How To Change A Tire

Choosing Tires

So many tires, and so many needs!

"Is it mileage? Is it ride? Is it looks? Is it wet weather traction? Which is probably the leading requirement nowadays."

Jason Cone, the owner of Washington Road Tire and Auto, has found out, different customers have different goals.

No matter what, the experts say, follow a few guidelines when buying a new set.

"One good rule of thumb when buying a new tire is, make sure the new tire has the same load bearing or speed rating as the one that's recommended by the manufacturer. Normally, you can find the information right here on the driver's side, next to the seat."

In other words, if you're happy with past performance, stick with the same kind of tires, that came with the car.

Also, don't get mesmerized by a dollar amount. A higher price doesn't always mean, you're getting the best product.

Jason Cone says, "One of the manufacturers that we sell their tires had a best buy from this thing a couple of years ago. It was an all terrain tire. It was actually our least expensive all terrain tire.

Always do your research!

Consumer Reports urges drivers to pay attention to scores on handling, braking and hydroplaning.

Understand your warranty.

Most of them are prorated. That means, the more miles on the tires, the less money you get, to use on a replacement.

Finally, shop around!

Make sure the price includes mounting and balancing the tires.

Jason Cone reminds everyone, "Ask a lot of questions when you're talking to your retailer. Let him explain to you why the 200 dollar tire is a better tire than the one that's 100."

Before you plunk down hundreds of your hard earned dollars, make sure you check out the "top tires", as judged by Consumer Reports.

Here are the highest rated all-season tires.

The Falken Ziex ZE-912.

The Nitto Neo Gen ZR

The Yokohama Advan S4.

You'll also learn how to use a quarter to find out if your tires need replacing.

Keep in mind, though, you'll have to pay a subscription fee, or go out and buy this month's issue.

Expensive Tires

Ultra-high-performance tires promise improved grip and handling on dry and wet pavement. You'll see this type of tire on more and more cars.

It used to be just high-priced sports cars came with ultra-high-performance tires. Not anymore. The $25,000 Mazda-speed-3 has them.

So does the $30,000 Saturn Sky, and plenty of other sporty cars. Consumer Reports just tested two types of ultra-high-performance tires, all season and summer-only. This new handling test helps the engineers see how well the tires perform in wet weather.

Gene Petersen, Consumer Reports, says they found big differences. "Some tires are very good handling. They grip well. Other tires are sloppy. They have a low level of grip," he says.

Performance also varied in tests done on dry pavement. The all-season ultra-high-performance tires were also tested on a skating rink to see how they brake on ice, and in the snow to see how well they handle there.

"The all-season do provide better winter grip, certainly than the summer tires. But still for people who want the most security in winter conditions, they should consider getting winter tires," says Petersen.

Top ratings for all-season ultra-high-performance tires went to the Falken Ziex ZE-912.

Prices on tires can vary significantly, so Consumer Reports says it pays to shop around. Be sure to ask if mounting and balancing are included in the price quote.

In the end, testers found several ultra-high-performance tires to recommend. For summer-only tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport PS-2 earned top ratings. They're fine for wet roads, but don't try to use them in snow or ice.

Continental Matador invests in tire production in eastern Europe

Continental AG in Hanover has acquired a 51% interest in Continental Matador Rubber s.r.o. based in Puchov, Slovakia. The tire and conveyor belt business, together with the rubber processing equipment business unit, were separated beforehand from the parent company Matador a.s., which now holds a 49% interest in the joint company.

"This shareholding enables us to expand our existing joint venture with the Matador Group in the field of truck tires. At the same time we are significantly strengthening our production and operations base in central and eastern Europe and making lasting investments here" explained Manfred Wennemer, Chairman of the Executive Board of Continental.

The newly-founded company is to remain a legally independent unit with sole responsibility for it’s business. The Matador brand management will remain solely responsible for the Matador brand.

Extensive know-how in the field of tire development and production, plus the special aspects of the central and eastern European markets, put Continental Matador Rubber s.r.o in a very advantageous starting position, said the company.