By Debra Walsh
Staff Writer
With some of the harshest driving conditions to be found, the condition of a vehicle’s tires should be paramount on a motorist’s mind, according to a local tire company official.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Roland Duprey of Caribou took advantage of some mild but windy weather Friday afternoon to keep his vehicle free of the ever-present dust and mud that arrives with spring.
Scott Willey, vice president of Highway Tire Inc. in Caribou, offered some advice for owners of light trucks and cars in Aroostook County after one of the toughest winters in recent memory.
“Tires are a necessity,” said Willey, during a recent interview, adding that proper tire maintenance enhances a vehicle’s safety.
There are three important aspects of tire care that should be followed: proper air pressure, proper balancing and rotation of a vehicle’s tires.
The door tag, found on the inside of the driver’s side door, and on the tire’s side will tell the motorist the recommended air pressure for the tires for that vehicle. Drivers should either learn to take the pressure themselves with a tire gauge or have the pressure tested at a service station, according to Willey.
At a time of high gas prices, maintaining the proper air pressure will enhance the vehicle’s gas mileage.
“An under inflated tire will cause you to use more fuel,” Willey said. “A vast majority of vehicles tend not to have the proper air pressure.”
The balance of the tire also is important to the vehicle’s handling. Willey said that the proper balance affects the smoothness of the ride.
“The way the roads are right now, it’s very easy to knock your tires out of balance,” said Willey.
Off-balance tires can be detected by a shaking of the steering wheel or in the driver’s seat, he said.
Proper balance also affects the wear of the tire, according to Willey. If the balance is off, the tire may wear prematurely causing a need for it to be replaced, Willey explained.
The rotation of the tires is the third aspect, according to Willey. Front wheel drive vehicles wear tires faster in the front.
Worn tires also affect the safety of the vehicle since a blow out is more likely to occur.
When purchasing new tires, motorists should pay attention to the tread rating. The rating, which can range from 300-800, gives an indication of the expected life of the tire.
“The higher rating, the more wear expected,” Willey said.
Road conditions, driving habits, and tire maintenance affect the wear of a tire, Willey said. While a deeper tread helps get around in the snow, the tread also protects a vehicle against hydroplaning during a summer rain, he said.
In buying tires, a person’s driving habits and lifestyle need to be considered, Willey said.
Started in 1964 by Willey’s parents, Sonny and Mary Willey, Highway Tire is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Service technician Lenny Gilliam puts on a tire at Highway Tire in Caribou.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Adam Plourde, a technician at Highway Tire in Caribou, balances a tire before putting it on a pick-up truck.
