Now at Tire Pros, from March 1, 2010 to April 10, 201o, get a free TomTom GPS with purchase of any 4 Continental tires. It’s the Continental Go Anywhere promotion, now available at our local Tire Pros.

In order to have traction in the rain, tires need to be able to channel the water away; that’s why there are grooves in the tread. Rain tires, such as the Michelin HydroEdge, have one or two large grooves running around the tire for that purpose. By channeling the water away, the tread can make contact with the road (this is good, as it allows steering and braking). In contrast, a well-worn tire doesn’t have deep enough grooves to do this, and so can ride up on the water. This is called aquaplaning or hydroplaning (not good as you won’t be able to steer or brake).

In short, it’s not worth the risk by driving around on worn-out tires. Sure, you may not notice it if you mostly drive on dry roads, but when the rain comes and you’re sliding all over the place, you’re gonna wish you replaced those hoops.

Checking your alignment regularly is always a good idea. You’ll ensure your tires will last the full life for which they were intended. Ask your local Tire Pros for an alignment inspection today. Find your local Tire Pros here at Tire Pros Dealer Locator

The Michelin Ride of Your Life promotion is going on now at Tire Pros. Save $70 on any 4 Michelin passenger or LT tires. Promotion runs from October 1 through November 15, 2009. Call or visit your local Tire Pros today!

From now through the end of September 2009, save $60 on a set of any four Michelin tires only at Tire Pros. It’s our exclusive Zero-to-60 promotion!

Locate a Tire Pros near you by visiting us online at www.tirepros.com.

Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it with load-carrying capacity and affects the overall performance of the vehicle. The tire inflation pressure is a number that indicates the amount of air pressure– measured in pounds per square inch (psi)–a tire requires to be properly inflated.

Manufacturers of passenger vehicles and light trucks determine this number based on the vehicle’s design load limit, that is, the greatest amount of weight a vehicle can safely carry and the vehicle’s tire size.The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is referred to as the “recommended cold inflation pressure.” (As you will read below, it is difficult to obtain the recommended tire pressure if your tires are not cold.)

Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of vehicle, tire manufacturers list the “maximum permissible inflation pressure” on the tire sidewall. This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.

CHECKING FOR PRESSURE
It is important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure at least once a month for the following reasons:
- Most tires may naturally lose air over time.
- Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other object or if you strike the curb when parking.
- With radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine underinflation by visual inspection.

For convenience, purchase a tire pressure gauge to keep in your vehicle. And as always, if you have any tire related questions please visit your local Tire Pros. Click here (http://www.tirepros.com/dealers.php) to fine a Tire Pros near you.

Team Tire Pros

Checking for Wear
The simplest way to check for wear is to do the penny test. Place a penny inside the tire tread with the top of Lincoln’s head facing towards the tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is worn and needs replacing. The legal limit for tire tread is 1/16″.

Checking Alignment
It’s always a good idea to regularly check your tires for proper alignment. This way, you’ll ensure your tires will last the full life for which they were intended. Ask us for an alignment inspection today.

Checking Tire Pressure
Check your tire pressure monthly when tires are cold. Air pressure changes 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change. Always keep the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended air pressure in all your tires, including your spare.

Selecting the Right Tire
When purchasing a tire: buy the right size; consider factors such as load-carrying capacity as well as traction, tread wear and temperature grades. There is a difference between the lowest price and the best value.

Step 1
Check the inner and outer edges of the tire for wear. If either or both areas of the tire are worn down, this can indicate over-inflation. Wear on either edge is usually indicative of a wheel misalignment.

Step 2
Examine the middle of the tire. If the tread is worn in this area, the tires might be over-inflated.

Step 3
Look for random spots of wear, or bald spots. This type of tread wear means that the tires need to be balanced, or could mean that the suspension system is in need of repair.

Step 4
Note if the outer edges of the front tires are worn. This could simply mean that you are taking turns too quickly, resulting in tread wear.

Step 5
Compare the wear pattern on both front tires if you have front-wheel drive. The same pattern on both tires indicates that the tires need to be rotated on a more frequent basis.

Step 6
Take notice of any visible tread wear indicators. Most tires have horizontal bands that become visible once the tires have worn down to a certain point. Seeing these bands means the tires need to be replaced.

Welcome to the tirepros.com new blog site.  Because we’re experts on the topic of tires, we wanted to create our own blog to share with consumers. At Tire Pros, tires is what we do. And we know what works best based on your specific driving patterns, preferred requirements and price ranges.

We have our team of experts in various categories (i.e. performance, off-road, touring) who will be sharing some very useful information to help you before your next tire purchase. In addition, we’ll also be providing tire tips for ongoing care so you can get the most out of your tires and protect your investment.

Team Tire Pros