FAQ

Below are some of the most common questions we receive from vehicle owners. Have a question that you don’t see here? Feel free to contact us today – we’re happy to help!

Why do I need to retorque my tires?

When installing new wheels you should re-torque the wheel lugs after driving the first 80 KM in case the clamping loads have changed following the initial installation. This is necessary due to the possibility of metal compression/elongation or thermal stresses affecting the wheels as they are breaking in, as well as to verify the accuracy of the original installation. When rechecking torque value, wait for the wheels to cool to ambient temperature (never torque a hot wheel). Loosen and retighten to value, in sequence. Simply repeat the same torque procedure listed above.

What is a lug nut tightening pattern?

The lug nut tightening pattern is crucial for ensuring even distribution of pressure and proper seating of the wheel. It typically follows a crisscross or star pattern to evenly distribute the load and prevent warping or damage to the wheel.

Where do I find my vehicles recommended tire pressure?

You can typically find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle in several places:

1. Drivers side door jamb: Look for a sticker on the door jamb or door fame that provides the tire pressure information
2. Inside the fuel filler cap: Some vehicles have tire pressure information located inside the fuel filler cap.
3. Owners Manual: This is the most reliable source for finding the recommended tire pressure specific to your vehicle

Should I get a designated set of winter rims/tires?

Overall, getting winter tires mounted on separate rims can offer convenience, cost savings, and added protection for your vehicle’s wheels.

Getting winter tires mounted on separate rims can be beneficial for several reasons:

1. Convenience: Having dedicated winter tires mounted on rims makes it easier and quicker to switch between seasonal tires, as you can simply swap the entire wheel assembly instead of having to mount and balance tires on the same rims twice a year.
2. Cost savings: While there is an initial upfront cost for purchasing a set of rims for your winter tires, over time, it can save you money on tire mounting and balancing fees, as well as reduce wear and tear on your summer or all-season tires.
3. Protection: Mounting winter tires on separate rims reduces the risk of damage to your summer or all-season rims during the tire changeover process, as the tires are not being mounted and dismounted multiple times a year.

Should I get a smaller rim size for the winter?

Smaller rim sizes for winter tires offer several advantages:

When figuring out what rim size to reduce down to, stick to a size that is offered on other models to ensure proper fit and clearance of the calipers. One good tool for doing size comparison is using the following website: https://tiresize.com/comparison/

1. Improved traction: Smaller rims allow for taller sidewalls on the tires, which can provide better grip on snowy and icy roads by allowing the tire to flex and conform to the road surface more effectively.
2. Better ride comfort: Taller sidewalls provide more cushioning, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially on rough or uneven winter roads.
3. Protection against damage: The increased sidewall height provides more protection against potholes, curbs, and other hazards commonly encountered during winter driving, reducing the risk of wheel and tire damage.
4. Cost effective: Typically the smaller the rim size, the cheaper the tire/rim. This is also advantageous when replacing tires on these rims in the future.

Why are my tires wearing weird?

Tire wear can be influenced by various factors, including:

Inspecting your tires regularly and addressing any issues with inflation, alignment, suspension, and rotation can help prevent abnormal tire wear and prolong the life of your tires. If you notice unusual tire wear patterns, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or tire technician to identify and address the underlying cause.

1. Improper inflation: Underinflated or overinflated tires can cause uneven wear patterns, such as wear on the edges or centers of the tread.
2. Misalignment: Wheel misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, such as feathering or cupping, where the tread wears unevenly across the tire surface.
3. Suspension issues: Worn or damaged suspension components can affect tire alignment and cause irregular tire wear.
4. Driving habits: Aggressive driving, frequent braking, and cornering can accelerate tire wear.
5. Lack of tire rotation: Failing to rotate tires regularly can lead to uneven wear, as front and rear tires wear at different rates due to varying weight distribution and driving conditions.

How do I read my tire size?

These markings provide important information about the size, type, and performance capabilities of the tire, helping you select the right tire for your vehicle.

Using the tire size 205/55R16 94H as an example, it can be broken down as follows:

1. Tire size: “205/55R16”

• • • “P/LT”: Indicates the type of ply rating. “P” stands for passenger vehicle tires, while “LT” stands for light truck tires (Not shown in example)
    • “205”: Indicates the width of the tire in millimeters.
    • “55”: Represents the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire’s height to its width. In this case, the height of the tire is 55% of its width.
    • “R”: Stands for radial construction, which is the most common type of tire construction used today.
    • “16”: Represents the diameter of the wheel in inches. In this example, the tire is designed to fit a 16-inch wheel.

2. Load/speed rating: “94H”

• • • “94”: Represents the load index, which indicates the maximum load-carrying capacity of the tire when inflated to the recommended pressure. A load index of 94 typically corresponds to a maximum load capacity of 1477 pounds (670 kilograms) per tire.
    • “H”: Represents the speed rating, which indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can safely operate under specified conditions. In this case, a speed rating of “H” typically corresponds to a maximum speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).

How do I know if I need new tires?

Regularly inspecting your tires for wear and damage can help ensure your safety on the road and prolong the life of your tires. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, it’s essential to address them promptly to maintain optimal tire performance and safety.

You can check your tires for wear using the following methods:

1. Tread depth: Use a tread depth gauge or the built-in wear indicators (located in the tire grooves) to measure the depth of the tire tread. If the tread depth is approaching 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm) or less, the tire is considered worn out and should be replaced.
2. Wear patterns: Inspect the tread surface for any irregular wear patterns, such as uneven wear across the tread, cupping, or scalloping. These patterns may indicate issues with tire alignment, suspension, or inflation.
3. Visible damage: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as cuts, cracks, bulges, or punctures on the tire sidewalls or tread area. These can compromise the structural integrity of the tire and may require immediate attention or replacement.
4. Age: Even if the tread depth appears sufficient, consider the age of the tire. Tires degrade over time due to factors like exposure to sunlight, heat, and environmental conditions. If your tires are more than six years old, consider replacing them, regardless of their tread depth.

• • Can I stud my tires after they have been driven on?

    Studding tires involves embedding small metal studs into the tire tread to improve traction on icy roads. Once a tire has been driven on, it’s generally not recommended to stud it afterward. Studs need to be inserted into the tire tread when it’s new and has not yet been worn down. Attempting to stud a worn tire can compromise its structural integrity and safety, as well as potentially damage the tire. If you need studded tires, it’s best to purchase them already studded or have them studded by a professional before they are used on the road.

• • Can I use my all-season tires in the winter? 

    While all-season tires are designed to provide adequate traction in a variety of weather conditions, including light snow and cold temperatures, they may not offer the same level of performance as dedicated winter tires in severe winter conditions.

    All-season tires typically have a tread pattern that strikes a balance between dry, wet, and light snow traction, but they may not have the deep tread grooves, siping, and softer rubber compounds found in winter tires, which are specifically engineered for optimal performance in snow and ice.

    We live in an area where we regularly encounter severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow, ice, or freezing temperatures. Investing in dedicated winter tires can provide better traction, handling, and safety during the colder months.

• • When can studded tires go on and when do they have to come off?

    Under the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act, the Studded Tire Regulations state that it is permissible to have studded tires used on vehicles between the day of Oct 15th in any year and the day of May 31st of the following year.