Rydell Cars

Call 701-772-7211 Directions

Tires

Tires

Service / Tires

Learn More about Your Vehicle's Tires

Having good tires and maintaining them is paramount for the safety, performance, and efficiency of a vehicle. Tires serve as the critical link between the vehicle and the road, influencing factors such as traction, handling, and braking. Regular maintenance practices, including proper inflation, rotation, and alignment, ensure optimal tire performance, extending their lifespan and enhancing fuel efficiency. Well-maintained tires contribute to a smoother ride, improved emergency handling, and compliance with legal standards. Neglecting tire care can lead to reduced grip, increased braking distances, and a higher risk of accidents. By prioritizing good tires and adhering to routine maintenance, drivers not only enhance their safety on the road but also optimize the overall performance and longevity of their vehicles.

More Service Topics

Looking for specific information on servicing your vehicle? Each category below has extensive information that may help your search for information.

Preventative Maintenance Prepaid Maintenance Program Alignment & Suspension Air Conditioning Heating System Radiator Service & Repair Engine Diagnostics Brakes Belts & Hoses Filters Batteries & Alternators Headlights & Bulbs Transmission Tires Fluid Exchange & Maintenance

Tread Depth

Tire tread depth refers to the vertical measurement between the top of the tire tread and the bottom of the tire's deepest grooves. It is typically measured in millimeters or inches. The tread is the pattern of grooves on the surface of the tire that contacts the road and provides traction.

Tread Depth is Important for Several Reasons

  • Traction: Tread depths and patterns play a key role in providing grip and traction on the road. A sufficient tread depth helps prevent skidding and improves overall vehicle control.
  • Handling: Tires with proper tread depth contribute to better handling and control of the vehicle. This is important for maneuvering, especially during turns and sudden stops. Worn-out or bald tires may lead to reduced stability and control, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Braking: Tires with proper tread depth have better braking capabilities. Worn-out tires may take longer to stop a vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents.
    • Durability: Regularly checking and maintaining proper tread depth can extend the life of your tires. Worn-out tires are more prone to damage and may need to be replaced sooner.
  • Wet and Slippery Conditions: In wet or slippery conditions, the grooves in the tread help to evacuate water and maintain contact with the road, preventing skidding and loss of control.
  • Snow Traction: In regions with snowfall, tire tread depth is crucial for effective snow traction. Tires with deeper treads can grip the snow better, enhancing overall performance in winter conditions.

Tire Wear

Tire tread wear can manifest in various patterns, and the specific wear patterns can provide insights into the condition of the vehicle and its components.

Tire wear diagram

Common Types of Tire Tread Wear and How They Can Affect Driving

Even Wear

  • Center Wear: Tires wear more in the center of the tread. This can indicate overinflation. Overinflated tires have a smaller contact patch, leading to increased wear in the center. It can result in reduced traction and a harsher ride.
  • Edge Wear: Wear on the edges of the tread may suggest underinflation. Underinflated tires have a larger contact patch on the outer edges, leading to increased wear there. This can impact handling, fuel efficiency, and overall tire life.

One-sided Wear

  • Inside or Outside Wear: Wear concentrated on one side of the tire may indicate camber misalignment. This can affect the vehicle's stability and handling. If the wear is on the inside, it may suggest negative camber, while outside wear may indicate positive camber.

Uneven Wear

  • Cupping or Scalloped Wear: Irregular, cup-shaped wear across the tread may be caused by suspension or alignment issues. This type of wear can lead to a noisy and uncomfortable ride, as well as reduced traction.
  • Feathering: Feathering occurs when the tread ribs wear down in a feather-like pattern. It is often associated with misalignment and can affect steering response and handling.

Patchy Wear

  • Patchy or Spotty Wear: Uneven wear in specific areas can be a sign of tire balance issues, improper tire rotation, or problems with the suspension system. This can lead to vibrations and an uneven ride.

Tire Rotation

Tire rotation consists of routinely repositioning your vehicle’s tires in specific patterns from front to back or side to side.

Tires on vehicles need to be rotated for even wear and performance. It is recommended that you get your tires rotated every 6,000 miles or every oil change. We do recommend you check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find out what is recommended for your vehicle’s specific make and model.

If you don’t get your tires rotated, they will wear unevenly, which will affect how your car handles, accelerates, and brakes. The tires will not last as long if your tires are unevenly worn, and you’ll have to replace them more frequently over the lifespan of your vehicle.

Tire rotation example image

Tire Pressure

  1. Keeping Tires Properly Inflated: The tires on your vehicle can become damaged and wear more rapidly if they aren’t properly inflated. If tires are overinflated, it will result in diminished handling ability because less rubber from your tire is making contact with the road. If tires are underinflated, it will not only lead to unnecessary wear and tear on your tires, but also on your vehicle. By having your tires correctly inflated, you will also ensure that your vehicle is getting the best gas mileage possible as well.
  2. Recommendations:It is recommended that you check your tire pressure at least once a month to make sure your tires are inflated properly. To find your correct tire pressure, it will be written in your vehicle manual as well as on the inside of the driver’s side door frame.

Tire Measurements

There are many different aspects to reading tire measurements. The first three numbers that appear on the tire stand for the width of the tire in millimeters. Then there will be a slash (/) with a two-digit number, which stands for the height of the sidewall as a percentage of its width. Next, you’ll see an R which represents “radial” and then you’ll see another two-digit number that will point out the rim diameter in inches.

Example: 275/60R20

Tire measurements example image

Seasonal Tires

Seasonal tires: winter tires

Winter Tires

Winter tire tread designs have deep blocks that provide extra grip on road surfaces covered with water, snow, and ice. They also are equipped with many sipes that are capable of pushing water and slush off the road to help reduce hydroplaning. The thread compound on winter tires contains more natural rubber, allowing it to stay flexible and not harden in cold temperatures. When a tire is flexible, it’ll help reduce the stopping distance when breaking.

Winter tires should not be used during the summer because they are too soft for dry road conditions, making the tires wear quicker.

Seasonal tires: summer tires

Summer Tires

Summer tires are designed to handle dry and wet pavement roads. These tires have dedicated rubber that allows the tires to grip better during warmer conditions. Additionally, there are fewer groves in the tires for water clearance. Summer tires also have a reduced rolling resistance, providing better fuel efficiency and generating less road noise.

Summer tires should not be used in the winter because the tires become hard and brittle once the temperature reaches below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and they are not able to handle snow or ice.

Seasonal tires: all-season tires

All-Season Tires

All-season tires use a mix of both winter tires and summer tires that offer the benefits of both. This tire option offers safety and premium performance, and it also allows drivers to save time and money as they don’t require seasonal tire changes. These rubber tires are designed to stay flexible and pliable, even in temperatures that are close to the freezing mark.

When it's time to get new tires icon

When to Look at Getting New Tires

Whether you are in the market for a tire repair or replacement, let one of our tire experts help you. They can help you determine the best action to take for your current tire needs, and if you do need new tires, they are able to help you decide which tires will best fit your driving needs. Our friendly staff will help you order your tires, and then schedule an appointment at any one of our Rydell locations to have those new tires installed.

Schedule Service with Rydell Today