BCAA

AUTOMOTIVE Getty Images FALL 2018 BCA A .COM 19 MEMBERS SAVE BCAA Members get up to CAA Dollars back with the purchase of four Pirelli-brand tires. bcaa.com/Pirelli IT'S ALL IN THE RUBBER How do tires designed for colder applications stay supple under 7°C? The answer lies in their higher natural rubber content. Sport- and warm-weather tires contain a larger concentration of synthetic rubber, which handles heat well and actually performs better when warmed up. Don't mix and match Whatever type of tire you purchase, installing four of the same kind is essential to balanced braking and steering performance, says Carpino. "For example, if the wet-traction performance of tire A and B were significantly different, there could be very different reactions to braking and steering on the front and rear of the vehicle. This could lead to an unstable vehicle response in emergency situations," he says. Choosing the right set Consider the following when shopping for tires: Ride comfort: For the smoothest ride, look for "touring" models, suggests Barry Yutronkie, Director of Operations at the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada. These have a slightly higher aspect ratio, or sidewall height (how thick the tire is between the rim and the ground) compared to tire width. "A touring tire is usually a 60 or 65 series, which flexes more, soaking up bumps," he says. "A 30, 40 or 50 series tire is going to be stiffer but more responsive, as the sidewall is a little shorter." Warranty: Most tires come with a manufacturer's warranty covering defects, and a pro-rated mileage warranty, linked to expected tread life. Some dealers also offer road-hazard warranties, to protect against unexpected damage from things like nail punctures and potholes. Longevity: Expect a trade-off between performance and life expectancy. Most all-seasons are rated for normal street and highway speeds, and designed to wear slowly, unlike tires rated for higher speeds. "You can't expect a high performance tire on a Corvette to last 100,000 kilometres. That's not what those tires are made to do," says Yutronkie. Caring for your tires First and foremost: make sure your tires are always pumped to the correct psi, as indicated on the car's driver-side doorjamb, says Stu Miller, Senior Operations Manager with BCAA Auto Service Centres. This helps with everything from ride quality to preventing accidental punctures. It also optimizes fuel economy, because driving on a tire that isn't fully inflated expends extra energy. Regular tire rotation is also key to preventing early wear and other adverse symptoms – he recommends doing this every 10,000 to 12,000 kilometres. It's easy to monitor the health of your tread using tires' built-in wear bars, notes Miller (turn the page to see a diagram). Maintain the manufacturer's recommended psi for optimal tire performance.

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