Category: Tips of the Trade
Deciding which tires to put on your truck or SUV is no easy task. There are so many things to consider, such as price, size and durability. However, you should be aware that tire specifications can also affect your vehicle’s performance and safety. So, when it comes to choosing the right Reno truck tires to put on your vehicle, use these tips to make the process easier.
How the Wrong Tires Can Affect Your Vehicle
Functionality
One of the most important tire specifications to consider when purchasing new tires for your truck or SUV is tire size. Not only do tires with an incorrect outer diameter not fit your rims, but having the wrong size tire can also damage other necessary systems in your vehicle. For instance, torque, traction control and gear settings are all dependent on the distance that a wheel travels within one rotation. Unfortunately, this often results in damage to these key systems and negatively affects your vehicle’s functionality.
Handling and Stress
Tire size can also affect the weight distribution and handling of your vehicle. By having the wrong size tire supporting your truck or SUV, you’ll notice how difficult it is to control the direction and rotation of your vehicle. Also, incorrect tire size can put more stress on your vehicle’s transmission or differential, which can be costly to repair.
Gas Mileage
Lastly, tire size affects things such as gas mileage and speedometer and odometer readings. Often, improper tire sizes will make readings of speed, gas mileage, and mileage less accurate. Instead of having tires that are either too small or too large, be sure to find the tire size that best fits your truck or SUV.
When to Purchase New Tires
So, now that you know how important proper tire size is for your vehicle, you need to know when is the right time to buy new tires. Fortunately, there are many indicators that can help you determine when it’s time to replace those old, worn out tires. For example, tires should be replaced not necessarily based on a specific time frame, but based on the amount of wear visible on the tire. Based off of the average time frame, it’s suggested that you have your tires replaced every 5-6 years. However, if you drive your vehicle less often, you can go a little longer. But, be aware that you should never go longer than 10 years without replacing your tires. This is because rubber will naturally deteriorate over time regardless of wear.
Tread Test and Wear Bars
In order to determine how worn your tires are, you can use what’s known as the “penny test”. The penny test is simple. All you need to do is take a penny and place it with Abe Lincoln’s head facing down in between the tire treads. If any part of Abe’s head is covered, then your tires are fine. If you can see all of Abe’s head, then you’re in need of new tires. Another way you can check the wear on your tires is by looking at the tread wear indicator bars. These are located at the base of the main grooves and are found equally spaced around the tire. If you can see the wear bars, this means it’s time to replace your tires.
Sidewall Damage
The sidewalls on your vehicle’s tires are more important than you may think. If damage such as cracks or grooves appear in the sidewall, be sure to replace the tire as soon as possible. Cracks and grooves can cause leaks, or be an indicator that your tire is on the verge of a blowout. Also be sure to look for bulges or blisters which are also visible on the sidewall. To find these, look for any spots that extend outward from the rest of the tire’s surface. These will often cause weak spots in your tire which could lead to a blowout.
How to Choose the Best Tires for Your Vehicle
When deciding which Reno truck tires to put on your truck or SUV, keep in mind that it’s about more than just finding the right size. Also be sure to pay attention to tire codes, types of tires, price, and fuel economy.
Tire Codes
Tire codes are the numbers that run along the sidewall of your tires. They indicate the tire’s specifications, or information. The codes indicate the tire type, width, aspect ratio, construction, wheel diameter, load index and speed rating.
Types of Tires
The type of tires that you purchase should be based on the size of your vehicle, your performance needs, the climate you’re driving in, and driving conditions. Consider the following types of tires:
- Summer
- All-Season
- On/Off-Road
- Winter/Snow
- Trailer
Price and Fuel Economy
The price of new Reno truck tires typically depends on size, quality, and brand. So, keep that in mind when buying new tires.
And lastly, consider your vehicle’s fuel economy. With how expensive fuel is, and how important it is to maintain the environment, most major companies have started creating tires that increase fuel efficiency. This is not only a good decision for your wallet, but for the environment too!
Reno Truck Tires from TSA Custom Car and Truck
If you’re in need of new tires, then contact TSA Custom Car and Truck for the best Reno truck tires. We have a variety of tire brands and sizes, fit for almost any vehicle. And, if you’re still having a tough time picking the best tires, just ask our expert staff!
Adding custom car accessories to your vehicle has many benefits. They can improve the overall performance of your car, increase its resale value, and some can even protect your car’s interior or exterior. If you want a new custom look for your car, then check out these accessories.
Paint Protection
One of the easiest ways to upgrade your car can be accomplished with paint protection. Paint protection film is an invisible shield made from thermoplastic urethane that protects you car’s paint. It’s no surprise that through inclement weather and constant use of your car, it’s going to suffer some paint deterioration. The paint protection helps prevent against:
- Scratches
- Small abrasions
- Bugs and insects
- Winter sand and salts
- Stone chips and other small road debris
Adding paint protection to your vehicle is simple and effective. It leaves your car looking great, and even adds to the resale value of your vehicle.
Custom Wheels And Tires
If you really want to give your car a makeover, but want to do it simply and cost effective to you, then consider getting new wheels and tires put on. They can improve the look and feel of your car and are completely customizable. And while enhancing the look of your vehicle is the number one reason for installing new wheels and tires, there are other benefits too. New wheels and tires can provide better performance as well. And if you’re planning on selling your car, they can also increase its value. So, whether you want improved performance, luxury, or style, wheels and tires are a great way to achieve this. TSA has over 20 brands of wheels and tires, check them out today.
Leather Car Seat Upholstery
You can enhance the interior of your vehicle by changing out those cloth seats or old leather seats with brand new leather car seat upholstery. At TSA, we’re able to give your car the look and feel of a luxury vehicle, without the price of purchasing one. Our leather car seat upholstery services are tailor-made and custom fit exclusively for your vehicle. All leather comes from Katzkin, who makes luxury leather for vehicle upholstery.
Leather not only looks and feels great, but Katzkin leather is also durable and super easy to clean. They protect your seats from spills and stains, and clean up is very simple. Another bonus to having leather car seats is that it’ll help regulate your body temperature, which is good in cases of severe hot or cold weather.
Check out the Design Selector from Katzkin to find the custom luxury leather perfect for you!
Remote Car Starter
As far as custom car accessories go, remote car starters have become a must have. The luxury of being able to start your car from the warmth of your home on a frigid and frosty morning really makes this addition worth it. No one enjoys rushing out to start their car early in the morning just to run back inside for another 10 minutes, which is why having a remote car starter is so nice.
TSA has chosen Compustar as its leading provider for remote car starters. These remote starters are compatible with just about every vehicle, even those with manual engines.
Cold Air Intakes
While most engine modifications are costly and ineffective, cold air intakes are different. This engine accessory is fairly inexpensive and easy to install. Cold air intakes move the air filter outside the engine so that cooler air can enter the engine to combust. This makes your car more powerful because colder air is more dense, which means better combustion. This ultimately results in more power coming out of your engine, making your car’s performance much better.
TSA Custom Car and Truck Accessories Reno
TSA Custom Car and Truck has some of the best custom car and truck accessories available in Reno, Carson City, and Tahoe. Whether you’re interested in new leather upholstery seats, custom wheels and tires, or want to install a remote car starter, we can help. Do you drive a truck? We have a vast selection of custom Reno accessories for trucks. Connect with us today and see how we can help you get your car looking and feeling like new. Call us at 775.883.0477.
What will work best for your vehicle this winter?
It’s that time of the season: snow is falling, creating a beautiful scene of glistening white; a lovely sight to see, but a potential nightmare on the road. Important precautions can keep you in control of your vehicle, taking away the stress from your daily commute. Whether you are traveling to work or a family gathering, TSA is here to make sure you are prepared for whatever the winter brings you.
Here is our input on the ultimate debate… Snow tires or snow chains? Each has a purpose and a time; we are here to help you decide which is right for you and your vehicle.
Snow Tires
The tread designs of snow tires allow your vehicle to securely grip the road, even when you encounter ice. There are several advantages to having a 4-wheel drive with snow tires. Mechanics at TSA can install the proper size and type of tires onto your vehicle, taking out the guesswork on your end. In addition to this, snow tires have a versatile, everyday use; they can be used on dry or wet roads, without fear of damage to the road or your vehicle, and without the need to change them out. In fact, these tires can be used during all seasons of the year with virtually no downsides.
Snow Chains
Snow chains can be applied upon need in a matter of minutes. They too reduce traction, and increase safety, making them an inexpensive and effective alternative to snow tires. It is useful to have snow chains always stored in your vehicle during the winter months, available upon need. However, there are several downsides to snow chains. Installation may only take a few minutes, but this allotment can eat away at your time, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. In addition to this, snow chains are often required by law enforcement on top of freezing summits in blizzard-like conditions- making application highly uncomfortable.
Snow Tires or Snow Chains? Our Consensus?
Snow tires are a solid investment for anyone that lives in a region like Reno/ Sparks that is prone to abrupt weather changes. Tire installation enables drivers to avoid spending time and energy applying snow chains, and then stopping to remove them. Recent advances in tire technology have created the ideal tire that is useful anytime and anywhere. Always follow proper tire care, such as monitoring air pressure, alignment and rotation, and you should be delighted to find the long-term value in your investment.
For anymore information regarding chains or snow tires give us a call, 775.883.0477.
The roads in Northern Nevada can be–and usually are–treacherous for the life of your car’s paint. It doesn’t seem to matter where you go there is always something. Road-construction projects between Reno and Carson City this summer saw enough gravel trucks slinging pebbles out the back of their beds to scratch and ding more than a few paint jobs. Those select cars with a paint protection film were lucky enough to avoid any costly damage.
Invisible paint protection film is a product that has been used for years by the military and NASCAR. It’s designed to place a urethane plastic film between your paint and anything that comes flying your car’s direction. With options of up to 8 millimeters in thickness, invisible paint protection film can fend off many of the hazards found on our local highways. Even salted Lake Tahoe roads pose no danger to your paint because our products are guaranteed to withstand the elements without cracking, peeling or turning yellow for seven years; that’s longer than most people keep their cars.
At TSA Custom Car and Truck we know that when you’re shopping for car and truck accessories, you want the options that fit your needs the best … and you want it done right the first time. This is why we offer two different brands to choose from:
- Our LLumar product has industry leading optical clarity and can be applied to a variety of surfaces, such as: hoods, mirrors, fenders, door handles, bumpers, you name it.
- With its signature self-healing technology, Xpel is another great option in providing protection for leading edge surfaces.
Both of these manufacturers use computer-generated, precision-cut film that will match your vehicle’s intricate features exactly, eliminating any error in the way the film fits onto the surfaces. Plus, with our expert team on the job, you can be sure that your vehicle is in the best hands for this type of project.
Whether it be the brand new car you bought or the custom paint job you just had done, invisible paint protection film provides the ultimate shield against the elements. It will give your paint a high gloss shine that will look completely natural, molding to the paint surface so smoothly you won’t even be able to tell it’s there. As a Northern Nevada business, serving Carson City, Lake Tahoe, Reno, Sparks, Minden, GardnerVille and more, we know all about the fun little surprises Northern Nevada highways have in store for motorists. This is why we offer this product, as we believe it is the best way to protect your investment for years to come.
Resources:
LLumar. Solutian Inc., 2012. Web. 19 Oct. 2012.
XPEL. XPEL Technologies Corp, 2012. Web. 19 Oct. 2012.
Photo courtesy of http://www.everystockphoto.com/
Featured Product
XPEL Paint Protection Film
A rugged eight mil (.008") clear urethane plastic employing a clear-coat finish for maximum shine. This durable material has been used successfully for years by the military, various auto manufacturers, and NASCAR race teams in rock chip prone areas with incredible results.