TIRE CARE

Hand Torqued - Eliminate Wheel Vibration

Improper bolt tightening can end up being a big headache. Some tire shops use air wrenches to tighten wheel lugs - Redwood General Tire does not. All passenger and light truck wheels are hand torqued. Redwood General makes sure the correct parts, tools and procedures are followed. An improperly torqued wheel can damage a hub, damage a car, or damage a life.

Torque wrenches cost $200 to $300 and need to be calibrated every six months. Redwood General uses calibrated, expensive torque wrenches.

Torquing by hand is mandatory on all custom wheels. Hand torquing is safer and more accurate. Improperly torqued wheels can cause tires to vibrate. If you notice a wheel vibration the problem may not be an imbalanced tire but an improperly torqued wheel. Let Redwood General Tire check your vehicle for improperly torqued wheels.

Run Flat Certified

Michelin has introduced a new technology tire called the PAX System. Redwood General Tire is certified to service the new technology.

Visit the Michelin web site to learn more about the PAX System.

Tire-Care Tips to Save Wear, Tear and Money

There's no question about it. There are times - economically speaking - when inflation is a good thing. Proper tire inflation is good economics. You'll save money on the replacement, fuel and drive more safely. Redwood General Tire offers these questions and answers to help you understand more about tires:
 

What works the hardest on my vehicle?
Tires work harder than any other vehicle component - bearing the load, cushioning the ride, making it possible to steer, move and stop.

What supports my vehicle on the road?
The tire tread makes contact with the road, but the vehicle is supported by the air inside the tire. Correct inflation (air) pressure is a major factor in tire safety, tread life, fuel economy and overall vehicle performance.

How much air should I put in my tires?
The correct inflation is the number of pounds-per-square-inch (psi) or air specified by the vehicle manufacturer for tires that are "cold" or haven't been running for three miles or more. You'll find psi information on the front, rear, and spare tires on the tire placard or sticker on the vehicle door jam or in the glove compartment. Load capacity for this tires is also shown.

The inflation, including that of the spare, should be checked monthly and before and after long trips. It's normal for a tire to lose 1 psi per month and 1 psi with each 10 degree drop in weather temperature.

How can I tell if a tire is properly inflated?
"Eyeing" a tire doesn't work, especially with radials which, when under inflated 5 psi or less, tend to "look" alright. You must use a tire pressure gauge. Gauges built into air pumps at service stations are often inaccurate because they get so much abuse. You can purchase a hand-help gauge for as little as $2 for a convenient pocket type or as much as $20 for a digital model.

What happens when a tire runs under inflated?
Wear will show on the sides or shoulders of the tire. When severely under inflated a tire is over loaded, flexes more, develops head build-up and runs hot which can cause damage and possible failure. Less sever under inflation results in sluggish handing and response.

What happens when a tire runs over inflated?
Wear will show on the middle of the tread. Beyond causing the vehicle to ride harder, over inflation increases stress on the tire, affects traction and strains the suspension system.

What about checking tires on a long trip?
Inflation pressure will increase 4 to 8 psi or more when the tire becomes hot from high speeds and long drives. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.

Can I save money with properly inflated tires?
You bet. You will save money in both tires and fuel costs. Tire technology engineers at Uniroyal Tires report the life expectancy of a tire drops approximately 25% and fuel efficiency does as well.