Grand Prix Performance - Costa Mesa, CA

All tires are designed to operate within a maximum load range designated by a code on the tire sidewall. Exceeding this can result in both excessive wear and reduced tire life due to structural damage, including the potential for sudden failure.

In most vehicles, the maximum passenger and cargo load for which the vehicle and tires are designed is printed on the same label that designates recommended tire pressures. That load, particularly in the case of trucks and SUVs,may be substantially less than the vehicle is physically able to contain. It is critical that the maximum allowable load never be exceeded.

When determining the actual load in your vehicle, don't overlook the tongue-weight of a trailer if you are trailer towing, since it also acts directly on the vehicle's tires.

If such a condition occurs, have your tires dynamically balanced as soon as possible. We can determine which tire is out-of-balance by driving the car.

Tire balancing involves placing weights in appropriate places on the bead or inner circumference of the wheel. Tires should always be balanced when first installed, and whenever they are remounted.

A "cross-rotation pattern"—that is, moving the left-front tire to the right-rear axle, the right-front tire to the left-rear axle, etc.—can best balance tread wear and maximize tire life. That sequence can be performed on any vehicle equipped with four non-unidirectional tires. Designated by an arrow on the sidewall, unidirectional tires must be rotated only front to rear and rear to front, on the same side of the vehicle, so their direction of revolution does not change.

All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles are best suited to a lateral rotation—left to right and right to left—at the same end of the vehicle.

Look for:

• Excessive or uneven tread wear, which may indicate improper inflation or steering and suspension misalignment;
• Cracks or bulges on the sidewalls or tread;
• Chunking of the tread or any indication of tread separation from the carcass;
• Signs of puncture, or nails, screws, glass, pieces of stone or any foreign object imbedded in the tire.

If you detect any of these conditions, bring the vehicle in for further diagnosis immediately. In most cases, punctures can be repaired if their size is not excessive.

In general, external "plugs" are not recommended. Repairs should be made from the inside, and a complete inspection made while the tire is off the rim. Sealing compounds and other emergency aids should be treated only as a means of moving the vehicle to a safe location for repair.

If abnormal tire pressure loss occurs, check the valve stems for leakage, as well as the tire itself.

Underinflation can have many causes, including a gradual loss of pressure through membranes in the tire itself. It is typical for pressure to drop approximately 1 psi per month and 1 psi for each 8-degree loss in ambient temperature.

Underinflation has immediate effects on vehicle handling (as well as fuel consumption), but its potential impact on overall safety and tire life are even greater. It results in premature and uneven tread wear on the outer edges. Underinflation also increases stress on the carcass itself, through flexing and overheating, which can lead to structural failures such as tread separation.

That's why it is imperative to check and adjust tire pressure at least once a month and before every long trip (over 250 miles). Recommended pressures are printed on a label located on the driver's doorframe or in the glove box.

Rotating your tires

-Makes them wear evenly since front and rear tires react to the road differently

-Have us check the balance and alignment 

-We will give you a clean bill of health or recommend adjustments

Check your tire pressure

-Proper tire pressure requirements are shown on the side wall of your tires

-Best thing to do is bring your car in for a tire check-up and inflation

Road hazards

-In a busy place like Orange County, debris in the road can damage your tires

-Drive carefully and avoid objects on the road

-If you hit something, have your tires checked for damage

-Chunks of tread, damaged tread or sidewalls can suddenly blow out the tire if you do not take -proper care of them

Don’t ever plug your tires

-You would be amazed at how many people think a $20 plug keeps them safe

-High-speed, freeway driving is a plug’s worst enemy.  We recommend getting a new tire -instead of a plug.

-Never get a tire plug in a sidewall.

When to replace your tires

-Most states have a tread depth minimum for getting your car inspected

-Since 1968, Federal law has required a built-in 2/32 inch bar to show you the minimum

-The time it takes to stop on a wet road can double when your tires have this minimum tread depth

-Consumer report recommends 4/32 inch

Proper tire care and safety is simple and easy. We recommend taking five minutes every month and before every long trip to check your tires, including the spare. Just remember to "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART: Pressure, Alignment, Rotation, Tread."

	Pressure - Under inflation results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. A tire can lose up to half of its inflation pressure and not appear to be flat!
	Alignment - A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires. Have a tire dealer check the alignment periodically to ensure that your car is properly aligned.
	Rotation - Regularly rotating your vehicle's tires will help you achieve more uniform wear. Unless your vehicle's owners manual has a specific recommendation, the guideline for tire rotation is approximately every 5,000 miles.
	Tread - Advanced and unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in adverse conditions. Visually check your tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also check for signs of damage.