5 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT TIRES

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) wants to dispel the top five common myths about tires in order to help consumers get the most out of their tires.

Myth #1: "Just because a tire has low tread depth, it's still OK to drive."

Fact: Driving on tires that are below 2/32" tread depth is not only potentially dangerous to you and others on the road, you are not really saving money, because it can drastically decrease your ability to drive in adverse conditions, such as rain or snow. The results could be far more costly than the price of replacement tires. Consumers should visualy inspect their tires (including their full-size spare tire, if applicable) and check tire inflation pressure every month.

Myth #2: If you increase the pressure to the maximum recommended tire pressure, or even overinflate them, you will get better gas mileage."

Fact: While this myth is increasingly popular with "hypermilers," the truth is that inflating tires at, or beyond the maximum recommended pressure can not only increase tread wear prematurely, it can also make tires more susceptible to impact breaks from such things as potholes. Tires need to be inflated to the pressure indicated on the vehicle's tire placard, commonly located on the edge of the driver's door, the doorpost, glove box, or fuel door.

Myth #3: "If your tire becomes punctured by a nail or other foreign object, it can be repaired without taking the wheel off the car."

Fact: The only correct way to repair a tire is by taking it off of the car. On-the-wheel repairs do not ensure the tire's structural integrity, and there may be damage caused by the puncture that will not be detected. TIA advises consumers to ask their tire repair professional if they are repairing tires on or off the wheel before agreeing to the repair.

Myth #4: "It's OK to drive a car with one or more tires that have a slow leak, as long as you stop frequently to refill air."

Fact: This is potentially dangerous, because water can seep into the prenetration and cause permanent internal damage to the steel belts. Any leaks - whether slow or fast - should be repaired by a tire service professional immediately.

Myth #5: Using petroleum- or silicone-based tire cleaners/shines won't damage tires."

Fact: Many popular tire cleaners/shines contain pertroleum or silicone products, which will damage the rubber. Tire manufacturers add a wax-based protectant that helps to protect the tire against ozone, which will cause the tire to begin to crack and dry rot. This wax protectant is forced to the surface every time a tire is flexed as it rolls. The silicone ingredient in many common tire shine products dissolves this wax protectant, thus increasing the tires vulnerability to dry rot. Consumers are advised to read the label when shopping for a tire cleaners/shine, and make sure there are no petroleum- or silicone-based ingredients.

* 5 Common Myths About Tyres - Tyres & Parts Magazine - Issue 29, Sept. 2008 - Page 20