Adirondack Tire

When buying tires, did you ever wonder if the salesperson was selling you four tires just to increase the sales? At Adirondack Tire, we recommend four only if your vehicle needs a new set of four tires for safety or performance reasons not for sales. There are vehicles were it is necessary to replace all four tires at the same time.

Since tires affect the personality and performance of your vehicle, all four tires should be as identical as possible or handling problems may arise. If your tires don't match, it is possible that one end of your vehicle won't respond as quickly or completely as the other, making it more difficult to control.

Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles must use tires that are very closely matched. This is because different diameter tires roll a different number of times each mile as a result of the variations in their circumferences. Tire diameter variations can be caused by accidentally using different sized tires, tires with different tread designs, tires made by different manufacturers, different inflation pressures or even tires worn to different tread depths.

Mismatched tires or using improper inflation pressures for all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles can also result in immediate drivability problems. Some Control Trac equipped vehicles in 4Auto mode may exhibit a shutter on acceleration and/or a noise from the front driveline and transfer case while driving. Some all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles may exhibit axle windup or binding while driving. Some four-wheel drive vehicles (manual or electronic shift) with a two-wheel drive mode may refuse to shift "on the fly" into 4x4 Auto or 4x4 High at highway speeds.

Things to consider when buying  tires:

JUST ONE TIRE?

If your tires have a lot of remaining tread depth, but you need to replace just one that has been damaged by an accident, road hazard or a vandal, you should replace it with a tire that exactly matches the others. Select a replacement tire of the same brand, line, size and speed rating. While there may be a less expensive tire available, it wouldn't be a bargain this time because it would be different than the other three tires on your vehicle.

A PAIR OF TIRES?

If two of your tires have a lot of remaining tread depth, but you need to replace the other two because they were damaged or have worn out, you should replace them with a pair of tires that come as close as possible to matching your existing tires. While identical new tires are desirable, others of the same size and type can also provide good results. Only consider selecting new tires that are from the same tire category as your existing tires. New tires should be installed on the rear axle.

While your vehicle is being serviced ask your mechanic why one pair of tires have worn faster than the others. Was it caused by a lack of tire rotation, out-of-spec wheel alignment or loose mechanical parts? Once the problem has been found, it can be corrected before it damages your new tires. Keep in mind that your ultimate goal is that all of your tires always wear out at the same time so they can be replaced as a set.

A SET OF TIRES?

If all of your tires are wearing out together, you have the greatest flexibility in tire selection. If you were happy with the original tires, simply replace them. If you want longer treadwear, a smoother ride or more handling, there are probably tires that will help you accomplish that. Review the tire category types until you find a category description that describes a tire that fits your needs. The website Adirondacktire.com is a great reference for the 50 most popular tires breaking down tires by category, mileage, and ratings. The professionals at Adirondack Tire have been in the business of tires for 32 years. They will give you recommendations on what tires are the best for your vehicle based on your driving needs.

Are you wearing sneakers in the snow or winter boots?

If your car has all-season tires it could be like wearing sneakers. It is possible to walk down a snowy, icy sidewalk wearing sneakers--but it's a lot easier and safer to do it in proper boots.All-season tires are designed to cope with all sorts of conditions, including dry roads and rain, but are not optimized for any one condition. They are generally made from harder materials that don't conform to the road surface as well in low temperatures. Snow tires have tread patterns specifically designed to dig down and bite into snow and ice, plus they are made from softer rubber compounds that retain their flexibility in cold weather, allowing the tire to better conform to the surface of the road.

Proper tire pressure for safety

Have you ever heard someone tell you that you don't need winter tires, you only need to lower the tire pressure...on your tires you now have when driving on snow and ice? That it will give you better stability and control? I hope you haven't because it is a crock.

Driving on tires with low tire pressure is never a good idea regardless of driving conditions. Don't try this old myth because it may cost you a wrecker bill to get pulled out of the ditch when you lose control because of it.

Instead, you should consider a good set of winter tires. And remember to check your tire pressure often because cold air can lower the pressure.

It's November and there is a chill in the air, a frosty reminder that the worst is yet to come. So here is what you need to do to prepare your car for all winter has to offer:

UNDER THE HOOD

AIR FILTER Replace according to owner's manual, more frequently in dusty conditions or when dirty. A dirty filter will lower gas mileage and hurt performance. Hold it up to the light to see the dirt on it.

POWER STEERING Groaning noises or a rough feeling when you turn the wheel mean the system needs attention. It could be low on fluid. Leak anyone?

BELTS  Make sure drive belts are adjusted for proper fit and are not cracked, glazed or frayed. Check both sides of serpentine belts.

SPARK PLUGS If your car is approaching time for a tune-up, replace the spark plugs for improved starting in the cold.

PCV VALVE Replace this pollution-control device, usually located in the valve cover, at least as often as you replace the spark plugs.

HOSES Check for leaks, bulges or cracks, and make sure clamps are secure. This includes air intake hoses or ducts.

BATTERY Clean the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water. Make sure all connections are secure.

COOLING SYSTEM Check the protection using a hydrometer or test strips. Change as required. If low, add a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water to protect to 35 degrees below zero. You may want to flush before installing fresh antifreeze or at least every two years.

WINDSHIELD WASHER Keep your windshield-washer reservoir full using the premixed blue stuff or mix your own from concentrate.

THE EXTERIOR

WINDSHIELD-WIPER BLADES Replace worn, streaking or damaged blades. Consider installing winter blades that won't pack with snow to stay in contact with the glass.

WINDOWS Apply water repellent to windshield and all windows to keep them free of slush, salt and muck. This also makes ice easier to remove.

DOORS, HATCHES AND TRUNKS Apply silicone oil or grease to all door, hatch and trunk-lid gaskets to preserve the rubber and keep them from freezing shut.