UAEOffroaders

With the cooler weather drawing in, and peopel getting ready for the new "season", I thought I'd post this as a lot of people are unaware of bolt pattern compatability, wheel compatibility, offset, speed ratings and most other information on tires and wheel safety. Unsafe wheels/tires are one of the most dangerous components on a car, so please take care when buying wheels and tires for you pride and joy! The tire rack drop down menu has a LOT of information regarding tire safety, and how to choose the right tire for your ride. Enjoy http://www.wheelfire.com/ccontent/TechWheel.cfm http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/ ... ?techid=92

Very important post 8)

One of the main causes of single vehicle accidents is in fact tyre failure.

Number One factor: age of tyres. I woudl say that when tyres get 3 years old, you're moving in the danger zone, better replace; 5 years you're pushing your luck, definitely time to replace; 6+ years, no surprise if one blows. I think in the UK they put 10 years as the maximum lifespan, but here we're in hot, dry and sunny conditions.

The manufacturing date is stamped into the sidewall - 4 numbers: first two are the week, second two are the year.



So, 3103 means the tyre was made in the 31st week of 2003 (what's that? end of July?) - be careful as the Sanaiya guys will try to sell old tyres first, and will even slip in an old one in a set of 4 if they can.

Number Two factor: tyre pressure - must be correct according to vehicle manufacturer, NOT stamped on tyre (that info is maximum weight at maximum pressure - do not follow it). For most vehicles, 35psi is about right.

I'm sure the link above contains better and much more info, but these 2 are the most important!

Most vehicles have the proper tire pressure for all stock inside the drivers door (not the actual doors inside, but on the body panel the door closes into) on a little chart. For example, on my Mitsubishi Galant it is 32-34 PSI unloaded on the 16-18" stock wheel options. Also, when driving on long trips it is usually a good idea to reduce the tire pressure slightly as the pressure will rise when the tire gets hot, so maybe go 2psi less when driving far (not Dubai, but maybe to RAK or UAQ) to save over heating your tires and to give you better grip on the roads!

http://www.firestoneuae.com/faq.asp#topHere is another good one with proper storage and handling descriptions for unmounted tires, and it's locaaly generated (firestone uae).

tintin wrote:Most vehicles have the proper tire pressure for all stock inside the drivers door (not the actual doors inside, but on the body panel the door closes into) on a little chart. For example, on my Mitsubishi Galant it is 32-34 PSI unloaded on the 16-18" stock wheel options. Also, when driving on long trips it is usually a good idea to reduce the tire pressure slightly as the pressure will rise when the tire gets hot, so maybe go 2psi less when driving far (not Dubai, but maybe to RAK or UAQ) to save over heating your tires and to give you better grip on the roads!

You are driving a Galant now ?????

Ture pressure is a matter of personal taste / preferences.

I have 285/75/16 BFG tires on the FJ and if I keep the pressure at 32 PSI there is a bit of a draag so its 38 PSI for me on the raodas and 9 PSI on the desert sands

Tyre pressures within the acceptable range, let's say 30-40 psi, can be personal preference and not a big deal for tyre failure, but under- or over-inflated tyres are. So running Al Ain to Abu Dhabi with a tyre on 22 psi would be a possible danger.

Between 30-40psi the difference is that the lower pressures give a softer tyre so more drag, softer ride but more adhesion (sticking to the tarmac) so little slower and more petrol consumption but also better braking and turning; the higher pressures within the 30-40 range give a harder tyre and less drag and less adhesion, so the tyre grips the road less and also consumes less gas.

Wasif Ahmed wrote:You are driving a Galant now ?????Ture pressure is a matter of personal taste / preferences.I have 285/75/16 BFG tires on the FJ and if I keep the pressure at 32 PSI there is a bit of a draag so its 38 PSI for me on the raodas and 9 PSI on the desert sands

For the family only mate. that's my daily driver!