TIRES usually have a life of two years on average driving use.
THE FIRST thing that goes into a man’s mind when it starts to rain is: “Oh, my car just got washed!” For women, it’s probably: “Time to bring out my boots.”
A big consideration on how a woman will dress for the day is the weather. She should be fashionable and practical both at the same time. As Marilyn Monroe would say, “Give the girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”
But let’s move on to a different kind of shoe, one that is round and black and prolongs the life of your expensive Manolos and saves you from developing corns and calluses.
Although you might think that it does not need so much attention, your tires are the only thing that touches the ground when you are driving.
And now that it’s raining, you might want to have a second look. Having a bad or wrong tire on your car is like wearing your 4-inch wedge to a skating rink. Not only will it make you look clumsy and give you a very embarrassing ride, you might even end up embarrassingly on your bum, or worse, with a contorted neck—definitely not a good way to go.
It is best to be armed with information on tires.
Tire classification
You probably hear guys talking about a certain Bridgestone RE003 P195/65/R16 and think that it’s either some sort of vital statistics or secret code. Your former assumption is correct, but they are not talking about a girl but the vital statistics of a tire. So to break up the code, here are some items you should know.
P/T/LT/C stands for what type of load the tire is intended for. P is for passenger, T is for temporary (spare tire), LT is light truck, and C is for commercial.
One hundred ninety-five is the width of the tire in millimeters. The wider the tire, the better the grip, but with more rolling resistance.
WATER creates a barrier between the road and your tires, which can cause you to lose traction and hydroplane.
Sixty-five is the height or profile of the tire. The number is a representation of the percentage of the profile to its width. The average for most passenger cars is about 60-65.
Low profile tires are usually used for a more sporty feel and look, but it does sacrifice a lot in terms of comfort. In short, #tiisganda.
For offroads, larger tires are needed to absorb the roughness of the terrain.
R means radial, which is how the tire’s layers are composed.
Sixteen is the size of the rim or mags the tires will fit into.
When do you need to change your tires?
As mentioned above, when you bring the wrong shoe to the occasion, you feel awkward and won’t be confident in whatever you are doing.
Tires usually have a life of two years on average driving use. Usually, there is a tire wear indicator: Once the grooves of the tires reach this line, you need to start thinking about replacing your rubber because the grip in wet conditions starts to decrease dramatically.
How do you know which tire to buy?
Your rim or mags will determine which tire is fit for your vehicle. There is also a recommended tire size provided in your owner’s manual.
THE TREADWEAR indicator shows the true condition of your tire and tells you when it’s best to look for a replacement.
You also would need to consider the terrain that you usually drive on every day. Is it a smooth-as-silk drive, or is it a daily mechanical bull ride? This will define the profile that you buy.
Other driving situations must also be considered. Does it always flood on your route? If yes, then you need to get a tire that performs well in the wet, like the Bridgestone Potenza S001 or the Dunlop Direzza.
Is it always dusty or does it require a lot of grip? Opt for a tire whose claim to fame is superior handling, such as Goodyear Eagle F1 Directional 5.
Warranty and quality
As with all items, there are splurge or skimp versions. Some people have different opinions on whether a tire is a splurge or skimp item. For me, a tire is a splurge item. If I get into a slippery situation, I want to know that there were endless research and technology behind the thing that holds me to the road. Big brands such as Pirelli, Bridgestone, Goodyear and Dunlop have invested in billions of dollars worth of research to make their tires superior. There are cheaper alternatives, usually they don’t come with a warranty, and their quality is questionable. Products are imported without official representatives of the brand in the country.
Tires, just like shoes, are a need. It can be a straightforward, utilitarian tool or a fabulous one that keeps your comfortable and secure. It is a personal style choice; wherever your preference takes you, the most important thing is for you to slip on those Wellies or rain boots and go outside to check your tires!
Driving tip bits
Water creates a barrier between the road and your tires, which can cause you to lose traction and hydroplane. If this occurs, take your foot off the gas, hold the steering wheel in place, and lightly apply the brakes. —Marc Tagle, president, Bridgestone Philippines
Avoid distractions such as texting while driving. During the rain the danger is doubled since the roads are slippery and would require more of your focus. —Chris Chilip, president, Dunlop Philippines
Reduce Speed. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tire’s tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction. —Ron Castro, managing director, Goodyear Philippines
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