If you know how important vehicle maintenance is for a safe drive around Newport Beach, you likely already understand how important it is to maintain your tires. Tire maintenance is vital to ensure that you can not only maximize your security during your drives but it'll also help you get the most out of your tires as well.
Whether it's tire rotations or maintaining the correct amount of air in your tires, you can count on our tire center to help you keep your tires in excellent condition. With that being said, if you want to increase your knowledge of tire maintenance, our professionals at Audi Fletcher Jones can assist. Take a look at some popular questions we'll address today regarding tire maintenance below:
- What do the tire numbers mean & how to read tire sizes?
- What do the tire symbols mean?
- What is tire tread depth & why does it matter?
- What does TPMS mean?
- What is a tire rotation?
- How often should you rotate your tires?
- What is braking distance & reaction distance?
- What's the relationship between tire tread depth & stopping distance?
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What Do the Tire Numbers Mean & How To Read Tire Sizes?
If you're just not getting any traction as you're driving around Costa Mesa, it's possible that you need to order a new set of tires. You can always schedule a service appointment with our team to confirm if it's time for new tires. If you've found that you do need to get new tires before you can continue driving on the streets of Newport Beach, you'll find that tires come in all shapes and sizes.
So, what do the tire numbers mean? If you look at the sides of your tires, you'll notice a set of numbers and letters that help indicate the size and type of the tire. Each letter or number can indicate things like the tire width, your wheel size, and even the load index. We suggest you confirm with our tire center to order the correct set of tires for your vehicle. Here's how to read tire sizes on the side of your tires:
- Tire Type: The first letter on most tires is often a "P" which stands for "passenger" vehicle. Some truck tires may have "LT" on them which indicates that it's for light trucks. If there are no letters, it usually means that it's a Euro metric tire.
- Tire Width: You may also notice a three-digit number after the first tire type letter. This is the tire width number in millimeters.
- Aspect Ratio: The next number is usually a two-digit number. This is referred to as the aspect ratio or how tall the tire is.
- Construction: These days, most tires are a radial tire which means that it's built with layers of fabric and cords to maximize the tire's strength and performance. That's why you'll often see the letter "R" after the aspect ration numbers.
- Wheel Diameter: The numbers immediately following the "R" is the wheel diameter. Wheel diameters are often measured in inches.
- Load Index: The load index number represents the maximum load the tire can carry when properly inflated and comes after the wheel diameter. For any vehicle, it's important to have a tire load index that meets or exceeds the specifications set by your vehicle's manufacturer.
- Speed Rating: The final character you may notice on your tire is the speed rating. Speed ratings start with "Q" rated tires with a top speed of 99 mph, but ratings can extend to "(Y)" ratings -- which means tires are able to handle over 186 mph.
Most of the time when you're looking for new tires, the tire width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameters are some of the most important numbers you'll need to know.
What Do the Tire Symbols Mean?
After you understand your tire numbers, you may notice that there are other markings on your tires. The other tire markings and symbols can indicate everything from safety standards to where your tire was created. Other tire markings you may notice when checking your tire size include:
- DOT Symbol: If you notice "DOT" on your tires, it stands for the Department of Transportation. Tires in the US must pass the minimum DOT standards to be sold in the U.S. and tires that pass, have the DOT symbol stamped.
- Tire ID Number: The Tire ID number is usually a series of letters and numbers combined. These markers indicate the tire construction, its tread, and when the tire was produced.
- UTQG: UTQG stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading and it's a rating system created by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The UTQG rating ranges from A to C for traction and AA to C for temperature with C being the lowest rating. These tests simply indicate the tire's durability and not its lifespan.
- Maximum Tire Pressure & Load: If you're looking to add air to your tires, you'll want to go with the number listed in your owner's manual. That's because the PSI number listed on your tire is the maximum tire pressure that the tire can handle. You'll also find the maximum load in pounds each tire can carry at maximum inflation on the tire as well.
What Is Tire Tread Depth & Why Does It Matter?
As you drive around town, your tires naturally will start to wear. But, how do you know when it's time for a replacement? Aside from the reduced performance you'd experience on your drives, you can also check your tire tread depth if you're unsure about how much more you can get from your tires.
Essentially, your tire tread depth is the measurement between the deepest grooves of your tires to the top of the tread rubber. The minimum tread depth recommended for safe driving is around 2/32 of an inch.
What Does TPMS Mean?
Many new Audi vehicles are equipped with TPMS and you may even see a warning indicator illuminate as you tackle your Irvine commute. But, what does TPMS mean? TPMS stands for "Tire Pressure Monitoring System" and it's designed to help you keep track of the air in your tires without having to manually inspect each tire. Proper tire pressure in your Audi allows for maximum performance and decreased tire wear so we suggest you keep an eye on it if you notice a TPMS warning light on your dashboard.
What is a Tire Rotation?
Before we touch on the question, "How often should you rotate your tires?" let's take a look at what a tire rotation is in the first place. A tire rotation is a process of moving your tires from one position on your vehicle to another. There are different tire rotation patterns you should follow depending on your vehicle's drivetrain so keep this in mind if you intend to perform a tire rotation on your own. The main purpose of a tire rotation is to promote even tire tread wear to increase tire life and traction so you can enjoy safe Costa Mesa drives.
How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?
Now that we've answered, "What is a tire rotation?" are you wondering how often you need to rotate your tires in the first place? The answer can vary depending on your specific model and driving habits but the general rule of thumb is around every 3,000 to 7,500 miles. Vehicles with all-wheel drive will need a tire rotation more often than vehicles with front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. Here's a broad recommendation for tire rotations based on drivetrain:
- AWD: 3,000 miles - 5,000 miles
- FWD: 5,000 miles - 7,500 miles
- RWD: 5,000 miles - 7,500 miles
What Is Braking Distance & Reaction Distance?
One of the things you'll want to consider when searching for new tires is their braking distance. But, what is braking distance, and is it the same as reaction distance? Technically, braking and reaction distances are different from each other:
Reaction Distance
Your reaction distance is the time it takes for you to recognize you need to stop to the moment you actually begin braking. Most drivers in Costa Mesa have a reaction distance of around 0.5 seconds to 2 seconds. Here's what affects your reaction time and distance:
- Anticipation of the need to stop
- Fatigue & exhaustion
- Speed your vehicle is traveling
- Medications or alcohol in your system
Braking Distance
Your braking distance is the actual time it takes for your vehicle to come to a complete stop after you've hit the brakes. This is what can affect your braking distance:
- Road conditions & gradient
- Speed your vehicle is traveling
- Load your vehicle is carrying
- Tire tread depth & condition
- Braking technology & condition
What's the Relationship Between Tire Tread Depth & Stopping Distance?
The more tread your tire has, the better it's able to push water, mud, and debris out from the tire grooves to ensure your tire is making the most about of contact with the Newport Beach roads. If you want to calculate an approximate stopping distance, here's a quick formula you can use:
- Use the first digit of the speed your vehicle is traveling and square it.
- Next, you'll want to add a zero to the result and divide by 2.
- Double your speed, and then add that number to the previous result.
Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly With Audi Fletcher Jones
We're experts you can count on in Costa Mesa if you need assistance with vehicle maintenance. Get in touch with Audi Fletcher Jones today and we'll be more than happy to keep your vehicle in excellent condition.
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