot be addressed the same way as holes in the tread area are addressed.  So, is a tire bead sealer necessary? Yes, they become necessary under certain conditions but are unneeded for a brand new tire and a new rim combo. To have a good understanding of the need for a bead sealant, when to use a bead sealant, how to make use of a bead sealant, how to make a bead sealant by yourself in your backyard, and other related issues around bead sealants, there are a couple of things that we must first have a good understanding of. Let’s start with what the bead is and how it works to keep the tire inflated. To identify the part of the tire known as the bead, take a close look at any available tire, you will notice three prominent parts, first is the part with the tread pattern, then the sidewall, and lastly is a thickened edge. This edge is known as the bead.  Trending Searches Every wheel has a done grove that runs along its edge and functions as the bead area where the tire’s bead is lodged upon installation. Once the tire is inflated, the air pressure keeps the bead tightly fitted with the rim, creating an airtight junction between the tire and the rim which does not allow the passage of air even without the application of a sealant. Therefore, there is absolutely no need for a bead sealant as long as the bead and rim are in great shape without any deformity. Given that the bead is kept tightly fitted in the groove within the wheel by the tire pressure, low tire pressure is one of the possible situations where the bead seems to come off from this grove. A bead lock may come in handy in this situation to help clamp the head to the wheel. Conversely, sometimes, the bead is seen to be tightly attached to the wheel in a frozen state making it difficult to unmount such a tire. This happens when the wheel becomes rusted from exposure to moisture, salts, and the surrounding air.  Here in this article, we shall consider when it becomes necessary to make use of bead sealant, how to prepare a homemade bead sealant, how to make a diagnosis of a bead leak, and how to apply the bead sealant appropriately. When should you consider using a tire bead sealer? Tire sealants can be applied to the tire even when it is in perfect shape without any leaks. This is done to prevent flat tires caused by thorns or nails. With the right sealant, the driver is likely to be unaware of when the tire picks up a thorn or nail as this is quickly fixed by the pre-installed sealant. When it comes to bead sealers, it is unnecessary to install the sealer when the bead and rim are in perfect shape without any defect. This is because the bead is not a common source of tire leaks as the air pressure within the tire constantly keeps the bead firmly fitted with the rim. However, there are situations where the leaks are neither in the tread area nor is the tire getting deflated as a result of a valve defect. In such a situation, one may consider checking the bead area for a possible bead leak. So, how is the diagnosis of a bead leak made? This is similar to how the diagnosis of a leak within the tread area or the valve stem is made. The first step is to rule out leaks within these two areas as they account for the most common cause of low tire pressure. This is done by spraying soapy water or a widow spray over these areas while looking out for air bubbles. The presence of air bubbles following the allocation of the water is diagnostic of a hole within the tread area or a valve defect. Holes in the tread area can be fixed using a tire sealant such as slime depending on its diameter or by applying a patch or a tire plug. The method of choice depends on the situation, the size of the hole, expertise, and availability of the needed resources.  After ruling out the tread area and the valve stem, if none of these is the culprit, then the soapy water should be prayed over the bead area, that is, the junction between the lip of the tire and the rim while observing for air bubbles, the presence of which signifies a defect in this formally airtight region. So, now did an airtight junction suddenly become the cause of your flat tire? Well, under certain conditions such as infiltration of the wheel to water and sometimes salt used on the road during winter, the fine grove within the will where the tire’s bead lodges may get corroded. This creates the gap through which air escapes out of the tire. The wheels type of construction material is an important determinant of its susceptibility to rust and corrosion. For example, studies have shown wheels of alloy or aluminum are the most susceptible to corrosion. Application of anti-rust and anti-corrosive agents in such a wheel may save the tire from experiencing a head leak.  You are probably thinking at this point of alternatively using tire sealant such as slime in place of the bead sealant. The diagnosis of bead leak is relatively rare compared to leaks within the tread area. Therefore most persons may not have a bead sealant lying around the house and may be forced to consider other alternatives. Unfortunately, slime … Read more

A flat tire can be adjudged as a symbol of a bad day indeed, particularly when we take into consideration what the possible implications are. This could mean a journey aborted or delayed, an appointment lost or leading to a bad first impression. Family members, friends, or loved ones may also be disappointed for an outing well planned not going through. We could go on and on… and on… In this article, we’ll be discussing in great depth on how long your car should sit with a flat tire, whether it’s recommended to leave your car flat tire overnight or not and so much more. Let’s get straight into it. So, how long can a car sit on a flat tire? It’s not recommended to let your vehicle stand on a flat tire for more than twenty-four (24) hours. Leaving it for longer that this could lead to permanently damaging the tire as well as your rim. Should you not have an option, then at least ensure the car is jacked up for the night (overnight) then can work out on the right solutions immediately after. In the event that you allow the car to sit on it for too long, you risk damaging the tire completely because of damage to the rubber fabric that bears the weight. The situation worsens if you leave them for long during cold temperatures or when it’s raining. In such instances, the rims may be subjected to rusting – and could lead to your car rims being damaged completely if left for a much longer period. In a nutshell, a car must not be allowed to sit on a flat tire for longer than a day, at best, and be sure to park it in a place that is less cold and away from the rains. Pro Tips: If you’re worried about damaging your wheels/tires then I suggest that you jack up the side with the flat tire and put it on a jack stand/block pending when you can afford the time to fix the tire. Here’s a detailed article on some of the Best Car Jacks/Stands currently selling hot on Amazon you might want to check out. Is It Bad To Keep A Flat Tire Overnight? Not necessarily. If the car has not been driven prior to the flat tire and is also parked in a conducive environment that poses no risk to the tire. On the other hand, if the tire was removed from the rim and no longer bearing any weight throughout the night, that would be even better. Alternatively, you may jerk up the car on its chassis and take off the weight of the vehicle on the tire. This is the recommended approach, where applicable. In this case, the most obvious option is to remove the tire from the car or jerk up the car to relieve pressure on the tire for the night and then expedite efforts to resolve the problem. This will also save unnecessary expenses by safeguarding the tire, which you may otherwise have to replace. Trending Searches Will a Flat Tire Damage The Rim Yes, it can, particularly in instances where you drive the car despite the flat tire, a situation that is bound to worsen depending on for how long such a car is driven on the flat tire and on what kind of road too. Driving a car on a flat tire is capable of degrading the rubber fabric of the tire as well as the wire lining in its tissue. It is best to park the car in a secure location and change the affected tire with a spare if you have and can do it. If you cannot do it all by yourself, get a mechanic to help you out. There isn’t a situation where a car can be left on a flat tire for a long period and even in the rains. In such circumstances, you risk both losing the rim to corrosion and the tire to degradation due to the weight it’s bearing. So, will a flat tire damage a rim? yes, a flat tire can certainly ruin your vehicle’s rim. Is it Bad For a Car to Sit on a Flat Tire It’s not recommended for your car to sit on a flat tire for a long period. At most, you should let your car sit on a flat tire for at-least 24 hours. Leaving your car sit on a flat tire for more than 24 hours could pose some serious issues to your tires – including completely damaging your tires or even damaging your rims if it’s left in some cold temperatures or during the rainy season. Always aim to have your flat tire fixed as soon as possible. You can always use a fix a flat a temporary option as you try and figure out a much more permanent solution. So, try to avoid leaving your car from sitting on a flat tire for long periods – this will help in ensuring both your tires and rims serve you for a much longer period. Can You Leave a Flat Tire Overnight You could be wondering, is it ok to leave a flat tire overnight? or Can a car sit on a flat tire overnight? In this section, we’ll be covering this crucial question and help provide the right solutions for you and your car. So, can you leave a flat tire overnight? Yes, you can certainly leave a flat tire overnight. Leaving your flat tire overnight shouldn’t cause any issues but should aim to get it fixed as soon as possible. Your car can sustain a flat tire for about 24 hours before any further damages are inflicted on the affected tires. The best alternative, is to jack up your car overnight to help relieve any pressure to the affected tire(s). This will help prevent any further damages to the flat tire before you get it fixed. You could also opt to use a fix … Read more

Carrying a bike in a car is a very common sight on our roads much as it is in most countries of the world. However, in many places, it has been made mandatory nowadays that, henceforth, all bike-carrying cars will be stopped and verified as to whether the method of haulage puts the safety of other road users at risk or not. Complicity in this regard will attract a fine of up to Rs 5000 unless you have proper permissions from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Can A Bike Fit In A Toyota Corolla? Certainly YES, a bike can fit into a Toyota Corolla depending on whether it is out in well or not. Most importantly, you may have to take off one of the front tires before it can fit in the trunk. Furthermore, you should also take off the quick release on the break. Next, make sure that you pull the wheels out and keep them in the back of the car.  In some instances, you can take off both wheels if you wish to make it easier. Can a bike fit in a car without taking it apart? Certainly, a bike can conveniently fit in a car without the need to take it apart, although a lot rests on how you are carrying the bike, the size of the booth, and how well you place the bicycle in the car. However, if you want to do it conveniently, you may have to take at least one of its tires off, usually the front tire. Alternatively, you can take off the two tires if you wish, which will make the entire enterprise easier for you. How do you transport a bike inside a car? First, make sure that you slide the bike in gently if you are transporting it in the trunk. While doing this, ensure that the chain rings and the chain do not catch on the side of the car. Also, it is a good idea to have a sheet of paper or a rug spread on the floor of the trunk to prevent scratches and dents on either the bike or the walls of the trunk. In the alternative, you can remove the quick release on the brake and pull the wheel out, which you should store in the back of the car along with the bike. Then, take the pedal and put it up there like the other, so that the bike can rest on its seat. Other ways of transporting a bike in a car may not involve putting it in a trunk, but rather onto a rack on the roof of the car, or even by placing it securely on any of the sides of the vehicle.  How do you fit three bikes in a car? The first thing to do when you plan to carry three bikes in a car is to fit the top straps. To do this, open your boot thread straps over the top edge thereby leaving the dumbells hanging inside the vehicle. Make sure that they won’t be crushed while you try to close up the boot. If you go about this as it should be, it is indeed very easy to fit three bikes in a car all at once. However, in most cases where 3 bikes are transported at once, the wheels of one of the bikes must be removed. Expectedly, some cars by their natures and sizes are better at transporting 3 bikes at once than others, such as any Honda with three seats across the front. (Read Also: Can I Drive Long Distances With A Patched Tire?) Can you put bike racks on any car? It is certainly easy as explained to fit bikes in a car just like it is to mount a bicycle rack on it. You can mount a bike rack on practically any type of car such as SUV, trucks, Honda, and Toyota models with great widths. All you may need to be able to mount a bike rack on a car is to buy the correct rack and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions while mounting the rack as well. This will endure a very proper fit. How do you attach a bike to a car without a rack? This, like all of hers, is easy to accomplish also, if you go about it meticulously. First, drop the rear seats down and then be dire to put the bike in drive gear. There are other methods of doing it too. (1). First, you can carry the bike on top of the car. This can only be done if you do not mind the condition of your car or the bicycles because of these methods of haulage. In this method, it is common for people to strap the bike to the roof of the car. However, this is strictly a gamble especially since the bike can fall off suddenly. In any case, you should mount the bike on the roof of the car upside down for hauling on an unsafe road, not to mention the risks it can pose to other road users. Trending Searches Can a bike fit in a coupe? A bike can conveniently fit in a coupe. Notably, most bikes can perfectly fit into even small cars and sedans. However, you may as usual need to take one or both wheels off to be able to fit the bike into the trunk or of the car. Despite this provision, many cars can indeed transport a vehicle without necessarily the need to take off any of its wheels, if you would only take the necessary time to do it meticulously. This does not in any way imply that it is easy to accomplish since stocking a home in the trunk of a small car can be quite tricky indeed. (Read Also: How Fast Can You Drive With Tire Chain?Find Out Here!) Bigger cars like family Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV) and Sports Utility Vehicle(SUV) have bigger rooms that will … Read more