Learn & How To

Are you looking into buying used tires online? You might be looking at the images and thinking that you got yourself a deal – a cheap set of tires with a meaty tread. Unfortunately, the tread depth is only part of the story – tires also age over time, i.e., they dry rot.

You might have heard of the issue before, but it’s a real problem that plagues many tires that are still rolling on public roads today. And although it might not look dangerous on the outside, dry rot can significantly reduce the tire’s ability to grip the road, and it is a real safety issue.

But what is dry rot, and why does it occur in the first place? And can you do something about it? Well, there is a lot to discuss here! In this article, I’ll cover the dry rot basics but also go into more detail and tell you about the science of dry rot tires. So, buckle up because it will be a hell of a ride!

Should you repair the crack or just buy a new rim? The choice is far from simple, as it hinges on factors like safety, vehicle performance, and budgetary constraints. Most people opt for the repair option because it’s cheaper. However, I strongly recommend putting safety in context as well, as it should be the most important factor when considering any repair to your vehicle.

And as far as safety is concerned, the rims are some of the most important parts of your car, as they hold the tire into place. Thus, a cracked rim could potentially result in a sudden pressure loss, which can be dangerous if it happens at higher speeds.

So, what should you do if you have a cracked rim? Can a cracked rim be repaired, or should you splurge the cash and replace it with an all-new rim? You are just at the right place to find out everything there is to know about repairing cracked rims, so let’s start answering your lingering questions!

Failure to rotate tires can lead to uneven wear, compromised performance, and even dangerous blowouts. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire-related issues contribute to approximately 11,000 crashes in the United States each year. The good news is that proper tire rotation can help you avoid becoming part of that statistic.

Still, although tire rotation is simple and quick, you will need some previous knowledge to do it right. For instance, different rotation patterns are necessary for different vehicles, and you should also keep an eye on the frequency. Not to mention, it’s crucial that you always inspect the tires for wear and damage.

In this article, I’ll give you all the answers to your hunger for tire rotation knowledge so you can do it right the first time. So, buckle up and join me as I reveal the secrets to extending your tire life and ensuring a smooth, safe, cheap, and enjoyable driving experience.

Inner tire wear might look harmless, but it’s an issue that you should immediately act upon. Basically, it means that the inner side of the tread is wearing faster than the outer tread. And by the inner tread, I mean the part that is facing the suspension components of your car, not the outside. So, in some sense, inner tire wear is just irregular wear, albeit on one particular area.

Just like with irregular wear on other parts of the tread of the tire, inner tire wear can lead to serious safety issues. However, it can also indicate serious issues with your vehicle’s suspension, alignment, or other components. In some cases, you could also be the culprit!

But why do tires wear only on the inner area? What really causes the issue, and what can you do about it? In this article, I’ll take a closer look at inner tire wear, including its causes, symptoms, and how to prevent it. By understanding the factors that contribute to inner tire wear and taking the necessary steps to address them, you can help prolong the life of your tires and keep your vehicle performing at its best. Let’s dig in!

Tire chunking is a serious road safety issue that leads to many accidents annually. Not only can it seriously destabilize the vehicle, but it will also leave dangerous debris on the road, which could hurt other traffic participants.

For instance, road gators, which are parts of a tire tread from long-haul trucks, can lead to serious instability in other cars. Also, when you drive at higher speeds, chunks flying off your tires could potentially hurt pedestrians and cyclists.

Therefore, you should take tire chunking seriously and act upon it when you notice parts of your tires are missing!

An alarming trend is the tendency of vehicle owners to delay replacing their worn-out tires until serious issues arise, such as a complete loss of tread depth, tire bulges, visible wires, or cracks.

These tire-related issues not only pose a threat to the safety of individual drivers but also impact overall road safety. Among these concerns, cracked tires are particularly prevalent and often raise questions about their potential dangers. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the severity of the issue varies from case to case.

To help shed light on this critical topic, I have prepared a comprehensive guide that delves into the world of cracked tires, exploring the causes, consequences, and possible remedies.

So, buckle up and join me on this enlightening journey to better understand the importance of tire safety and the role it plays in ensuring a secure driving experience for all.

If you use a summer/winter tire combo on your car, you probably heard from the technician that the tires also need balancing. It’s a crucial operation as it keeps your tires from rolling efficiently and without vibration. The result of balanced tires is a smooth ride, sharp handling, prolonged tire life, lower fuel consumption, and better performance.

But now you certainly ask – what is tire balancing, and how long does it take to balance tires? And more importantly, should you splurge the cash and pay for balancing at each tire change? Today, tire technicians charge over $15 and up to $50 to balance a tire, so many people think that they could save some money and skip the procedure.

Still, although tire shops always seek to make higher profits, tire balancing is a procedure that will keep you safe on the road. Besides, it might also save you money in the long run since unbalanced tires wear unevenly and also faster. Not to mention, you won’t constantly hear your passengers complaining about weird noises and vibrations.

With that said, let’s have a closer look at tire balancing and see why it’s so important!

Tires are crucial for your safety, but also the safety of your family and other participants. Hence, it’s crucial to be aware of their health, especially for things like tire separation. This is a serious problem that you should not be taken lightly and one that you should immediately act upon.

But what causes tire separation, and what should you do about it? In this article, I’ll cover everything there is to know about the issue in detail, including legal stuff (if it happened because of a manufacturing defect).

Before we do that, though, let’s have a closer look at what is inside a modern tire, as that is crucial for a better understanding of the issue. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes tour of the tire factory. We’ll uncover the mysteries of the rubber compound, the steel belts, and the tread pattern. It’ll be like CSI: Tire Edition!

Now, informed people know that tires are very complex and not just a rubber donut attached to a rim. Each modern tire has several layers inside to keep it stiff and stable under load and also resistant to punctures. Oh, yeah, if the tire was only made from rubber, it would’ve punctured from sewing needles.

Hence, it’s crucial to be informed before attempting to fix a puncture because some areas on the tire are off-limits. Which, of course, brings the question – how close to sidewall can a tire be patched? I could simply give you the numbers, and you could go with your day (it’s 0.5-2 inches or 1-5 cm), but the truth is, not every tire is the same.

Therefore, a thorough inspection should be in order before you even attempt to plug or patch a tire, and you can follow this article as guidance.

How would you know if the white smoke from exhaust on startup on your car is dangerous or not? Well, that’s exactly what I’ll try to answer here. In this article, I’ll exhaust (pun intended) all causes of white smoke from exhaust on startup, so you can more easily find the culprit.

However, use this text only as a guide – nobody can tell you the reason for your car’s problems without looking at it. So, if you are not sure, please visit your repair shop and ask them for a detailed diagnosis.

Most of the time, it will be an easy fix, but white smoke from exhaust on startup can also mean some serious issues with the engine. In some extreme cases, you might need an engine rebuild and even replace the whole engine with a new one.

With that said, let’s have a closer look at all reasons for that white smoke coming out of your car’s exhaust and see whether you should be scared or not!