Ask the Experts: Tires Questions answered by our expert: Dettmer Tire and Auto Centre 2009-01-06 14:52:16 http://koolfm.com/experts/view/all/ 2009 Kool FM Isn't it easy to mount a tire on a wheel? Can't I do it myself? Never try to mount your own tires. Tire mounting is a job for the people who have the proper equipment and experience. If you try to do it yourself, you run the risk of serious injury to yourself as well as possible damage to the tire and rim. http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ 2008-03-06 08:00:00 EDT If I buy only two tires, should I put them on the front or the rear? When you select a pair of replacement tires in the same size and construction as those on the car, we recommend you put them on the rear axle. A single new tire should be paired on the rear axle with the tire having the most tread depth of the other three. When radial tires are used with bias or bias belted tires on the same car (not recommended), the radials must always be placed on the rear axle. Never mix radial and bias-ply tires on the same axle. http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ 2008-03-06 08:00:00 EDT Can I mix tire types on my car? Tires of different size designations, constructions, and stages of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability. For best all-around performance, the same type tire should be used on all four wheel positions. It is recommended that you NOT mix radial and non-radial tires on a vehicle. However, if mixing is unavoidable, never mix radial and non-radial tires on the same axle. If two radial and two non-radial are to be installed on a vehicle, the two radials MUST be installed on the rear axle and the two non-radials on the front axle. http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ 2008-03-06 08:00:00 EDT Do I have to replace my present tires with the same size tires? Never choose a smaller size than those that came with the car. Tires should always be replaced with the same size designation -- or as recommended by the vehicle or tire manufacturer. http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ 2008-03-06 08:00:00 EDT The other day I clipped the curb while parking and cracked my wheel and also got a flat tire. I have the spare tire on it now, How long can you drive with the spare on? Also in my area there is currently snow/ice on the ground. Is it less safe to be driving in those conditions with the spare tire on? Some spare tires are for temporary use only (indicated on the sidewall of the tire) and in this case, although they can safely travel a long distance, they can't be driven over 60 km per hour. Other spare tires are full sized and speed would not be restricted although it may not be a perfest match for the other existing tires. It is always recommended to have a matching set of tires for optimum safety. http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ 2008-01-24 08:00:00 EDT How often do I need a wheel alignment? You should have a wheel alignment done annually, unless there is a drivability issue. http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ 2008-01-24 08:00:00 EDT How often should I rotate my tires? The team at Dettmer Tire, along with tire manufacturers, recommend that you rotate your tires every 8,000 - 10,000 km. http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ 2008-01-24 08:00:00 EDT Is there a time frame or mileage point at which I can expect to need new tires? No, factors that impact the lifespan of tires are the quality of manufacture and usage.You want to check the tread wear of your tires to determine if you need new ones.Many tires will have tread wear indicators to let you know when it is time to start thinking about new ones.If your tires don’t have an indicator and you are uncertain we recommend you visiting a tire centre and asking for advice. http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ 2008-01-24 08:00:00 EDT Is it ok if all the tires on my car don’t match? It is important that you do not use a tire that is smaller than recommended and came with the car.Using tires of different sizes or ones that are in different stages of wear or made by different manufacturers can have a negative impact on how you can handle your vehicle as well as reduce stability. http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ 2008-01-24 08:00:00 EDT Why is it important to make sure your tires have the right pressure? Properly inflated tires will help your vehicle run more efficiently. http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ http://koolfm.com/experts/view/tires/dettmer-tire-and-auto-centre/ 2008-01-24 08:00:00 EDT