Tire Tread 101: Most Common Patterns

Written by Anthony Santana on January 7, 2019. Posted in TIRES

Tire Tread 101: Most Common Patterns

Directional

A directional tire tread shows visible patterns rolling in a singular direction. The pattern may also feature lateral grooves and an arrow on the sidewall that signals to that one direction. On the performance side, tires with directional tread allow for stronger resistance when hydroplaning. Due to the v-shaped pattern, water rotates evenly off tires to give improved traction on wet surfaces. Traditionally, directional tires are rotated from front to back, limiting overall tire versatility.

Symmetrical

If you are interested in a more long-lasting, silently performing tire, one with a symmetrical tread pattern may be a good fit. This pattern shows continuous grooves and blocks that run across the whole tire. Tires featuring a symmetrical tread can be rotated using various methods, allowing for a longer tire lifespan.

Asymmetrical

Unlike a symmetrical tread pattern, asymmetrical tread is a hybrid of patterns made to perform on wet and dry surfaces. Closer to the center of the pattern, you can find grooves designed for wet traction. Larger blocks made for dry roads take up the outer areas of the tire. An asymmetrical tire can be rotated in different ways.

For more information on the variety of tires available for your vehicle, contact us or schedule a visit with our team of experts at Elite Roads. We can set you up with the perfect combination of tires from a wide selection of brands.

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5 Ways to Customize Your Car

Written by Anthony Santana on December 6, 2018. Posted in TIRES, Wheels, Window Tinting

5 Ways to Customize Your Car

When you are a car enthusiast, there is no doubt you will be open to some custom upgrades to enhance your vehicle. Different modifications can provide a new, sleek look, while also boosting your car’s overall performance. If you have been toying with idea of adding some auto upgrades to your vehicle, check out these five key modifications suggested by our team at Elite Roads:

Upgrade Wheels

Take your car to the next level by upgrading to a new set of wheels. The right wheels can transform your vehicle’s character and performance. With so many different finishes and sizes of wheels on the market, you can choose a set that is perfect for your car. Types of wheel finishes include steel, alloy, and chrome. Recommended wheel brands include TSW Alloy Wheels, Black Rhino Wheels, and Niche Road Wheels. For an aggressive aesthetic and drive, you can also opt for staggered wheels, a wheel arrangement where the two rear wheels on a vehicle are larger than the two front wheels.

Upgrade Tires

One of the key factors that affects a vehicle’s performance is the car’s set of tires. Tires are the car’s only point of contact with the road, and they can strongly impact the quality of drive your car can attain. Customize your tires by deciding on the tread depth, rigidity, and width of each tire. Different brands, like Goodyear and Nexen Tire, carry an assortment of tire options. Be sure to choose a set of tires that reflects the needs of your vehicle, especially your wheels.

Apply a Paint Job

For a splash of color, consider custom auto and wheel painting. Professional auto painters can match the color of your wheels to the body of your vehicle and add any specific customizations to make the design pop. A paint job includes surface preparation, sealer, paint application, clear coat, and thorough buffing.

Add Window Tints

Aside from the protection window tints provide from damaging sun rays, this upgrade features aesthetic perks as well. Various shades of window tints are available for application based on the look and feel you are trying to achieve for your ride. Lighter tints are easier on the eyes, while darker tints allow for passenger privacy and an overall sleek design.

Install a Coilover Kit

Coilovers, or coilover shock absorbers, are a common performance upgrade for automobile suspensions. Car enthusiasts install coilover kits to reduce body roll with stiffer springs. Coilovers can also lower the position of a vehicle. Some popular coilover systems include Tein, KW, or Megan Racing – all offered at Elite Roads.

No matter your ultimate goal, investing in a few aesthetic and performance car modifications can take your vehicle to the next level. For more information on automobile services and potential upgrades, contact our South Florida team at Elite Roads.

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How to Avoid a Flat Tire During the New Year

Written by Anthony Santana on December 6, 2018. Posted in TIRES

How to Avoid a Flat Tire During the New Year

Check Tire Pressure

First and foremost, check the air pressure on all of your tires. The correct tire pressure for your car’s make should be listed in the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. All the tire pressures should remain consistent to ensure your drive is smooth and steady. An above average pressure on a specific tire can cause a rough ride, while a below average pressure can wear out a tire. Adjust tire pressures accordingly.

Carry a Spare

Carrying a spare tire inside your car can temporarily solve most tire issues in a pinch. In order to take full advantage of your spare, routinely examine the pressure on the tire. A spare tire’s air supply should fall in line with the correct tire pressure listed in the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. If there is a puncture in the spare, do not wait to completely replace the tire.

Drive Cautiously

The new year brings new developments and construction to our neighborhoods. Keep your tires safe from loose materials like nails, glass, and rocks by driving a few streets away from local construction sites. Also, be cognoscente of terrain when driving on uneven grounds. Maintaining a slow speed will allow your tires to drive carefully over unsteady land.

Professionally Rotate Tires

A professional tire rotation ensures each of your vehicle’s four tires will wear evenly over time. Even tire wear is key to attaining balanced vehicle handling. According to U.S. News & World Report, a car’s tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles driven. Revisit your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions to confirm the correct mile limit until your tires should be rotated.

Upgrade Tires

When all else fails, opt for a tire upgrade. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may want to invest in a set of tires that can extend the lifespan of your car. With the proper research and budget, purchasing new tires can improve your vehicle’s overall performance much more effectively than conducting routine maintenance on an old set.

For more information on the quality of your car’s tires, contact us or schedule a visit with our team of experts at Elite Roads. We can set you up with the perfect combination of tires from a wide selection of brands.

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Tips for Protecting Your Tires During the Summer

Written by Herd on May 11, 2018. Posted in TIRES

Tips for Protecting Your Tires During the Summer

When people think of vehicle maintenance for the summer, they may think about their cooling system and fluids. However, tires can be adversely affected by the summer and require attention. High summer temperatures can damage your tires and put your safety at risk. Humidity and heat can cause your tires to dry out and may lead to deterioration. Tire pressure may be increased and their sensitivity to damage may also be increased. However, there are proactive steps that you can take to protect your investment this summer, including the following:

Check Tire Pressure Regularly

As the temperatures increase, the pressure in your tires also increases. When your tires are over-inflated, tires may be more likely to blow out or have the tread separate from the tire. However, there are also dangers to under-inflation. Under-inflated tires produce more heat and have lower fuel efficiency. They can also make it more difficult to brake or steer your vehicle. The appropriate tire pressure is usually listed on the door handle, usually on the driver’s side door jamb. It could also be in the glove compartment or indicated in the owner’s manual. Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold for a more accurate reading. A tire in good shape will only lose 1-2 psi per month. If you are losing more than this, you may have a leak or other tire damage.

Wash Your Tires

During the summer months, you should wash your tires regularly. Regular washes and waxes can help prevent your tires from drying out or wearing too quickly. After washing your tires, you may wish to apply a protectant designed to protect against the summer heat.

Know Your Tires

The stamps on your tire can help provide you with important information about your tires. The treadwear, traction and temperature ratings are usually stamped below the composition, size, capabilities and speed rating. They could be on the side of the tire size. The temperature grade will be listed as A, B or C. A is the coolest running and the most resistant to heat.

Check Tread Depth

Check your tire’s tread depth. Most new tires have 11/32 inches of tread. Tires that have less than 2/32 inches need to be replaced. You can determine the depth of your tires’ tread by placing a penny upside-down in a groove of the tread. If Lincoln’s head is visible, you need to replace the tire. You can also rotate your tires every 6,000 miles to increase your tread life and improve the comfort of the drive.

Check Your Spare

It is easy to forget about your spare tire when it is out of sight. However, if you have a blowout or need to unexpectedly change your tire, it is important to have a safe replacement tire that you can use. Check its tread depth and pressure periodically as well.

Check for Damage

Analyze your tires periodically for any damage, punctures or leaks. Look for inconsistencies in your tires, like cracks in the tread or sidewall, bulges or inconsistent wear. If you notice any problems, contact Elite Roads for assistance.

Check Your TPMS Sensor

If your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light comes on, your tire may have a problem, such as low pressure. Some systems alert motorists when the tire temperature gets too high.

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Tire Maintenance Tips for Every Driver

Written by Herd on March 22, 2018. Posted in TIRES

Tire Maintenance Tips for Every Driver

Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Tires lose 1-2 psi per month as part of the natural process. If tires do not have enough pressure, they may not be able to support the weight of the vehicle, which can ultimately result in a tire blow-out and loss of control of the vehicle. Low inflated tires also result in a loss of fuel economy. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that fuel efficiency can be improved by up to three percent. You should check your tire pressure when the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours. The proper tire pressure may be listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, on the driver’s side door edge, on the door post or on the gas tank lid. Also, periodically check the tire pressure in your spare in case you need to rely on it.

Get an Alignment

Your tires may get out of line because of hitting a pot hole or a curb, resulting in your front end getting out of line or damage to your tires. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread-wear and should be corrected by a tire dealer. Have the alignment checked periodically as specified by the vehicle’ owner’s manual or if trouble such as a “pulling” sensation or vibration is experienced.

Rotate Tires Regularly

Tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Front tires often wear much more quickly than the rear tires. Periodically rotating the tires from the front to the back and vice versa can help the vehicle achieve even tread-wear on all of the tires. This can help increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance. In contrast if you do not rotate your tires regularly, you may have irregular tread-wear patterns that cause vibrations and discomfort while driving.

Check Tire Tread Depth Normally

Balded tires can result in tire blowouts and accidents. Proper tire tread depth can also provide good traction on wet roads and prevent accidents from occurring. You can check the depth of your tire treads by inserting a quarter upside down into the groove of the tire. If you can see above George Washington’s head, it is time to replace your tires. This is equal to about 4/32. Also, check for tread-wear at the bottom of the grooves on your tire. If the tread-wear bars appear flush with the groove, your tire needs to be replaced.

Visually Inspect the Tires Regularly

Another important maintenance technique is to visually inspect tires on a regular basis. Regularly observing your tires can help you identify any potential hazards that could result in an accident. If you hit a pothole, curb or other road debris, your tire may have developed a tear, cut, bulge or other damage that should be tended to immediately to avoid a blow-out.

Balance Your Tires

Tires that are properly balanced minimize uneven wear on your tires and also extend their life. Balanced tires limit vibration of the tire and wheels as they rotate. Tires should be balanced when you notice any vibration in them. Balancing is also necessary when a tire is removed from the wheel.

Avoid Road Debris

Avoid debris on the roadway, especially large pieces of tread that was removed from commercial vehicles. This debris can damage your tires and other parts of your vehicle.

Keep It Light

If you are traveling a long distance, consider packing less than you normally would. Overloading a vehicle can shorten the life of your tires. Every extra 200 pounds reduces your fuel economy by one mile per gallon. Your owner’s manual should contain information about the maximum load your vehicle can handle.

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