2. TIRES

3. PURPOSE Cushion and absorb road shock. Cushion and absorb road shock. Provide traction for acceleration. Provide traction for acceleration. Provide traction for steering. Provide traction for steering. Provide traction for braking. Provide traction for braking. Channel away water during driving in rain. Channel away water during driving in rain.

5. CONSTRUCTION A basic tire has these basic components: A basic tire has these basic components: Tire beads. Tire beads. Steel and/or polyester belts. Steel and/or polyester belts. Tread. Tread. Sidewalls. Sidewalls. Inner liner. Inner liner. Wear indicators known as ‘wear bars’ are cast into the rubber. Wear indicators known as ‘wear bars’ are cast into the rubber. Important manufacturer’s information is cast into the tire sidewall. Important manufacturer’s information is cast into the tire sidewall.

12. LOCATION Mounted on rims at each corner of the vehicle. Mounted on rims at each corner of the vehicle.

13. PROBLEMS Tires wear from high mileage. Tires wear from high mileage. Wear from improper inflation is the most common and preventable wear. Wear from improper inflation is the most common and preventable wear. Blow outs, leaks and punctures can immobilize a vehicle quickly. Blow outs, leaks and punctures can immobilize a vehicle quickly. Broken belts from collisions and road hazards are also common. Broken belts from collisions and road hazards are also common.

17. MAJOR PROBLEM WITH TIRES IS…

18. DIAGNOSIS Careful visual inspection will reveal most defects. Careful visual inspection will reveal most defects. Carefully feel over the entire tread area for bulges, choppy or uneven tread wear or steel belts sticking through. Carefully feel over the entire tread area for bulges, choppy or uneven tread wear or steel belts sticking through. Using a wheel balancer, check for out-of- round or imbalance. Using a wheel balancer, check for out-of- round or imbalance.

22. APPROXIMATE COST OF REPAIR If the problem is a simple puncture, a tire can be repaired cheaply and easily for about $20. If the problem is a simple puncture, a tire can be repaired cheaply and easily for about $20. A tire that needs to be replaced, depending on size, use and desired quality, can range from $50 to over $300 each. A tire that needs to be replaced, depending on size, use and desired quality, can range from $50 to over $300 each. A tire should be balanced any time it is installed on a rim. Between $8-$12 each. A tire should be balanced any time it is installed on a rim. Between $8-$12 each.