Archive for the ‘Tires’ Category
Tire Education
It is necessary for any rider to have proper knowledge about all that is related with tires and its performance. Various issues related with tires like its construction, its maintenance and care, how to mount and dismount it, how to troubleshoot and to take precautions, must be known by the rider so that he can make the most out of them. Let’s have a closer look at these essential areas:
1.Right Size: Basically sizing is nothing but a process of choosing the right tire by evaluating the width of the rim. What does it mean is that the tires must not be wider or narrower than its original equipment tires as it may result into distortion in motorcycle handling if chosen otherwise.
2.Pressure: Due to temperature the pressure increases and so it is really important for the rider to check the pressure of tires on a regular basis especially during winter season. It is a better idea to check the manufacturer’s reference table in case the rider is in doubt or doesn’t know about the right pressure for his tires.
3.The Wear: The rider must regularly inspect the wear indicator in the tire grooves so that he may know when the tire needs a replacement. The rider must check the whether the wear indicators are leveled with the surface of the tread at any point or not, then only he will be able to make out whether a replacement is required or not.
4.Valve Caps: Valve caps not only help in the prevention of air loss but also help in avoiding dirt from entering the valves.
5.Warm-up: The rider is always advised to begin riding at a moderate speed which helps in gradually conditioning the tires up to their normal operating temperature. If the tires have achieved a full warm-up already then they will have an optimal grip.
6.Break-in: For the first 50 kilometers of ride, the rider must avoid rapid acceleration or hard cornering, up to the extent when the tread area is totally worn off.
7.Repairs: A rider must be known to the basics of motorcycle repairs so that he doesn’t find himself helpless in case he encounters any unforeseen damage. So it is always good for a rider to try and learn the basics of motorcycle repairs.
The particle knowledge of all the above points not only helps a rider to maintain his motorcycle but by knowing them he also becomes a good rider as then he already be known to the aspects which may create problems later.
Tire Maintenance
Tire safety is an important, yet often overlooked aspect of vehicle maintenance. Your tires need regular inspection and maintenance to maximize mileage and safety. Both cheap tires and top of the line are subject to normal and abnormal wear and tear. Proper upkeep will help protect your investment, and keep you safe on the road.
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Step 1
Rotate tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or more often if necessary to keep tread wear equal.
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Step 2
Have your tires rebalanced every other rotation to further promote even wear and a smoother ride.
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Step 3
Keep the air pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level, which can be found on the vehicle placard. The vehicle placard is found usually inside the driver’s side door jam. Air pressure should be checked at least once a month, when the tires are cool. Proper air pressure can improve gas mileage
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Step 4
Keep your vehicle in proper alignment, both front and rear end. Tires on a vehicle that is out of alignment will have abnormal wear and tear.
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Step 5
Inspect your tires regularly for excessive wear, cuts in the tread or sidewall and any other visible damage.
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Step 6
Replace worn out tires when the built in wear bars become visible across the tread surface.
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Step 7
In the event of a flat tire, do not use “Fix a Flat” type products. Have the tire inspected and repaired if possible. If not, replace the tire.
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Step 8
Newer cars may have Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) which uses sensors to monitor air pressure and alert you if the pressure is significantly low. TPMS components can degrade, and in turn cause faulty sensor operation. Have the wearable components of the system replaced each time a tire is serviced.
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Step 9
Have your tires professionally inspected by Metro Auto. Our trained technicians can spot problems that you may not see.
