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Tire Storage: Learn How to Store Tires Properly

Tire storage may seem like a simple task, but it’s important to do it correctly to prolong the lifespan of your tires and ensure they are safe for use. At Graham Tire, we’re committed to helping you care for your tires so that they perform their best for as long as possible. Here are some important tips for storing your tires properly:

Clean Them Thoroughly
Before storing your tires, it is important to clean them thoroughly with soap and water. Dirt and debris can accumulate on your tires while driving, and storing them without cleaning can cause the dirt to harden and damage the tire’s surface. You should also inspect each tire to make sure there are no cuts, cracks, or punctures that may cause issues later on.

Store Them in a Dry Place
Make sure to store your tires in a cool, dry and shaded place indoors. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as it can cause the rubber to deteriorate over time. Wet or damp conditions can also cause mold or mildew, so avoid storing your tires in damp basements or garages.

Keep Them Off the Ground
When storing your tires, avoid stacking them on top of each other, as it can cause the bottom tire to deform under the weight of the ones above. Instead, place each tire separately on a clean, dry surface, and if possible, store them vertically, rather than horizontally.

Avoid Using Oil-Based Products
While some people believe that using oil-based products can help preserve their tires, this isn’t recommended as it can break down the rubber. Instead, use tire protectant and cleaners that are specifically designed for the purpose.

Don’t Overinflate or Underinflate
Before storing your tires, make sure they are at the correct tire pressure level. Overinflating or underinflating them can cause deformation or other damage. It is also important to check the tire pressure periodically, especially if you plan to store them for an extended period.

Proper tire storage is essential to the longevity of your tires and is an important element of tire maintenance. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your tires stay in good condition for an extended period. At Graham Tire, we offer additional tire maintenance services such as tire rotation, balancing, and alignment to help you prolong your tires’ lives. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you care for your tires and keep your vehicle safe on the road.

Basic Information About Tire Replacement

An integral part of car maintenance is tire replacement. Sometimes, tires get too old or too worn out to be usable. Neglecting to replace them at the appropriate time poses a significant risk to your safety. Therefore, it’s essential to know when to change your tires. If you want to learn more, here are some basic tips to know when they should be replaced and how often:

Check the Tread Depth
New tires often have 10/32nds of an inch of tread. The tread is there to help the vehicle have proper traction on the road. And as you drive your car, the tread wears down due to friction. The US Department of Transportation has set the average legal minimum tread depth at 2/32nds of an inch. However, driving with this kind of tread is often unsafe.

There are a few ways for you to inspect your tread depth. Modern tires often come with tread wear indicators. You may also use tire tread gauges to help you get an exact measurement. Lastly, you may do the quarter test, where you stick a quarter upside down between the treads. If the top of Washington’s head is visible, you may need to replace your tires.

Determine the Age by Reading the Sidewall
Even if the tires have enough tread, they may still need to be replaced due to their age. As time goes by, the rubber compound deteriorates, compromising its durability. Tires often have a life span of three to six years, depending on usage. If you’re unsure how old your current tires are, you should still be able to figure it out by reading the sidewall.

You’ll find that the tire sidewall has a series of numbers printed on them. And every tire sold in America must contain the US Department of Transportation serial number. Check the last four numbers in that code. The first two digits represent the week of manufacturing, while the last two are the year. For example, if it has “1023″, that means the tire was made on the 10th week of 2023.

Inspect the Tire for Any Damage
Any visible damage on your tires can compromise your safety on the road. In most cases, they often show on the sidewall. If you see any cracks, cups, or bulges, you may need to have them replaced. Punctures, on the other hand, can still be repaired. However, if they’re larger than a quarter-inch in diameter, replacement is the only solution.

How Often Should You Replace Tires?
Most experts recommend replacing your tires at least every six years, or whenever you reach 50,000 miles on them. However, there’s no accurate answer on when you should replace tires. If you want to be sure, contact a reliable tire company like Graham Tire. Call us to learn more.

Things To Consider When Choosing the Right Tire

A significant aspect of car maintenance revolves around tire replacement. As your vehicle travels along the road, the tires gradually wear out due to regular usage and external factors. By promptly replacing worn-out tires with a suitable set, you can enhance your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and overall driving experience.

But not everyone knows how to choose the right tire for their car. This blog discusses what you should consider if you’re on the market for a new set of tires.

Tire Size
When it comes to tires, there’s no one-size-fits-all. They come in various sizes to equip different kinds of vehicles. Fitting your car with tires too big or too small can confuse your speedometer and may even damage your ABS. It can also affect fuel economy and overall car performance.

If you’re not sure about your car’s tire size, it’s best to double-check the owner’s manual. Better yet, learn to read your tire specification, which is the numbers and letters on your tire’s sidewall. They will tell you things like your tire width, aspect ratio, wheel diameter, and speed rating, among others.

Temperature, Climate, and Season
When selecting tires for your vehicle, it’s essential to consider factors such as temperature, climate, and season. The temperature can affect tire performance, causing them to wear out more quickly in high heat or reduce traction in cold weather.

Different tire types exist for varying climate conditions, such as all-season tires for mild climates, winter tires for cold climates, or summer tires for hot and dry climates. The change of season alters weather conditions and road surfaces, making it crucial to match your tires to the season. By considering these factors, you can choose the most suitable tires for your driving conditions and ensure optimal performance and safety on the road.

Type of Driving
While most tires are great for daily driving, you can still opt for tires made for a specific operation. It’s like getting a pair of shoes designed for sports or training.

For example, performance tires are great for sports cars on race tracks and highways for better handling and road grip. Meanwhile, if you own a truck or SUV and often drive on bumpy roads, you may want all-terrain or mud-terrain tires instead. Using the wrong tire type for a specific driving situation can significantly reduce performance.

If you need brand-new tires, it’s best to contact the experts at Graham Tire in Lincoln. We are a trusted tire company that can help you find the perfect tires for your vehicle. Contact us today to learn more about our other services.

Tire Tools You Need While on the Road

While tires are made to last, they are still susceptible to punctures as you travel. You might unknowingly run over a nail, staple wire, glass shard, or any other sharp debris, which can punch a hole in one of your tires. This will allow air to escape from the tire and eventually deflate it.

We can’t stress enough the importance of having a set of tire tools ready in your car in case you get a flat tire. You never know when this unfortunate event would happen, but if you have the right tools at hand, you can get back on the road in no time.

As you need to save precious cabin and cargo space in your car, it’s not advisable to carry all the tools in your garage all the time. We listed down the essential tire tools you must have in your car when hitting the road.

Lug Wrench
A lug wrench (also called tire iron) is a type of socket wrench specifically made to loosen and tighten the lug nuts on automotive wheels. The L-shaped variant usually comes with your car, so make sure it stays there in the trunk. You can also get the cross-shaped one for faster turning and extra leverage.
Jack
The jack is used to raise a part of the vehicle off the ground so you can change tires. A scissor jack is usually supplied with the car, but you may bring a hydraulic jack instead as it works faster and easier. Remember, the spare tire, lug wrench, and jack go hand in hand, so make sure you have all three at all times.
Tire Pressure Gauge
You need this tool to check the air pressure within the tires, letting you determine if you need to add or release air. Even if you don’t have a flat tire, a tire gauge is needed to ensure your tires keep the recommended pressure.
Tire Inflator
Your spare tire’s air pressure might not be within the recommended levels upon installing it. You need a tire inflator to add some air into the tire if needed.
Multi-Tool with Pliers
You can use this tool for many things. The pliers, for instance, can pull out the debris that had punctured your tire.

Having tire tools in your car ensures you won’t be helpless on the road in the event of a flat tire. If you’re in Lincoln, NE and you need to get a tire repaired, visit Graham Tire. Our tire repair experts can help make your punctured tire roadworthy again.

What You Need To Know About Tire Valve Stems

We all know how significant tires are to any vehicle. They largely contribute to a car’s handling, suspension, and, of course, safety. A tire may look simple at first glance, but it comprises several components. One of them is the tire valve stem.

The valve stem is that small rubber tube protruding from the tire. It is where you attach the air pump head/fitting to inflate the tire or let air escape to reduce pressure.

While there are a few kinds of valve stems, the one used on almost all motor vehicles is the Schrader valve. Let’s familiarize ourselves with its parts for easy reference.

Parts of a Schrader Valve Stem

Body/Stem — the rubber tube that serves as the passage for air
Core — the primary sealing device
Tip — the threaded metal part where the cap is screwed on and off
Cap — the screw cap that protects the core from dust, debris, and moisture

How It Works

At the heart of a Schrader tire valve stem is the valve core, which has a spring-loaded pin in the center (you can see it from the top). The spring, coupled with the internal tire pressure, helps the pin stop air from escaping. The air passage only opens when the pin is depressed.

To fill air into the tire, simply attach the pump head to the threaded tip of the valve stem (this will push down the center pin) and start pumping. Follow the recommended PSI levels for your vehicle to maintain optimal performance. Under-inflating or over-inflating can have adverse effects such as premature wear on tires and poor fuel economy.

To reduce tire pressure (in case you go above the recommended PSI or drive on dry sand), use your thumbnail or any tool that can fit through the tip’s opening and press down the center pin to let some air out. Use a tire pressure gauge or a tire deflator kit (with a built-in gauge) to check the PSI levels.

How To Maintain the Valve Stem on Your Tires

Unless you’re inflating or deflating your tires, make sure the caps are in place to prevent debris or moisture from accumulating in the valve. Check the stems periodically for holes or cuts, as they can cause a “slow leak.” If they are damaged, have a qualified tire technician check and replace them to save you effort and time.

If you need quality auto tire repair services, reach out to Graham Tire in Lincoln, NE. Our tire experts work by industry standards and deliver excellent customer service.

Category: Uncategorized

Parts of a Schrader Valve Stem

How It Works

How To Maintain the Valve Stem on Your Tires

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