An Ode to Tires (National Tire Month)

Have you ever worn flat-bottom sneakers on a hike or walk, and resulted in excruciating pain and regret? Wearing the right shoes for an activity is essential to better performance. When it comes to your vehicle, having the right shoes, or tires as it’s more commonly referred to, ensures peak performance and durability to tackle any challenges the road may offer. National tire month is rolling in, and commemorating this event, we would like to go over the key aspects of tires and why it’s essential to invest in the right tires for your vehicle. 

Tires have come a long way in development and ingenuity to maximize efficiency and effectiveness on the road. Different aspects go into characterizing a good tire and assuring that the tires are receiving proper maintenance:

Tire Size -- It is crucial to choose the right size tire for your vehicle. The right size is most commonly imprinted on the sidewall of the tire and written in a series of numbers and letters such as 245/60R16. The first numbers indicate the tire’s width, while the numbers after the dash indicate the aspect ratio, which is the sidewall as a percentage of the width. The smaller the number, the smaller the sidewall will be with sportier cars running 30-40 and SUV’s 45-60. The following letter, R in this case, signifies the construction, which in this case refers to a radial tire. The ending number stands for the rim size, which fits within the tire.

Tire Pressure -- Checking your tire pressure is both easy, cost-effective, and can save you from having an accident on the road. There are three ways to measure your PSI, or pounds per square inch, including digital pressure gauges, dial pressure gauges, and pen-type pressure gauges. Usually, the recommended pressure is around 30-35 PSI, but we recommend checking the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Trims -- There are four types of tire trims which include directional, symmetrical, asymmetrical, and directional/asymmetrical. Directional thread is meant to be one-direction driven and offers grooves that move water out of the way to prevent hydroplaning. Hydroplaning refers to the loss of steering and braking due to a small layer of water coming between the surface of the tire and the ground. The symmetrical thread includes symmetrical grooves found on non-high performance vehicles due to the tire running smoother and having higher durability. Asymmetrical is the type of thread most commonly used in high-performance cars since it combines various groves to offer maximum grip for better handling and control. Directional/asymmetrical tread tires provide a mix of two threads by incorporating a v-shape pattern that offers high handling and control while still having the capability of repelling water.

Different Types of Tires -- It is also vital to identify the types of tires you will need for your vehicle. The categories include Summer tires, Winter tires, and all-season tires. Summer tires offer the best performance in dry and wet conditions in warmer climates. Winter tires, on the other hand, are better suited for snow and ice in colder climates. All-season tires offer shared characteristics of both summer and winter tires. Although all-season tires still offer some of the features of winter tires, auto mechanics recommend sticking to designated winter tires for harsher conditions. 

As we get closer to summer vacations and traveling on the road, it’s important to remember the importance of maintaining your tires in good shape. Avid Autoworks would like to remind you this national tire month to prioritize your vehicle’s safety and stop by for any service needed. Get a head start on Summer fun and schedule your appointment here with us or visit our shop at 5591 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227 to ensure you are ready for the road!