Black Tires

Here’s more of a “did you know?” than a tip – but still kind of interesting:

The reason tires are black is because of an additive used to make the rubber stronger. It is called carbon black and it actually help hold the rubber together. It’s produced by the incomplete burning of oil or gas and has been used in tires since 1912. Prior to that, clay was used as a reinforcing agent. Take a look at a rubber band and you’ll see the more natural color of rubber. When clay was used prior to 1912, it caused tires to show more of the rubber’s natural tan color.

Carbon black is still the best strengthening agent that can be used in tires. It chemically and physically attaches itself into the structure of the rubber. But the carbon black does tend to “leech” out of the tires. Handle some tires and then look at your hands. You can also find this out by leaving a tire laying on a piece of vinyl tile or section of concrete. The tile will stain and you won’t be able to get it out.

You’ll notice bicycle tires that aren’t always black, but they don’t need to be as strong as the tires on a car, truck or motorcycle. Some cars have white sidewalls or white letters; some even have colored inserts, but in each case the non-black section of the tire is the weakest.

This information may not be life-changing, but the carbon black in your tires is life-saving. Those tires would never stand up to the abuse they take without the strength that comes from the carbon black.

Full of Hot Air?

What’s the big deal about tire air pressure?

Keeping the right air pressure is as important as tuning up your engine. It may even save you more money than a tune up. The right air pressure makes your tires last longer, helps your car to handle well and makes it safer in every way. If your air pressure is improperly adjusted, you can end up with lousy gas mileage, shorter tire wear and poor handling. Your car or truck can even end up overloaded.

 

Don’t forget your tires…you need to take care of them!

Tires work pretty well most of the time, so they are easy to forget about. But tires lose air every day…rubber is porous and a little air seeps out daily. You can lose as much as two pounds of air pressure in a month on a perfectly “healthy” tire. In warmer weather, this can happen even faster. You should check your air pressure whenever you fill your gas tank; if you don’t do that, do it at least every second fill-up.  Some cars have a different pressure for front tires and rear tires. This is important…engineers spend years in school calculating these things.

 

How do I know how much air my tires need?

Don’t go by the numbers on the tire…these tires fit a number of different cars…some heavy and some light. Check your owner’s manual or the tire placard. This is found on the glove box door, gas cap door, doorpost or on your car door. This tells you a bunch of things you need to know: maximum vehicle load, air pressure and proper tire size.  Go to a tire professional for detailed information. Tires Unlimited / UnlimitedCARE Automotive Service has this information if you need it.

 

There are a lot of reasons that air pressure needs attention

Tire pressures change with the weather, one PSI for every ten degree change in ambient temperature is common. Sometimes you will have something that punctures your tire and actually stays in the tire. This can cause a slow leak because the nail/screw/whatever actually holds some of the air in the tire. Keep alert to your car’s behavior. Vibration, funny sounds or a pull can be indicators that you have a problem in this area.

 

Use an air gauge

There is no other way to know how much air is in your tire. A full tire looks pretty doggone similar to a very low tire…even to an expert. You need to check the tires cold. That means before you have driven even a mile. Yep…one mile of driving will cause enough friction to distort the readings on your tire. So who can check your tires the best? You got it…YOU CAN! Buy a good air gauge and ask a tire professional to show you how to use it. Tires Unlimited / UnlimitedCARE Automotive Service is just one of many places that can help you with this important maintenance issue.

 

What can it cost to neglect this?

If your tires are not kept properly inflated, you can lose from ten to fifty percent of the tire tread life that is designed into your tires. That is expensive! A tire with low air pressure also “drags” more and does not roll as easily; such a tire will contribute to poor gas mileage.  You can help keep things “green” by just checking your tire pressure. Be responsible. See a professional. Do your part!

 

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Wet Windshield

The time is coming soon (today?) for some drizzle of rain. Do you remember how clean your windows looked when your car was new? You can duplicate that experience with a thorough windshield washing and new windshield wipers. We recommend the (slight) extra cost for complete wiper blade replacement as opposed to just inserts. For one, they are easier to install and two, the spring tension is fresh and keeps the wipers pressed nicely against your windshield. As far as washing the windshield, Windex (or similar glass cleaner) does a great job. If you have tree sap or stubborn bug stains that bug and tar remover won’t correct,  invest some elbow-grease into a quick polish of your windshield using an automotive polish. Treating your window with Rain-X is also a great option. But don’t forget, however you get it clean, a clean windshield with new wipers makes traveling in the rain a safer experience.

GRAND OPENING

The day is fast approaching. We are opening the San Jose location on November 9, 2009. Come and see us then. The phone number is 408.418.2111 or email us via our website at www.tireabc.com

Economy Tips

ECONOMY TIPS

• Let it click

Don’t top off your gas tank when filling up. Additional gas is either going to get sucked back into the dispenser’s vapor control hose or leak onto the ground. Save a few bucks and stop when it clicks off automatically.

• Keep your cap tight

If your gas cap isn’t tight, gas evaporates. Your dollars…into thin air! A loose gas cap can also set off your car’s “check engine” light. That can be expensive and annoying.

So make sure that you tighten up your gas cap each time you fill up.

• Be cool

Have you ever spilled a little gas on the ground? How fast did it simply evaporate? The same sunny day that makes your car feel like an oven can also evaporate gas in your tank. Parking in the shade can help. Every little bit helps!

• Get pumped up

Am underinflated tire is a bad thing. More than one underinflated tire is worse. Tires with low air pressure wear out faster and they lower your gas mileage. Besides that, underinflated tires flex more than they should and this friction causes heat. This can result in tire damage and blow-outs. Low tire pressure can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 15 percent.

Remember: the correct tire pressure is posted on your car’s tire placard. These placards are usually on your doorframe, your glove box door or sometimes in the trunk. Your owners manual lists this information, too. Overinflating your tires is not good either. Know your proper air pressure and check it in the morning, before your tires heat up. Check your tire pressure once a month.

A digital tire gauge is a cheap investment. Get one and use it at least once a month.

Make sure you check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car has been sitting overnight.

• Maintain, maintain, maintain

Don’t skip your regular maintenance services. Air filters can clog with bugs, dirt and dust. Have the air filter checked at each oil change. A car that is not properly tuned can use up to 30 percent more fuel than it should. Keep your car maintained regularly. Not only will this save you gas, it can help avoid an unpleasant surprise caused by a failed part or improperly maintained vehicle system.