Middle Country Automotive in Selden, NY 11784 and Centereach NY 11720, wants to make sure that you keep your tires in tip-top shape. We are experts in auto repair, auto inspections and brake repair services.
1. Size matters.
Your holy rollers list their size, just like a T-shirt. Look for a number like this: P225/45R17. The P stands for passenger (LT means “light truck”). The number 225 refers to the tire’s width (the part that meets the pavement) in millimeters. The 45 represents the aspect ratio of height to width. The R stands for radial, and 17 is the wheel’s diameter in inches.
2. Top Speed.
You’re kissing 140 mph. Mortality speaks to you. What if one of your tires blows out? That would be bad. The max speed your rubber is meant to handle is listed in a code after the size code.
Example: 87Z. Forget the number (it measures max load – long story). The letter equates to max speed: S=112; T=118; U=124; H=130; V=149; Z=over 149; Y=186.
Go ahead, Mario, hammer it!
3. Birthday Boys.
How do you know if you’ve been sold old rubber? Your tire lists its birthdate. In small letters near the wheel’s rim, you’ll see DOT (meaning Department of Transportation) followed by an ID number. The last four digits mark the week and year of your tire’s birth.
Example: DOT U2LLLMLR4712. This baby was born in the 47th week of 2012. Congrats! You’ve got new treads.
4. Under pressure.
Your owner’s manual will recommend a tire pressure. That said, juice your rubber with a dab more air (not too much) and you might get higher performance and better mileage. The max inflation is listed in small type on the tire’s inner edge.
Example: max pressure: 35 psi. Measure when the tires are at rest, before you drive on them.
See you down the road!