Commonly asked Tire FAQ's

1. What is the proper air pressure for my tires?
2. Why is it important to rotate my tires?
3. Why do some tires cost more than others?
4. When should I replace my vehicle's tires?
5. My tires have waves in the sidewall. Are the tires bad?
6. Should I use special tires for my SUV?
7. How can I find out what wheels will fit my vehicle?
8. How does weather affect my tires?
9. Can I change the size of my tires?
10. How do I properly care for and clean my tires?
11. How do I know if my wheels need balanced?
12. How do you recognize an alignment problem?
13. What can I expect from properly aligned wheels?
14. How do you know if your car is out of alignment?

1. What is the proper air pressure for my tires?
Tire pressure varies greatly for different vehicles. Most cars produced since 1968 list the original tire size and inflation pressure (including the spare tire) on a vehicle place card. This place card is usually located on the driver-side door or door jam (Ford vehicles list on the rear passenger door jam), glove box door, fuel door or engine compartment. Truck tire pressure varies by the load the vehicle is carrying, however you can locate a general pressure in the truck's manual. Always check your tire pressure after the tires have had time to cool down (before driving is the best time).

2. Why is it important to rotate my tires?
 Most of today's cars are either front wheel or four-wheel drive. This is wonderful for traction, but hard on tires. If we rotate tires we will keep the rears from cupping, and the fronts from wearing too fast.

3. Why do some tires cost more than others?
In every class of tires you will find a wide range of pricing. Some tires last longer, some have more traction, some are of higher performance. Your tire professional is the best person to fit your needs.

4. When should I replace my vehicle's tires?
The head of a new penny is about 2/32 of an inch, which is the same as the wear bars on most tires. If you do not have the same feel when driving in the rain or in the turns, you may need to replace your tires.

5. My tires have waves in the sidewall. Are the tires bad?
Sidewall plies have joints that overlap. The taller the sidewall, the more you will notice the dent or wavy look of the sidewall. If you ever see a knot, or bubble in the sidewall, replace the tire at once.

6. Should I use special tires for my SUV?
The high center of gravity, along with the added weight of four-wheel drive creates new challenges for the tires. Some SUVs need mud traction while others just need good road manners. Look for the tire that will do the best job for your needs. Select a tire that is designed for your SUV.

7. How can I find out what wheels will fit my vehicle?
Wheels will be in two main groups:  car, which is FWD, or truck and SUV, which will be RWD. This is a good time to look at plus one, two or three sizes to help you perform to the max. Remember shorter sidewalls will ride stiffer.

8. How does weather affect my tires?
Weather is always a concern to your tires. Hot weather can be hard on the tire itself, while cold weather will cause your tires to have less air. Rain, snow and ice are traction robbers, and you will need good tires to take them all on.

9. Can I change the size of my tires?
Yes, you can go to a larger tire and wheel on almost every application. The computers, anti-lock brakes and fender openings all add up to a job best left to professionals. You must also look at the tire’s ability to carry the load of the car. With work, you can make your car look better and handle much better.

10. How do I properly care for and clean my tires?
Tires bloom as they age. The use of tire shine products that draw out the oils of a tire will cause the tire to crack or crust on the exposed side. Simple soap and water, with a little scrubbing on the whites will keep your tires looking like new for years.

11. How do I know if I need my wheels balanced?
Is your vehicle vibrating at certain speeds, say, between 50 and 70 mph? If so, chances are your wheel is out of balance. One section of your tire is heavier than the other because it has endured more exposure to the friction and heat of the road, kind of like an out-of-balance ceiling fan. Come in for prompt, professional service—most people are very satisfied with the difference such a simple and inexpensive procedure makes. Look for these signs, and if you find either one, come to Woodward Tire:

• Scalloped, erratic wear pattern on tires
• Vibration in steering wheel, seat or floorboard at certain speeds

12. How do you recognize an alignment problem?

Is your steering wheel straight when you are driving?

Does your vehicle pull to one side?

Does your steering wheel vibrate?

Do you notice uneven tire wear?

Does your steering feel loose, or is it difficult to control?

13. What can I expect from properly aligned wheels?
When your wheels are properly aligned, you'll get:

• Tires that last longer
• Easier steering
• Improved gas mileage
• Smoother ride
• Safer, more secure driving

14. How do you know if your car is out of alignment? Your vehicle's alignment can be impacted by a variety of factors. An obvious indication that you require Woodward Tire’s computerized alignment service is a major or minor collision that results in physical damage to your vehicle's frame. Steering problems or the presence of uneven wear patterns on your tires are clear signs that demand immediate attention. But alignment problems don't only occur by collisions and accidents; problems can arise by something as small as driving over a pothole or grazing over a curb.