The Trainer #25: How To Check Your Tires

[@beth5767]

I am a elderly women and I enjoyed the video very much. thank you very informative.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Hi RonGJX! If you're only putting two tires on, they need to go on the back. Not our recommendation...that is an industry recommendation proven on the test track. And yes, the only proper repair method approved is the use of a combination plug/patch. Plugs are easy to install but can be the beginning of a catastrophic failure. You don't want that kind of liability, do you?

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Currently, California is the only state that mandates tool accuracy and requires techs to check tires. After 35 years in the bays, I'm going to be real happy if more techs make checking tires and their pressure a part of their daily routine, even if they use the stick gauge the tool guy gave 'em. But your point is well-taken. If you have, or can afford, a digital gauge by all means use it. Thanks for the comment!

[@RonGJX]

To me the bottom line question is whether one would want to have an extra measure of safety from a blowout...or...from the rear end starting to kick out. As far as what the official indusry says, well no industry has been proven to be infallible, or as noted by the Firestone tire incident. Over the years I have seen three blowouts while riding next to or just behind someone else. Two were back tires, and one a front tire. The front tire going is a tiger by the tail...if..you are lucky.

[@gordstewart173]

I have seen this before, where clients buy only two tires because that all they can afford. The reason of putting them on the rear is correct. If the old fronts were THAT bad, you mention that on the RO. Even IF there are not that bad, still mention it in the RO. Plus when that next pair of new are bought, they be closer in tread depth, and THEN the rears come to the front. The only exception I've seen to this rule is in the winter, by customer request. BTW, the Firestone incident was due to a miscommunication between Ford and them, leading to a tire being under-designed for the lower tire pressure.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

And you're not the only one to feel that way. But consider your personal liability. Should you mount those two on the front instead of the rear, and that customer is in an accident, the fact that it is an industry recommendation that you didn't follow could leave you wide open to civil liability.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

No problem with our end!

[@RonGJX]

Though you gave some rationalization, I disagree with the recommendation about putting the best tires on the rear axle. When a car has sudden failure of a front tire, that alone puts one in a much bigger danger than when a rear tire goes. And therefore, I would rather have that extra measure of safety with my better tires up front. The rationization of better tires on back is for compensation for having balding tires up front and/or poor driving habits. Also be realistic, a plug and a patch??

[@philtrottier4442]

My front tires are almost down to the wear bars and are getting louder. Is this normal?

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Tire noise is a result of several factors, including tread design, rubber content and age. Could be - but to be sure have a competent technician check it out. Depending on the type of noise, it could be bearing or suspension related.

[@Garythepartsman]

Not happy with you taking a Milton Stick Gage out of your pocket Pete. Why are we promoting a gage that is not certifible as is required by the CARB and other mandates? Digital is the only way to go, showing old fashioned items only confuses the techs.

[@intuitknit]

why can't they make tires where you don't need a microscope to read the proper tire pressure ont the sides. Seniors and others cannot get down on their hands and knees to check this. They should have customer service people at gas stations who can operate the air pumps. I know I feel at risk filling my own tires. Who can do this for people who cannot do this for themselves???? this is a real need but no one seems to be helping people who can't do this themselves. I know I would pay someone to do this. but does it take a mechanic/??? ;not really.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

FIrst, and common, mistake. The pressures listed on the tire sidewall are maximum allowable pressures and NOT the pressure you should adjust the tire to. That information is on a sticker located usually on the driver's door or door pillar. You can also find it in the owners manual. Using the tire pressure shown on the sidewall will actually overinflate your tires and cause the car to feel loose when driving. As for help for the elderly or infirm, nearly every shop I've ever worked in was glad to check and adjust the tires for them.