Hello Dear Friends,
The time to change winter tires is approaching. But what should we pay attention to when replacing tires? And what do the numbers on the tires indicate?
I’ve gathered these valuable insights from Ersel, a professional with 30 years of experience who offers mobile tire replacement at your doorstep. If you’re interested in his services, you can contact him at 647 706 7689. (He’s invested in new equipment and vehicles—wishing him prosperous business!)
Now, let’s dive into the details:
How to Find the Correct Tire Measurements for Your Vehicle?
You can find the correct tire specifications for your car on the sticker located inside the driver’s door frame. In some vehicles, this information is also on the fuel tank cap.
Sometimes, second-hand vehicles may not come with tires of the correct size. Checking this label will help you verify the proper tire size and the recommended air pressure.
Example:
• Front 195/55/R16 41 PSI
This means:
• 195/55/R16: The correct measurement for your front tires.
• 41 PSI: The recommended air pressure for the front tires.
• R16: Indicates the rim diameter, meaning your tires fit 16-inch rims.
How to Check the Manufacturing Date of Your Tires?
Look for a code on the tire that starts with “DOT,” followed by a series of numbers.
For instance:
• DOT 3615
This means:
• The first two digits (36) represent the week of production.
• The last two digits (15) indicate the year of production.
In this example, the tire was manufactured in the 36th week of 2015 (around September 2015).
Important Notes:
Even if a tire hasn’t been used, it has a limited shelf life. Avoid purchasing tires that have been sitting on a shelf for more than 4–5 years.
A Personal Experience:
Last year, Canadian Tire installed tires on my car that had been sitting on a shelf for 7 years. Initially, I didn’t notice, but after some time, I checked the manufacturing dates and realized the issue. I raised a complaint and managed to get them replaced with tires manufactured in 2020. (It wasn’t an easy process!)
Why Do Tires Matter?
Tires significantly impact your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, many people focus solely on cost and opt for cheaper options, compromising quality. Always consult an expert when selecting tires to ensure the best choice for your vehicle.
I’ll keep this brief without diving too deep into the technical details.
Wishing you all a safe, smooth, and ticket-free week ahead! Drive safely!
Orhan Hoca
Licensed Driving Instructor
647 984 4682