Your tires are the only part of the vehicle that comes into contact with the road. And this makes them extremely important. Thus, it makes dollars and sense to ensure your tires are always in good working order.
Even so, several myths are floating around about tires and tire repair. Fortunately, the tire experts at Iowa City Tire & Service are busting these myths and laying down the truth. Let’s look at the top tire myths and separate fact from fiction.
Tire Repair Myth 1: I Don't Need to Check My Tire Pressure If I Have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
One of the top myths we hear surrounds the use of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). While helpful, a TPMS isn’t a replacement for physically checking tire pressure.
Most TPMSs are designed only to warn you when your tires reach a critically low point and become a matter of tire safety. In most cases, this means your tires have 25% less than the recommended pressure.
If you wait for the TPMS system to alert you of low tire pressure, you may have already lost maneuverability and could damage the tire. The best practice is to keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle and check your tires regularly.
Tire Repair Myth 2: All Cars Have Spare Tires.
Remember when all cars came with spare tires? However, a lot of things have changed since the ‘80s. Most newer vehicles have innovative run-flat tires. This makes the sentiment that all vehicles have spare tires a busted myth.
Tire Repair Myth 3: You Only Need to Rotate Your Tires Once a Year.
This myth may or may not be accurate, depending on how much you drive. Most manufacturers suggest you rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, which is usually in line with oil change intervals.
If you only drive 5,000 to 8,000 miles a year, you may only need a tire rotation once a year. But if you drive more, you should have your tires changed according to the manufacturer’s suggested intervals.
Tire Repair Myth 4: The Right Tire Pressure Is on the Tire Sidewall.
If you believe this myth, you’re not alone. However, it’s not true.
The numbers on the tire sidewall will let you know the type and size of tire you have as well as the maximum cold inflation pressure the tire is rated for. It’s not the recommended pressure for your tire.
Instead, the right tire pressure will be located on the inside of your driver’s side door. You can also find this information in your owner’s manual.
Tire Repair Myth 5: I Don't Need Snow Tires If I Have All-Season Tires.
Although all-season tires are a good choice because they are engineered for all conditions, these tires are not built for the blistering winters. And all-season tires pale in comparison to snow tires when driving in the wintery weather that is all too common in Iowa City IA.
Ultimately, choosing the right tires is a matter of tire safety. Winter or snow tires offer superior handling in deep snow and traction, which can be the difference between stopping your vehicle or skidding into an object.
