FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We often hear the same questions from our customers, so we've compiled a list of frequenty asked questions and answers below.

Q. How Can I Keep My Tires In Good Condition?

A.

When driving, your tires are the only thing between you and the road; that’s why it’s crucial not to ignore them. In 2009, nearly one million motorists required roadside assistance in just three months due to tire-related issues. Avoid being one of them by regularly maintaining your tires and learning key facts such as tire pressure, wheel alignment and tread and sidewall conditions.
Source: RoadandTravel.com

Additional Tire Maintenance Tips

Good maintenance doesn’t stop with checking your tires’ air pressure. There are a few more things you need to know to ensure your tires take you safely wherever you need to go.

Check the Tread Condition of Your Tires

Place a penny upside down in the most shallow tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then your tires need to be replaced (they are under 2/32″ of an inch).

Rotate Tires Regularly

Front tires tend to wear more quickly than rear tires. Periodical rotation of front and rear tires helps balance tread wear and extend the life of your tires. A good rule of thumb is to rotate them at every other oil change (or every 6,000 miles).

Proper Wheel Alignment

Driving out of alignment causes your car to compensate by overworking other internal components. Visit your local Uniroyal dealer to have your alignment checked.

Here are the signs to look for if you think your vehicle is out of alignment:

• If your steering wheel pulls one way or the other while driving straight at a constant speed.
• If your front tires are showing uneven wear across the tread width of your tire.

Inspect Your Tires

Regularly checking your tires keeps you safe and can minimize costs if slashes, cuts or other irregularities are found early. Here’s what can happen if you don’t inspect your tires:

Tread Cut or Puncture

This can lead to air loss or tire destruction. It can be repaired within recommended limits. Repairs cannot be made if your car has been driven while the tire is flat or the puncture is more than 1/4 inch or more than the tread section of your tire.

Sidewall Cut or Puncture

Happens when foreign objects penetrate the sidewall. Repairs are not recommended, so you will need to purchase a new tire to replace the damaged one.

Sidewall Cracking

Caused by over-exposure to harsh environmental conditions. When possible, avoid leaving tires exposed to extreme hot or cold weather.

Rubber Deterioration

Using chemical agents to clean or shine tires reduces tire life. Instead, use a non-petroleum product or warm water and soap.

Severe Under-Inflation

May cause tires to overheat, resulting in a wide range of visible damages.

For questions, call or visit your local Uniroyal dealer or call the Uniroyal Consumer Care toll-free line at 1-877-458-5878.

Be An Informed Consumer

Here are some tips to help you save money and feel better about your next tire purchase.

Choose Tires that Best Suit Your Vehicle

You can search by vehicle type, tire size, tire name or vehicle category with the Uniroyal Tire Selector.

Get the Facts

Check the size, load index, speed and traction ratings. Never choose tires that are smaller or have less load capacity than your original tires.

Consider Your Typical Driving Conditions

All-season tires are ideal unless you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow and winter conditions.

Don’t Buy Used Tires

Don’t buy tires based on the cheapest price you can find. You might pay slightly less for them, but warranty is also important during the life of your tires.

Replace Your Tires Properly

When replacing tires, try to replace all four with the same type of tire. If you only change two, place the new ones on the rear axle. Newer tires have much better traction and prevent your chances of fishtailing or hydroplaning during wet conditions.

Avoid Costly Repairs

Beware of the costs of not caring for your tires. Take a look at these statistics:

• The Tire Maintenance Council reports that tires running 10 percent under-inflated lose up to 16 percent of their tread life, causing you to replace them much sooner.
• Tires under-inflated by 30 percent lose up to 10 percent fuel economy and increase gas costs.
• The average downtime on the highway due to a flat tire is three to four hours.
• Roadside repairs cost an average of $400+.

Source: RVTirePressure.com

Did you know?

Tires can be recycled in many different ways. Learn how to help recycle them responsibly: CharityGuide.org