THIS MONTH Technical Editor
Binky P. Siddayao OPPOSITE LOCK
REVISIT YOUR TIRE ore often or not most people would often choose a direct replacement tire when the car is still relatively new. Particularly at the beginning of the rainy season. As a vehicle puts on mileage, end users get more inclined to swap to another model based on performance and or price. If making the switch, be sure to check on extensively on tire ratings if you are going for a model that will give you maximum tread life and an allweather grip. With all the various brands and models available in the local market choosing the type of tire will make or break your pocket. Depending on what type of vehicle and how you intend to use it for will require you to know what type, size, load and speed index and other specific details. As a review of the most common types locally, AllSeason tires come in S and T speed ratings. They are known for good all-weather grip, long mileage and they are generally fitted to common cars and SUVs. There too are Performance and Ultra-High Performance all-season tires for a higher speed rating that are also suitable in the rain. Don’t get confused between AllSeason and Summer Tires. We
only have two seasons here. Pick-Ups, Crossovers and SUV trucks require either an All-Season (H/T), All-Terrain (A/T) and Mud Terrain (M/T) and are available in various sizes with diverse tread designs meant for hauling or off-the-road touring duties. Or generally OffRoading. An All-terrain tire generally has a more aggressive tread pattern to aid off-road traction and can still be used on the highway with some high road noise and are acceptable too in the rain. Mud Terrain (M/T) is what it is for, MUD. They have bigger and wider tread designs to claw you out. They too are heavy and noisy when driven on tarmac. And
expensive. Browse thru your owner’s manual or look for the stickered placard on the driver’s side door jamb to find the recommended tire measurements. One should normally match the OEM tire’s size measurements, but you have the choice to go higher with the load index and speed rating. As long as you replace them as a set. Seeking guidance from various recognized tire shops with tons of inventory of various legitimate brands is a good step if you intend to go up-size. Remember that car tires need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. And so are your Spare tires. The unexpected always happens
❝
when it happens, and your spare tires are there to always save your day. As for spares, the option is either to get a full-size or compact tire. Going fullsize tire simply means having a fifth tire for your car (same size/brand). When a tire fails, replace and dump it in the trunk and you are good to go for the long haul. Having a compact tire (sometimes known as Donut Tires) is a temporary fix. It may take up less room and weight in your car than a full-size tire, but it won’t handle high speeds or our below average road conditions. Its job is to get you to the nearest tire shop so you can get a new tire. Period.
Browse thru your owner’s manual or look for the stickered placard on the driver’s side door jamb to find the recommended tire measurements.
❞ GET IN TOUCH
✉ binkypsiddayao@gmail.com
8 AUTOCAR.COM.PH JULY 2021
Photo by Chinmay Jade on Unsplash
M
