AUTO IQ
How
to store
tires
Keep them in
tip-top shape
Cool it down
Sunlight, heat and
dampness can
shorten the life of
tires. When storing
them, make sure
temperature doesn’t
exceed 25°C and
keep the area dry.
Keep tires away from
heat-emitters like
high-voltage equipment and motors.
Upright is best
The Wheel Story
Everything you ever wanted to know about tires—
and how to keep them on track
BY LEA CURRIE
in the owner’s manual. Don’t follow what is
and fuel
written on the tire itself as this is the maxiconsumption, there are few things more
mum recommended pressure, and may not
important than your tires—especially your
be suitable for your particular vehicle.”
tire pressure. On average, a tire can lose up
Francis also suggests checking the tire
to one pound per square inch each month
pressure if you have run over an object,
due to natural seepage and fluctuations in
hit the curb, encounter severe
air temperature.
weather or if the tire pressure
Low tire pressure can lead to
If there’s
sensor light on your vehicle’s
many issues, including reduced
evidence of
dash is illuminated (if your car is
fuel economy, premature tire
damage or
wear and poor handling and
if you’re losing equipped with this feature).
Once a month or so, you
stability on the road. It’s also
pressure
should also look at your tire
the number one cause of tire
quickly, take
treads for signs of wear: If both
blowouts.
the
vehicle to
edges of a tire are worn out, for
Ken Francis, CAA Manitoba’s
a mechanic
instance, that’s a sign of underApproved Auto Repair Services
immediately.
inflation. Wear on the centre
supervisor, advises checking
treads indicates overinflation.
your tire pressure at least once
If there’s evidence of damage or if you’re
a month. “You should test your tires first
losing pressure quickly, take the vehicle to
thing in the morning when they are cold,
a mechanic immediately as you may need
or before you head out. This provides the
new tires. Do not drive on a flat or dammost accurate measurement. When adding
aged tire. Instead, request a tow from CAA
or removing air, follow the manufacturer’s
Manitoba to get your vehicle safely to a
recommended pressure, which can typically
service facility.
be found on the driver’s door, door frame or
Store tires upright on
a store-bought rack
or build one yourself.
They can also be kept
on a clean, flat surface free of oil, gas or
grease. If necessary,
you can stack them,
but no more than
four per pile.
BARTEK SZEWCZYK/ISTOCK
WHEN IT COMES TO VEHICLE safety
Rims on, air out
Store with rims on
to prevent wear and
tear on the rubber.
And reduce tire
pressure by about
15 pounds to prevent
distortion while in
storage. —Nadine
Fillion
CAA members earn
3% in CAA Dollars
on regular vehicle
maintenance and
repai