The year – 4,000 BCE. Some dude created a round wheel. The rest, as they say, is history.
What? You didn't want to know when wheels were invented? You had a question about your vehicle's tires? Well, we've got answers to those questions, too! Whether you're frustrated by your TPMS light constantly coming on or wondering whether you really need to buy a set of tires, we're dishing out the deets to satiate that curiosity.
Why does my tire keep losing air?
If you're experiencing a slow leak in a tire, there are a few common causes:
- Rim or Tire Bead Leaks – When damaged, rims can cause tire air leaks. This is typically the result of hitting a curb or pothole—which can also damage your suspension—though it can occur for a variety of other reasons, including rust, corrosion, poor installation and improper tire size.
- Old Age – As the rubber on tires ages, it becomes more porous and may even develop cracks. These imperfections allow more air to escape through, even though there is no obvious damage to the tires themselves.
- Temperature Fluctuations – Notice your TPMS sensor light on? If it's the start of winter—something we don't really experience in Miami—your tires may simply be in need of a fill-up. For every ~10°F drop in temperature, tire pressure can be reduced by 1-2 PSI.
- Altitude Change – Similarly, if you are traveling from a higher altitude to a lower altitude, your dashboard TPMS light may go off. For every 2,000 feet of elevation, tire pressure may be reduced by 1-2 PSI.
- Punctures – A small puncture from a nail, screw or other small item may cause your tire to keep losing air slowly. Of course, if the puncture is large or located somewhere other than on the tread, the tire will lose air very quickly. (You'll notice it, basically.)?
Make a habit of checking your tire pressure once per month, especially during the colder season, as PSI can fluctuate due to temperature drops and driving conditions.
How do I find and fix a slow leak in my tire?
Locating the origin of your PSI leak can be tricky, especially when you don't have the right tools and equipment. In many instances, you will require a professional mechanic or auto service technician to identify and repair your tire leak, though you can try these methods before scheduling an appointment:
- Visual Inspection – Examine the tire's surface, including its tread and sidewalls. You're looking for any nails, screws or similar objects protruding from the rubber. Also check for cracks that could be the cause of your slow air leak.
- Listen for Leaks – If you can, park your vehicle in the garage and shut the doors to ensure your environment is quiet. Put your ear to the tire and listen for any hissing sounds, which would indicate a leak.
- Air Bubbles – First, inflate your tire to the recommended PSI (check your door jamb). Apply soap and water all over the tire, including the tread, sidewalls, valve stem and around the rim. Grab a flashlight and thoroughly inspect the areas for signs of bubbling. You may need to move the car slightly to check each tire's entire surface.
- Submerge in Water – Although impractical for most, this method will help you identify tire punctures very quickly.
Why is my tire pressure light on if my tire pressure is fine?
Ah! The dreaded tire light on a dashboard! If you see your TPMS warning illuminate, don't panic (yet). There are a few reasons, aside from tire damage, why this light would come on.
- Faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): The most common reason for a false tire pressure warning light is a malfunctioning TPMS sensor. The TPMS is a system that monitors the air pressure in your tires and alerts you if it detects low pressure. If one or more TPMS sensors are faulty or not transmitting accurate data, it can trigger the warning light even if the tire pressure is within the correct range.
- Recent Tire Maintenance: If you have recently inflated your tires to the correct pressure or had a tire rotation or wheel alignment, the TPMS might not have updated its readings immediately. In some vehicles, the TPMS might take some time or a short drive to reset itself and turn off the warning light.
- Sensor Interference: Electronic interference from nearby sources or other electrical systems in the vehicle can disrupt the TPMS signal and lead to false readings. Common sources of interference include aftermarket devices, cell phones, or other electronic devices.
- Extreme Temperature Changes: Drastic changes in ambient temperature can temporarily affect tire pressure and trigger the TPMS warning light. As the temperature returns to normal, the warning light may turn off.
- Low Spare Tire Pressure: If your vehicle has a spare tire with a TPMS sensor, it's essential to check its pressure too. A low spare tire pressure can also activate the TPMS warning light when it's installed (after changing a flat tire, for instance).
Any time you experience a mysterious TPMS warning without losing tire PSI, you should schedule an appointment at a tire shop near you for an inspection.
Is it bad to patch a flat tire?
Repairing a flat tire with a patch can be safe, but it's not a permanent fix. Instead, tire patching should be viewed as a temporary repair that extends the tire's usability until it can be replaced. That said, patches are not viable options if:
- Punctures are larger than ¼" in diameter
- Damage occurs on the sidewall
- The tire is significantly worn or old
- The tire is UHP or performance
- There are signs of bulging
- Tires are bald or balding
Patching a tire may also void any manufacturer's warranty! If you're concerned about future tire damage, consider purchasing a tire protection plan. This coverage will typically pay for the replacement of one or more of your tires if you have a run-in with a loose rivet, nail, screw or any other sharp object. Speak with your tire center rep to discuss your options.
How much PSI should I inflate my tires to?
Standard passenger vehicle tires will require a PSI of approximately 30-35 PSI. However, it's important to note that not all tires, especially when considering vehicle size and usage, call for that PSI. To find out how much air to put in your tires, look for the following:
- Door Jamb – A recommended tire PSI number for both front and rear tires is usually written on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb.
- Owner's Manual – Your vehicle's owner's manual will contain the suggested tire PSI.
- Do not go by the tire PSI listed on the tire itself! This number is the maximum safe PSI, not the recommended level. Overinflating your tire can lead to some serious problems, including tire eruption.
Filling up your tires should also be done in cool weather—or at least when the tire rubber is cold—as the recommended PSI is based on cold temperatures.
When should I replace my tires?
Don't just get new tires when you experience a flat! Tires don't last forever, and there are a few signs that tell you it's time to replace them:
- Tread Depth - As tires wear, the tread depth decreases. When the tire's tread depth reaches 2/32" (1.6 mm) or less, they're known as "bald," and that's when they should be replaced. You can use a tread depth gauge to measure the depth accurately.
- Uneven Wear - If your tires show signs of uneven wear, such as cupping, feathering, or one-sided wear, it may indicate alignment issues or other mechanical problems. In such cases, have the issue addressed, and consider replacing the affected tires if necessary.
- Skidding & Handling Issues - If you notice decreased handling, reduced grip on wet roads, or an increase in road noise, it could be a sign of worn-out tires affecting the vehicle's performance.
- Age - Even if a tire appears to have good tread, it should be replaced if it is more than six years old. Over time, the rubber compounds in tires degrade, leading to reduced performance and safety.
The lifespan of tires is usually 30,000 to 60,000 miles, though this largely depends on the tire itself, your driving habits and road conditions. Cheap tires are less likely to last 60,000 miles, let alone 30,000 miles, while high-end, premium tires can sometimes last over the 60,000-mile mark. Keeping up with maintenance, including tire rotations, will increase your tire longevity.
Do I need to buy 4 tired or can I just replace 1?
Ideally, if you must replace a single tire, you should replace the whole set. This allows for even wear across the set and helps reduce the chance of drivetrain damage, especially on AWD and 4WD vehicles. If you cannot buy a new set of tires, at least opt for 2 new ones (front or rear) so that they can be rotated to promote more even tread wear over time.
What are the best tires to buy?
Choosing the right tire will depend on your driving style, climate and vehicle. We recommend summer tires or all-season tires in Miami, but there are a number of other options:
- All-Season Tires: These tires are designed to provide a good balance of performance in various weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light winter conditions. They are a popular choice for drivers in regions with mild climates or minimal snowfall.
- Summer Tires: These tires offer excellent performance in dry and wet conditions, delivering enhanced grip and handling. However, they are not suitable for icy or snowy roads.
- Winter Tires: Winter tires are specifically engineered to perform in cold temperatures and on snow and ice-covered roads. They feature a unique tread pattern and a softer rubber compound to provide better traction and braking in winter conditions.
- Performance Tires: Performance or UHP tires are designed for high-performance vehicles and offer enhanced handling, grip, and responsiveness. They may not be ideal for extreme weather conditions and may wear faster than standard tires.
- Off-Road Tires: For trucks and SUVs used off-road, all-terrain or mud-terrain tires provide the necessary traction and durability for rough terrains.
Can I mix tire brands?
It's generally recommended to avoid mixing different tire brands, models, and tread patterns on the same axle of your vehicle. All manufacturer's tires have a unique construction, tread design, and handling characteristics, and mixing tires can lead to uneven traction, handling imbalances, and compromised safety.
What's the right tire size for my vehicle?
In case you didn't know, tires come in various sizes. This means you can't toss a tire from your Hyundai Sonata on to your Genesis GV70, for instance. To identify what tires you need, you can check your vehicle's owner's manual or the sticker located on the driver's door jamb. Always consult with a staff member at your nearest tire shop before purchasing any tires.
The most common tire sizes for sedans, SUVs and trucks are as follows:
Passenger Cars:
- 195/65R15
- 205/55R16
- 225/45R17
- 215/60R16
- 225/60R16
SUVs and Crossovers:
- 235/60R18
- 265/70R17
- 225/65R17
- 245/65R17
- 255/55R18
Light Trucks and Pickups:
- 265/70R17
- 275/70R18
- 285/70R17
- 265/65R17
- 245/75R16
Are tire rotations necessary?
Yes! Along with oil changes and wheel alignments, rotating your tires regularly is one of the most important auto maintenance tasks you can perform. The front and rear tires of a vehicle wear differently due to varying weight distribution and driving forces. By rotating the tires regularly, you can extend their lifespan and maintain optimal performance.
Need a tire rotation in Miami? How about new performance tires? We can help! Contact our Braman Genesis tire shop in Miami at (786) 574-3093 or schedule an appointment online. And don't forget to ask about our current tire specials and auto service coupons.
