What are Run Flat Tires and Are They the Future of Mobility?

run-flat-tires

Tires have come a long way since their inception. Although the design hasn’t changed much, the modern tire allows for ever greater safety, particularly in foul weather, along with better comfort and longer treadlife.

Still, there is one technology that added an ability that conventional tires didn’t have – to continue driving in the event of complete air loss. It is called run-flat, and it took the OE market by storm, particularly among premium automakers. BMW was the first company to adopt run-flat tires across its range, but other companies, like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Mini, and more, also started employing run-flat tires as original equipment.

But what are run-flat tires, and are they a good solution for everyone? Should you switch to these tires for the added convenience of not having to change or fix a tire? I will answer these questions in-depth in this article, along with the pros and cons of run-flat tires, how they work, and what effects they have on the driving experience. So, without further ado, let’s unveil the mysteries of run-flat tires and see whether they are the future of mobility!

Are Stretched Tires Safe? Is it Legal?

Stretched Tires

Tire stretching has been a popular term in automobile maintenance for decades. Specifically, stretched tires also have long been a craze among many car enthusiasts. Many people in recent years are actively opting for this add-on. It is because tire stretching makes their vehicles look more powerful and heavy-duty. So are stretched tires safe? Is it legal?

When to Put on Winter Tires

When to Put on Winter Tires

Nowadays, winter tires are almost as comfortable as summer tires and do not wear out much faster thanks to technologies that have made the rubber mixture more resistant. On average, there is less than a 10% price difference between a winter tire and a summer tire. And if you read above, winter tires are the guarantee of stability, grip, and handling at the top in the hardest conditions. When you have all of this information, it will be easier for you to decide when to switch to winter tires.

Tire Sidewall Damage: Should You Replace the Tire?

Tire Sidewall Damage

Tire sidewall will often encounter punctures, tearing, and cracks, bulges, especially with torn or chipped car tires. It can cause high safety and lead to serious consequences. So, when the car tire is torn, sidewall tire damage, how should the drivers handle it? Fix or replace the new tire? Please refer to the article below to learn more about this issue.

Water Skidding 101: What is Hydroplaning?

what is hydroplaning

Drivers shouldn’t only care about accelerating, turning, and braking. You should also take care of other (jerk) drivers and various road conditions. One occurrence that still scares most drivers today is hydroplaning, which happens mostly during heavy rain, mixed rain, snow precipitation, and melted snow on the road.

But what is hydroplaning, and why do publications like us often mention it in tire reviews? Well, the simple answer is that it is standing water that prevents the tire from remaining in contact with the road. However, like with all things automotive, the full answer is much deeper.

So, buckle up and join me on a journey where we will find answers on how to minimize skidding on water and explain the science of hydroplaning. Let’s dive in!

Using Your Cents Wisely: What is the Penny Tire Test?

penny tire test

The Penny Tire Test is a method that has been around for years, allowing drivers to gauge whether their tire tread depth is safe and legal.

The concept is based on the physical features of a penny—specifically, the distance from the edge of a penny to the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, which is approximately 2/32 inch (1.6mm), the minimum legal tread depth in many places.

It’s a quick and easy method that anyone can use not only to measure the tread depth but also to check for uneven wear.

How to Install Tire Chains?

How to Install Tire Chains

Driving in the winter can be dangerous when you’re passing through places with heavy snow or black ice on the road. In either case, your vehicle may lose traction and grip. One option for driving on snow and ice is to put chains on your tires.

Even though snow chains have made a lot of progress in terms of ease of use, fitting them can sometimes be a headache, especially if it needs to be done in an emergency. An excellent method avoids a lot of worries. So, how to install tire chains?

How to Clean Engine Bay for Your Cars?

How to Clean Engine Bay

Cleaning the car engine bay is usually carried out every six months to ensure better heat dissipation, longer operation, and longer life. If the engine bay is full of dust, it will reduce the heat dissipation process and cause the machine to heat quickly.

If the engine bay is not clean, it is easy to attract insects and mice to nest. These organisms, after entering the engine compartment, often bite fuel lines, rubber gaskets, damaging the operating system.

To clean the engine bay, you do not have to take the car to the garage. You just need to learn some hygiene techniques. Finally, avoid spraying water to wet electrical parts, and choosing the right cleaning solution can be done at home.

How to Change a Flat Tire: Step by Step Guide

How to Change a Flat Tire

When driving, you need to equip yourself with some basic handling techniques. Changing a new tire is a simple task, but it has some caveats that not everyone knows.

To prevent bad things from happening to your tires while driving, arm yourself with the basics of this technique. Hopefully, through this article, you know how to change a flat tire with step by step guide to making you more confident in your trips.