|
Are your tires in good shape?
As part of its "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART" national public education campaign (May 13-19, 2013), the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) wants to encourage Canadian motorists to adopt good tire maintenance practices all year long.
|
|
Car Maintenance: Rustproofing Treatments
Rust is a yearlong preoccupation for most Canadians. With major temperature changes, a wet climate (that includes acid rain), and an abundance of salt on the roads, conditions are ripe for our vehicles to corrode all the way to the tiniest recesses.
|
|
Car Maintenance: Exterior Care
Washing a car is a bit more complex than you think. It's not just about removing dust and dirt; you have to be thorough. If you skip or overlook certain steps, you increase the risk of damaging the body of your car.
|
|
Tire Test: Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS
Some people want performance out of their all-season tire, and some people want their tire to save them money. Blend these two requests together and you get the new Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS tire. Situated squarely between the Ecopia EP422 tire and the RE970AS Pole Position tire, the RE97AS gives you a good amount of grip without taking the fun out of driving
|
|
Tire Review: Bridgestone RE-11A
I'm seated behind the wheel of a 570-horsepower, all-wheel drive vehicle. I haven't driven it before, and it's safe to say: I'm a little intimidated.
|
|
Car Maintenance: Interior Care
Mother Nature sure makes things interesting for us Canadian drivers. In addition to significant temperature variations, our cars must endure a nasty mix of dirt, salt, and road grime. Whether it's the body or the interior, the longer you wait to clean the mess, the harder it will be for you to keep your car spotless.
|
|
Car Maintenance: Wheel Alignment
As the only part of your vehicle that touches the ground, your wheels must be perfectly aligned to ensure optimum safety on the road, not to mention reduced tire wear and improved fuel economy. Hitting big potholes and bumps is a major cause of improper wheel alignment.
|
|
Car maintenance: Oil change
So, when exactly is your engine due for an oil change? You can find the easiest -- and safest -- answer in your owner's manual which lists the manufacturer's recommended maintenance intervals. Overall, though, it all depends on your engine's design and the type of oil used.
|
|
Did You Know?: Fuel Injection
Fuel injection is what makes vehicles go. How? By spraying fuel and mixing it up with air, said mixture gets compressed and ignites (courtesy of the spark plugs), pushing the piston back down and engaging the crankshaft which, in turn, engages the drive shaft that connects the driving axles.
|
|
Car Maintenance: Fluids
Fluids are the lifeblood of any vehicle and allow the engine and other systems to operate properly and deliver optimum performance. Among their many different assignments they lubricate, cool down, pressurize, clean, and even help reduce emissions.
|
|
Top 5 performance all-season tires for trucks, SUVs and CUVs in 2013
Designed for sport utility vehicles (SUV), crossover utility vehicles (CUV) and pickup trucks, these all-season tires feature an aggressive tread design and provide good year-round versatility. However, they are not suited to drive in deep snow and at temperatures below -7° Celsius.
|
|
Top 5 all-season tires for trucks, SUVs and CUVs in 2013
These all-season tires ensure a pleasant ride and predictable handling any month of the year, whether you're driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV), crossover utility vehicle (CUV) or pickup truck, including luxury and/or performance models.
|
|
2013 all-season truck tire evaluation
PMCtire.com returns with its annual all-season tire evaluation and rankings, which will help you make the best selection for your pickup truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV) or crossover utility vehicle (CUV). All the main tire models available in Canada in 2013 have been considered.
|
|
2013 all-season car tire evaluation
Now a leading source of expertise for many Canadian drivers, PMCtire.com returns with its annual all-season tire evaluation and rankings, which will help you make the best selection based on your needs. All the main tire models available in Canada -- including many OEM tires -- have been considered.
|
|
Everything about tires
Gaining knowledge and information on any subject is empowering. As with any consumable product, understanding your needs and knowing what you want will prevent anyone from taking advantage of you.
|
|
Load Rating
The load rating or load index refers to the maximum weight each tire can support.
|
|
Shopping for all-season and summer tires
To most of those who do not require winter tires, the circular-shaped rubber-made items on our cars are commonly referred to as 4-season and summer tires. When shopping for new tires, it is important to purchase the right ones for the job.
|
|
Car Maintenance: Tire Change
Tires wear out at different rates depending on the season and their usage, so it's hard to put a mileage limit on them. For summer, performance tires, all-season tires, and eco-friendly tires all have specific attributes. Come winter, some tires will focus on wet performance, while others are more suited for ice.
|
|
Did you know?: Electronic driving aids
Electronic driving aids get mixed reviews. In fact, I'd say they fuel one of the most polarizing automotive topics in the 21st Century. Some people hate them, claiming that they're just one step short of fully autonomous cars, while others are grateful that automakers put so much effort into building increasingly safe and sophisticated vehicles
|
|
Top 2013 Summer Tires
It smells like spring, and I'm sure you've noticed. The time has come to swap the old winter tires for your summer/4-season rubbers.
|
|
Tire Speed Ratings
Ever notice, or hear someone mention, a letter following the size description of a tire? That letter defines the speed rating of any given tire.
|
|
Car maintenance: Brake wear
In order to determine whether your brakes need a check-up, some maintenance or a replacement, you must be able to recognize signs of wear or damage.
|
|
Tire Shopping Made Easy
Shopping for tires is time consuming and frustrating. In short: A pain! At least that's what George Silagadze, Founder and CEO of GetMeTires.com discovered last year when he tried to buy tires for his wife's car
|
|
Did You Know?: Electric Motors and Batteries
In today's world, automakers are trying harder than ever to clean up their act by developing alternative power sources for their vehicles that aren't internal combustion engines. Electric motors have been around for nearly 200 years. Present in our day-to-day lives, this technology has evolved and has now found its way into certain vehicles.
|
|
Q & A about Green Tire Technology (Part 1)
Tire technology evolves at a rate that mimics the world around us. The constant fluctuations in fuel prices affect everything from material costs to transportation fees and, clearly, the end product.
|
|
Did you know?: Diesel engines
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition and burn the air-diesel mixture injected into the combustion chamber. The compression ratio must be significantly higher (than a gasoline engine) in order to ignite diesel and generate power. The lack of spark plugs and associated hardware simplifies maintenance.
|
|
Did you know?: Suspension
Suspension connects a vehicle's unsprung masses (wheels and brakes) to the chassis and cabin. It uses three key components: linkage (A-arms, struts), a support assembly (coil springs, torsion beam, etc.), and a damper (shock absorber).
|
|
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3
Can one tire do it all? No; unless tire companies figure out how to make one "transform" at the touch of a button. Until then, a good summer tire will never equal a good winter tire.
|
|
Did You Know?: Emission Control
Fuel vapour, oil vapour and unburnt fuel at the end of the combustion cycle must be transformed before being released into the environment. That's a job mainly reserved for the catalytic converter in the exhaust system. A number of sensors along the way also monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust air and adjust fuel injection and emission control processes accordingly.
|
|
Did You Know?: Compression Ratio
Every engine has a specific compression ratio. The air-fuel mixture is compressed in the cylinder to create an ignition, the force of which depends on the compression ratio: the volume of the cylinder when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke versus the volume of the cylinder when the piston is at the top of its stroke. Incidentally, you should know that engine displacement refers to the total capacity of all the pistons during a complete cycle.
|
|
Integrated Communications Systems for GM Vehicles
If you own a General Motors vehicle, you're probably familiar with OnStar. While it's a great idea to have emergency help and the option to make calls, many can hardly justify the $200-$300 yearly fee once the trial period is over. Well now, thanks to the guys at Costar Technologies, you have another option.
|
|
Different fuel types
Fuels that derive from petroleum, such as gasoline and diesel, are called hydrocarbons and are composed of hydrogen and carbon. Petroleum oil's composition depends largely on its place of origin. Its sulphur and other mineral content can vary from one oil field to the next. This crude oil has to undergo a series of transformations before becoming the final fuel products that we so greatly depend on today.
|
|
Winter Guide: Emergency Kit
Surviving winter is often about preparing for the unexpected. That's why all drivers should carry an emergency kit in their car. You can assemble yours for less than $100, and without giving up too much -- if any -- space in your trunk.
|
|
Did you know? Different types of blowers
Mechanically increasing engine air intake through either a turbocharger or supercharger is an easy and effective way to increase the combustion and, therefore, the power produced by an engine. Instead of the engine swallowing the surrounding air normally, it is forced through the intake manifold by mechanical means, thus allowing smaller engines to produce higher outputs.
|
|
Hankook Tire plans new high-tech R&D centre in Korea
Hankook Tire announced plans for a high-tech Research and Development centre in Korea. The facility will be built by Foster+Partners, an architecture firm that's responsible for the famous Millau overpass in France and McLaren's production centre in the U.K., among others.
|
|
New studies confirm the importance of winter tires
A recent survey by Goodyear revealed that North American drivers may not be well prepared for the upcoming winter. Now, the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) have both published a report to confirm the importance of winter tires.
|
|
HID headlights 101
High-intensity discharge or "Xenon gas" headlights are present on many high-end vehicles on the road today, and are rapidly gaining popularity.
|
|
Sailun Tire Comparison
BOWMANVILLE, ON - If you've never heard of Sailun Tires, you're not alone.
In fact, a survey of a group of automotive media gathered at Mosport's Driver Development Track showed only a marginal awareness of the Chinese brand - and that's among industry professionals.
|
|
Top 5 winter tires for commercial vehicles in 2012
The various winter tires in this review are all designed for trucks that require heavy-duty tires with a high payload capacity, as well as maximum off-road traction when driving on construction sites, recreational areas, and in deep snow. With their aggressive tread design, they also provide exceptional grip in mud. However, they are not as effective on ice as most winter tires for passenger cars and SUVs.
|
|
Top 5 performance winter tires for trucks/SUVs in 2012
The various performance winter tires in this review are all designed to provide superior grip, especially on ice. They are more suited for highway driving, which also means that they could lack traction in deep snow, although you won't feel it as much when driving AWD-equipped vehicles. Sporting the mountain/snowflake logo, these tires also meet Law 42 of the Quebec Highway Safety Code. They fit most luxury trucks and SUVs available on the market.
|
|
Top 5 winter tires for trucks/SUVs in 2012
The various truck tires in this review are all designed to provide adequate grip on snow, ice, or a combination of both. As such, all of them meet winter driving requirements. With the mountain/snowflake logo, they also meet Law 42 of the Quebec Highway Safety Code. They fit most light-duty trucks and SUVs available on the market.
|
|
Top 5 performance winter tires for cars in 2012
The various performance tires in this review are all designed to provide superior grip, especially on ice. They are more suited for highway driving, which also means that they could lack traction in deep snow, although you won't feel it as much when driving AWD-equipped vehicles.
|
|
Top 5 winter tires for cars in 2012
The various passenger car tires in this review are all designed to provide adequate grip on snow, ice, or a combination of both. As such, all of them meet winter driving requirements.
|
|
2012 winter tires: choosing the right tire
It's that time of year again! Pretty soon, the multicoloured foliage will give way to a cold blanket of white snow, and drivers must seriously start thinking about winter tires.
|
|
Top 2012 CUV/Minivan/small SUV Winter Tires
As we ourselves are fans of compact crossover vehicles (link to comparo test) (and in some cases even own one), we had no choice but to expand on our top winter tire choices.
|
|
Bridgestone: LEED certification is a must
AIKEN, SC. - My recent trip to Bridgestone's PSR and ORR plants in the South were far more educational than I could have ever expected. In fact, had I known I was going to learn as much, I would have stayed home and watched the tube...
|
|
Bridgestone Ecopia Tire: The future of the tire
The Bridgestone Ecopia tire has been on the receiving end of a fair amount of press over the last few years seeing as how it was the tire of choice for the Nissan LEAF EV, but given what I experienced during my brief visit to the company's Aiken, SC PSR plant, I think it deserves a little more.
|
|
Pneus Unimax and Point S: New alliance
Two renowned companies in the tire industry, (Pneus Unimax known as UNIPNEU) and Point S have recently entered an alliance. Point S, with its 2,600 outlets, sell 15 million tires annually and are already present in the United States; the association with Pneus Unimax means they will enter the Canadian market in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic provinces.
|
|
Rustproofing: Grease-based Treatments
As an alternative to an oil-based rustproofing treatment, a greased-based treatment is just as effictive and an excellent way to protect your vehicle in the winter months ahead. While oil is known to do a fabulous job, grease is regarded as being even more effective at keeping your car rust-free.
|
|
Rustproofing: How To
It's official: Summer is over. Despite your denial, the cooler temperatures have surely given away fall's presence, as have the ads for rustproofing treatments strewn about. These are telltale signs that cold weather, winter tires and Christmas are just around the bend. Buck up, we're here to make the transition easier.
|
|
Rustproofing: Oil-Based Treatments
Probably the most common form of rustproofing, oil-based treatments are offered nearly everywhere rustproofing is performed. Ranging in price from $60 to $100, oil-based treatments are affordable, but it doesn't mean it's a cheap job. You may even qualify for supplemental rebates on your oil-based rustproofing treatment to further reduce the price to as little as $40 for the entire job.
|
|
Rustproofing: Avoid Scams
As is the case with many products, there are always "miracle" versions available. Want to lose weight? Forget exercising and diet, just take this "miracle" pill! Want to look like you're 20 when you're actuall 78? Drink this "miracle" juice 50 times a day! Rustproofing is not immune to such scams, and you have to be wary of them when you shop for a good treatment option. While some "miracle" rustproofing treatments may work under extremely specific circumstances, in general we've observed that they rarely work as they should and should be avoided.
|
|
Rustproofing: All-in-One Guide
As winter fast approaches, it's time educated drivers began cold-weather prep for their cars. The cold season ahead not only means outfitting your vehicle with a proper set of winter tires, but also a solid rustproofing treatment. And we're not the only one preaching this lesson: Your local garage will tell you the same thing. Protect your vehicle (be it car, SUV or pickup) from the winter elements with a good rustproofing treatment.
|
|
Top 2012 Winter Tires
Price is always the No. 1 consideration when it comes to buying anything. If money wasn't an issue, we'd all be driving Audis, wearing Armani and eating Kobe beef and caviar. Such is not the case.
|
|
2012 summer and all-season truck tire evaluation
We're back with our annual summer and all-season tire evaluation and rankings, which will help you make the best selection for your pickup truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV) or crossover utility vehicle (CUV). All the main tire models available in Canada have been considered.
|
|
2012 summer and all-season car tire evaluation
We're back with our annual summer and all-season tire evaluation and rankings, which will help you make the best selection based on your needs. All the main tire models available in Canada have been considered.
|
|
Top 5 performance all-season tires for trucks, SUVs and CUVs in 2012
Designed for sport utility vehicles (SUV), crossover utility vehicles (CUV) and pickup trucks, these all-season tires feature an aggressive-looking tread design and provide good year-round versatility. However, they are not suited to ride in deep snow and at temperatures below -7° Celsius.
|
|
Top 5 all-season tires for trucks, SUVs and CUVs in 2012
These all-season tires ensure a pleasant ride and predictable handling any month of the year whether you're driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV), crossover utility vehicle (CUV) or pickup truck, including luxury and/or performance models.
|
|
Synthetic oil for aspiring tuners
Using performance products to enhance that truck, wagon or sport-compact can be rewarding, or a total waste of the aspiring tuner's hard-earned cash, depending on the level of knowledge at hand.
|
|
Bridgestone Americas' New Technical Center
Tires are a big deal. Ever stop and think about all the active safety features on your car? Ever delve into what they all have in common other than a computer? Tires. They rely wholly on your tires.
|
|
Don't wear me out
Does your car make you cringe in a fingernails-on-chalkboard kind of way every time you hit the brakes? Maybe it vibrates in an annoying little way too, making you feel like you're not in complete control? Has the brake-pedal position changed? Do you need to press down harder on said pedal, or did you feel a twinge of worry the last time you had to resort to an emergency braking manoeuvre?
|
|
Subaru Canada introduces new 500,000-km maintenance schedule
Subaru Canada, Inc. is pleased to announce the introduction of a brand new 500,000-kilometre maintenance schedule for Subaru owners. According to Subaru's Canadian sales data and R.L. Polk Canadian registration data, 95.4 percent of Subaru vehicles sold in Canada over the last 10 years are still on the road today. With these statistics in mind, Subaru Canada developed an extended maintenance schedule reflective of the needs of older vehicles.
|
|
Smoke and mirrors: The James Bond car
No, officer, I swear my car isn't dying a gruesome death, it's this new James Bond technology! See, to lose my pursuers, I just press firmly down on the gas pedal here, and a thick cloud of smoke envelops the car behind me. It's like a secret agent car!
|
|
Michelin X-Ice 3 winter tire test
As with car makers, tire manufacturers do their darnedest to cater to what consumers want and ask for. Michelin is to tires what Toyota is to hybrid technology; they are at the forefront, leading the way and by example.
|
|
Under pressure
After months of meticulous research, poring over the latest information on fuel efficiency, and technology that will keep you and your family safe - you've finally purchased that spanking new vehicle.
|
|
Is your car ready for winter?
Those frosted windshields greeting us in the early morning are a surefire sign that winter's on its way. However, we can take some of the sting out of Jack Frost's bluster by making sure our vehicles are well prepared for the cold.
|
|
The benefits of winter tires
Although the blazing autumn colours make this one of the prettiest times of the year, we all know that they're a sign of tougher times ahead, climate-wise. It won't be long until that colourful palette gives way to a blanket of white - also pretty in its own way - but potentially treacherous for motorists.
|
|
The winter tire vs. all-season tire debate
Canada is smack in the middle of a moderately harsh climate where temperatures can vary from -30 to +30 in only a few weeks. Weather conditions alter from rain, hail, snow, sleet and ice in a matter of moments in winter. It is therefore paramount that drivers and their cars adapt and be properly equipped at all times.
|
|
Tips on getting prepared for winter
Feel that chill in the air? That's winter knocking on our collective door. The first snowfalls are mere days, hopefully weeks away, and preparing yourself and your car for the worse driving conditions is essential.
|
|
Top 5 performance winter tires for cars in 2011
The main new performance winter tire for passenger cars this year is the Kumho I'ZEN KW27. Please note that we have also added Vredestein, a quality tire brand from the Netherlands which Canadian drivers have yet to become familiar with.
|
|
Top 5 winter tires for trucks/SUVs in 2011
There are no new winter tire models for light-duty trucks and SUVs this year. Please note that we have also added Vredestein, a quality tire brand from the Netherlands which Canadian drivers have yet to become familiar with.
|
|
Top 5 winter tires for cars in 2011
The main new winter tire models for passenger cars this year include the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7, Toyo Observe GSI-5, Goodyear Ultragrip Ice WRT, and Kumho I'ZEN KW22. Please note that we have also added Vredestein, a quality tire brand from the Netherlands which Canadian drivers have yet to become familiar with.
|
|
Winter Tire Review: Best of 2011
Now a benchmark for many car drivers, the winter tire reviews and rankings by PMCtire.com are back. A total of 129 different models have been evaluated.
|
|
Rustproofing: All you need to know
Fall is in full swing and educated drivers know it's time to prepare their car for the cold season ahead, which not only means a proper set of winter tires but also a good rustproofing treatment.
|
|
Rustproofing: Fake charges
There are many so-called "miracle" rustproofing therapies available. On this subject, we are regularly quizzed about electronic rustproofing. We have heard of and seen some of these treatments and as far as we can tell (as with most other experts), all of them require specific circumstances for them to work - that is if they work at all.
|
|
Rustproofing: Greased to the gills
The alternative to an oil-based rustproofing treatment is one that is grease-based. This treatment offers excellent protection. The compromises are few and far between, and most experts agree that this is the best way to protect the large investment that are our cars.
|
|
Rustproofing: All oiled up
The most common type of rustproofing treatment is an annual oil-based deal. On a yearly basis, this is the least expensive alternative. Prices typically range between $60 and $110. On occasion, supplemental rebates can further lower the cost to as little as $40.
|
|
Rustproofing: Education
Summer is over. If the cooling of the temperature wasn't enough of a sign that fall is in the air, ads for rustproofing treatments are always a telltale sign that cold weather is just around the bend.
|
|
The luxury wheel
"Bling" is what this category of wheels is all about. By definition, this encompasses many shapes and sizes however all have the same goal: to be stared at. FastCo's Director of Product Development explains.
|
|
New winter tires from GT Radial
Yes, winter is approaching and if you happen to face some tricky road conditions at this time of the year, you'd better start thinking about fitting your car with proper tires. In fact, winter tires are now mandatory in Quebec, Northern Ontario and certain parts of British Columbia.
|
|
How to take care of your wheels
Different types of finishes on wheels dictate and require different types of care. Ian Pavelko, Director of Product Development at FastCo, lets us know what to do to keep them shiny and new.
|
|
Emergency preparedness: not just for Boy Scouts
The Boy Scout motto is "be prepared". That's also a great motto for anyone taking their car on the road, whether it's winter conditions, a back-road adventure, or just an everyday commute. Most of the time, we get to where we're going uneventfully, but there are a number of easy-to-pack items that can come in handy if that trip suddenly becomes eventful.
|
|
Winter tires: All you need to know
October is right around the corner, Christmas stuff is starting to flood all the big stores and wearing a T-shirt early in the morning has now become almost heroic (or is it foolish?). No doubt about it, winter's coming!
|
|
GT Radial, a new name in the tire biz
A new brand of tires is gradually making its way onto the Canadian market. GT Radial, from Asian manufactured GITI Tire, targets consumers after modern, affordable products.
|
|
Toyo Tire Canada Inc. Launches New Observe GSi5 Winter Tire
Toyo Tire Canada Inc. will release the latest addition to their winter passenger tire lineup this fall. Developed specifically for Canadian winters, the Observe GSi5 was designed to perform in snow, slush and icy conditions, while maintaining excellent wear life. It features Toyo Tires' latest development in Total Control Sipe Technology (TCST) and was created using a new winter compound made partially of environmentally-friendly material.
|
|
What does TPMS mean?
This feature is an important part of the safety accessories included with most modern cars. FastCo's Director of Product Development explains what they do to keep you on the straight and narrow.
|
|
What is the centre bore?
The centre bore needs to perfect in order to avoid annoying vibrations on today's modern cars. Ian Pavelko from FastCo explains.
|
|
What is a mag wheel?
Do you know why they call them "mag" wheels? Do you really know what they are? FastCo's Director of Product Development reveals all.
|
|
What type of fasteners does your car need?
What is a fastener you ask? They're also known as wheel bolts and are certainly crucial to keeping wheel and car in contact. Beyond that, they are far more complex than you might imagine. Listen to Ian Pavelko from FastCo to find out more.
|
|
What is wheel offset?
It is possible that you've never heard of the term but it does make a difference in driving performance as well as styling.
|
|
Tuning/performance wheels
These wheels are some of the most popular types and designs for those looking to spruce up their rides. Ian Pavelko from FastCo tells us more about them.
|
|
The benefits of buying Replika wheels
Loving the "stock" look of your beloved luxury car need not end in winter with ugly steel wheels. Replika wheels offer a range OE copies that sustain the car's design philosophy. Ian Pavelko from FastCo breaks it down for us.
|
|
Aftermarket wheels without the sting
Looking to upgrade your car's styling without increasing tire and wheel sizes? Replacement alloy wheels are a suitable and affordable alternative. FastCo's Director of Product Development explains.
|
|
Goodyear innovates with self-inflating tires
One of the first things that you learn when you become a car owner is to regularly monitor tire pressure in order to prevent flats and/or unfortunate incidents. Since many of us are lazy by nature, we often overlook this little check-up.
|
|
The various types of competition wheels
Competition wheels range from weekend racers to serious track applications. Ian Pavelko from FastCo describes what makes a wheel good enough to satisfy that hover between show and go.
|
|
Car covers : protecting what is most precious
Car covers are one of those accessories that we don't often think about unless storing an automobile or truck. Myself, I bought one years back when I found a "project car" which was a fairly clean, non-running 1974 Ford Galaxy 500XL. Actually, I only bought it because the car cost me $80 for the car and the plates... The car cover was therefore an expensive investment as it cost me nearly $100.
|
|
Fastco Canada : More than meets the eye
This article is part 2 in a series of stories on Fastco, a Canadian alloy wheel company established in Vaudreuil-Dorion, located west of the Island of Montreal. You can get acquainted with the company by reading up on their origins by clicking here.
|
|
Bridgestone Ecopia low rolling-resistance tires
PHOENIX, Arizona - Heat waves shimmering off the hot tarmac, a group of automotive media gathered at Firehawk raceway watched two identical Honda Civics free-roll down gigantic Hot Wheels-style ramps. Since we're here to learn about the newest Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 low rolling-resistance tire, we're only marginally surprised to see the Ecopia-clad Civic coast to a stop about 25 metres further than the vehicle clad in conventional Bridgestone Turanza tires.
|
|
Anatomy of a 4-season tire
All-season tires are the most commonly used in the business. Ever wonder what makes up a tire that is expected to be capable in all weather conditions? Check out this video to find out.
|
|
The ins and outs of tire balancing
Tire balancing is crucial. It is part of basic tire maintenance. Jay Zinniger from Talon Tire describes what the shimmy you feel in your steering wheel may be while driving and what is used to create balance in a tire and wheel setup.
|
|
Good car maintenance = better gas mileage
It has been written, many times in fact, that a well-maintained car will return better gas mileage than a car that has been neglected. In the event that you have not been exposed to these tips in the past, we've put together a list of suggestions to reduce the increasingly strong "pain at the pumps" syndrome.
|
|
The truth about nitrogen inflation
Have you heard about inflating your tires with nitrogen instead of regular air? What are the advantages if any? Is it worth the extra cost? This video explains it all.
|
|
What is a pure summer tire?
Love your sporty sedan or your flashy coupe? Need tires that will measure up? Jay Zinniger from Talon Tire breaks down what you need to know about performance tires.
|
|
How to choose SUV tires
Are all SUV tires the same? Not sure what to replace your OE tires with now that they're worn out? Did you know that performance tires exist for SUVs? Watch this video to find out more.
|
|
Understanding tire inflation
How critical is tire inflation? Jay Zinniger from Talon Tire explains the importance of maintaining the proper pressure in your expensive tires.
|
|
How to read tires sizes and specifications?
Whenever you shop for tires, the second detail you need to know after the make, model and year of your car is size. Curious about all the other numbers and letters on the rubber? This video explains everything.
|
|
What makes a winter tire effective in winter?
We all know what a winter tire is right? We are obviously aware that it performs better in cold unfriendly conditions but do we know why? Jay Zinniger from Talon Tire explains what makes a winter tire tick.
|
|
Engine oil 101
Cars need fuel and oil just like we need water and blood. If you don't eat and drink well enough, your body won't last very long. Likewise, your automobile requires quality fluids and regular maintenance to survive and perform as it should.
|
|
All-terrain commercial light-duty truck tire evaluations
These commercial-grade, heavy-duty tires are designed for trucks and SUVs that require maximum all-terrain grip on construction sites, recreation areas and snow-covered surfaces. Their beefier, more aggressive tread design generates off-road traction by biting into loose or muddy surfaces.
|
|
Off-road light-duty truck tire evaluations
These tires are primarily designed for deep mud, loose dirt, slippery rocks and the toughest trails, including snow-covered trails. They offer much more capability off the road but can also be driven on the road. However, they become quite noisy and provide limited grip on asphalt. Their design features aggressive tread lugs that bite into loose or muddy surfaces to provide maximum traction.
|
|
All-terrain light-duty truck tire evaluations
These tires are designed both for paved roads and those covered in stones, gravel, dirt, sand and snow, including trails. As such, they usually offer more capability off the road than on the road. They feature multifaceted tread blocks to help deliver traction in any direction. Plus, they are branded with the M+S symbol indicating their ability to provide all-season versatility, including traction in snow.
|
|
Low rolling resistance tires: are they worth it?
Today is Earth Day and we saw fit to write about fuel economy, which is something we at Auto123.com take to heart. Many automakers have been using low rolling resistance tires (LRRT) for a few years. While mostly found on hybrids and electric vehicles, these tires are growing in popularity. But are they really worth it or is this a gimmick to steal some of your hard-earned money?
|
|
Summer performance light-duty truck tire evaluations
These tires are designed to give SUVs, crossovers and other light-duty trucks a sporty look. They offer excellent performance on wet or dry pavement. Their aggressively-styled tread considerably improves handling, but like any summer tire, they are not suited for driving on snow and ice nor at temperatures near the freezing point.
|
|
All-season performance light-duty truck tire evaluations
These tires are designed to offer solid performance all year long with SUVs, crossovers and other light-duty trucks. Their sporty-looking tread makes them drivable any day of the year (except in provinces where winter tires are mandatory), however drivers are advised not to use them in deep snow and when temperatures drop below -7° Celsius. As large-diameter, low-profile tires, they represent great sporty alternatives to stock tires.
|
|
All-season light-duty truck tire evaluations
These tires are designed to offer pleasant comfort and predictable handling all year long with SUVs, crossovers and other light-duty trucks, including premium vehicles. Their all-season compound makes them drivable any day of the year except in provinces where winter tires are mandatory. They provide medium grip on snow and ice. Drivers are advised not to use them when temperatures drop below -7° Celsius.
|
|
Windshields 101: cracks, risks, repairs and insurance
Though we all love the spring with its warm weather and melting snow, it's the worst season for your windshield. Rocks and various debris accumulate on the side of the road and increase the risk of damage. Drivers have to be particularly be careful at this time of year and should, if at all possible, avoid dirty streets.
|
|
The 10 commandments of car washing
With the arrival of spring each year, many of us look upon our filthy cars with dismay and decide a good spot of spring cleaning is in order. No one really likes to drive a car that could pass for the local garbage dump. Also, improper care of your vehicle can eventually lead to the deterioration of the fabric and paint, which in turn can affect the resale value or force you to fork over more of your hard-earned cash when the lease is up.
|
|
Extreme performance summer tire evaluations
Extreme performance summer tires include models designed to offer the ultimate high-speed performance - either on wet or dry pavement - for sports coupes and sedans. These aggressively-styled tires can all be driven on the road. Some of them even meet the requirements of professional race tracks.
|
|
Performance summer tire evaluations
Performance summer tires include models designed to offer great high-speed performance - either on wet or dry pavement - for sports coupes and sedans. These attractive, sporty-looking tires can all be driven on the road.
|
|
Performance all-season tire evaluations
Performance all-season tires include models designed to offer good high-speed performance - either on wet or dry pavement - any day of the year. As such, these tires can be driven at all times in provinces where winter tires are not mandatory. However, they provide poor grip on snow and ice.
|
|
All-season tire evaluations
All-season tires include versatile models designed to offer comfort and durability as well as ''grand touring'' models for premium cars. These tires can be driven all year long in provinces where winter tires are not mandatory. However, they provide medium grip on snow and ice.
|
|
Bridgestone launches 3 new ultra-high-performance tires
As the sun shines brighter and hotter, many car owners will need new tires for the summer. Sporty driving enthusiasts will be happy to learn that Bridgestone just added three ultra-high-performance models to its Potenza lineup.
|
|
New 2011 tire models in Canada - All-terrain light truck tires
Every year, a number of new tires are introduced on the Canadian market. The team at PMCtire.com came up with a list of the main new models, including all-terrain and all-season tires for light trucks, to help you identify them. We also highlighted their top features as described by their manufacturers.
|
|
New 2011 tire models in Canada - High-performance summer tires
Every year, a number of new tires are introduced on the Canadian market. The team at PMCtire.com came up with a list of the main new models, including summer and all-season tires, to help you identify them. We also highlighted their top features as described by their manufacturers.
|
|
Nokian sets new speed record on ice with Audi RS6
The world record for fastest car on ice (330.695 km/h) set by the Bentley Continental Supersports didn't last very long. On March 6, Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian reached a top speed of 331.610 km/h on the Gulf of Bothnia in Oulu, Finland.
|
|
Winter tires across Canada
The Rubber Association of Canada released the findings of their study on winter tire usage across Canada recently. What it shows is that winter tires are becoming more common-place, however certain provinces are still lagging behind.
|
|
Winter tires vs. all-season tires: the facts
We, Canadians, live in a fairly harsh climate with temperatures dropping from plus to minus in just a couple of weeks and weather conditions alternating between rain, hail, snow, sleet and ice. Drivers and their cars need to adapt and rely on the proper equipment at all times.
|
|
Continental Tire price increase is effective January 1, 2011
Mississauga, ON - Continental Tire Canada (CTC) announces a price increase of up to 6% with some in-line adjustments on all Continental, General and Proprietary Brand passenger and light truck tires in Canada. The price increase will vary by product line and size. The price increase is effective as of January 1, 2011 for the Canadian market and is a response to the continuing rise in raw material costs. This alignment will only affect summer and all-season tires.
|
|
Choosing the best winter tire for your car
A lot of people wonder how to go about choosing the right winter tire for a given vehicle. That's an excellent question. Vehicles are marketed for their unique, distinguishing features, so you'd expect winter tires to be specially designed for optimal performance on a particular vehicle. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
|
|
Rubber prices on the up and up
Winter is inevitably around the corner. If you haven't bought your winter rubbers, your probably planning on doing it very soon. We all know what a big expense this is, however we've got some bad news... It's only going to get more expensive.
|
|
Ice Tires vs. Snow Tires
There are different types of winter tires on the Canadian market, and it's important to evaluate your needs in order to select the right tire for your kind of driving. Some buyers drive mostly on highways, others in the city, and yet others in the country. So when choosing winter tires, it's important to know the difference between snow and ice models.
|
|
Best snow tires for 2010
Many of you read my snow tire recommendations last year, and that's why I decided to repeat the experiment for fall 2010. This time I went even further, analyzing all the main models in the snow tire category.
|
|
Top 5 winter tires for cars 2010
These tires meet the severe demands of winter driving. They bear a symbol depicting a snowflake and mountain, in compliance with Quebec's Bill 42. They are designed for the majority of vehicles on the market and offer maximum performance on snow and ice. The following chart compares the different models.
|
|
Top 5 performance winter tires for cars 2010
These low-profile tires are available in many sizes with H or V speed ratings. They are designed for luxury vehicles and high-performance cars. Tire manufacturers recommend using 4 identical winter tires.
|
|
Top 5 winter tires for commercial vehicles 2010
To help you select the right model, here is an evaluation of winter tires for commercial vehicles, designed to offer maximum carrying capacity as well as excellent performance on dry, wet, snowy and icy roads.
|
|
Top 5 winter tires for SUVs and Trucks 2010
These tires meet the severe demands of winter driving. They bear a symbol depicting a snowflake and mountain, in compliance with Quebec's Bill 42. They are designed for the majority of vehicles on the market and offer maximum performance on snow and ice.
|
|
Heat, your car and you
Hot enough for you? As we shuttle ourselves from house to office, to mall and back, looking for a place to stay cool, our cars are suffering. Not exactly in pain mind you, but keeping the temperature down in the car's cabin requires lots of energy and we all know what the by-product of energy consumption is right? Heat. Couple that to your internal combustion engine and ambient temperatures hovering in the low to mid 40s and you get a potential recipe for trouble.
|
|
Toyo Tires Introduces First Mobile Fitment Guide
Information on proper tire sizes, inflation pressures and premium replacement products is just a click away for Apple iPhone and Apple iPod touch users. Introduced by Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., the first mobile tire fitment guide is now available at http://tirefinder.toyotires.com.
|
|
Pirelli Goes Green
When I see a driving course marked out with pylons in a big parking lot, I know one sure thing: some pylons are going to get hurt.
|
|
Michelin Designed Three New Ranges of Tyres For The Porsche Cayenne
Porsche has recently unveiled its dynamic new approach - called Porsche Intelligent Performance - which involves manufacturing vehicles that deliver enhanced performance while also consuming less fuel and that are more efficient and less polluting. This strategy corresponds perfectly with Michelin's strategy of designing and producing tyres that provide the most balanced performance.
|
|
Alignments and Potholes 101
Alignments are key to safety, tire life and fuel efficiency. If you've hit a good pothole, chances are you'll need one.
|
|
Tame the road with Hankook Tire Canada
Brampton, ON - Hankook Tire Canada Corp., is launching a national 'Tame the Road' marketing campaign - the largest integrated marketing communications campaign to date for the brand in Canada. It includes television, print, radio and online components and reflects the company's dedication to strengthen their brand and support their dealer network.
|
|
7 Steps to a Greener Car for Earth Month
Ottawa - April is Earth Month in Canada and you can make a positive impact with your vehicle and save money at the same time. It doesn't matter if the car you're driving is new or old, big or small. There are preventive maintenance steps every vehicle owner can take to make sure their car is green, clean and lean this spring, summer and all year long, according to Car Care Canada.
|
|
Pirelli Scorpion Verde the First ''Green'' Tire for SUV
BARCELONA, Spain, - Pirelli presents Scorpion Verde, the first high-performance eco-friendly tyre for SUVs and Crossovers at the Idiada International Testing Circuit in Barcelona (Catalonia). Scorpion Verde boasts new materials and a new structure guaranteeing steady performance throughout the tyre's life, lower noxious emissions, noise reduction, running economy, shorter braking distances, and comfort.
|
|
Yokohama's near-race tire, the AD07, gets remade into the even racier AD08
At the very top of the Yokohama food chain is the ADVAN series of high-performance street and track tires. These are the tires that are fitted as original equipment on such serious machines as Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-Benz AMG CL65, Porsche 911 Carrera 4, Aston Martin DB9, Audi S8, and Lotus Exige.
|
|
Myth VS. Fact: Longstanding Maintenance
Dearborn, Mich. - They've been around awhile - a snippet of advice here, an old adage there. They're the guidelines that are supposed to help keep cars running in top condition. Problem is, most of them aren't based in fact - or they're just plain outdated.
|
|
Toyo Tires Introduces New Versado CUV Luxury Performance Tire for Crossovers
Toyo Tires introduces the newest member to the
Versado® line of luxury tires, the all-season Versado CUV. The Versado CUV is
designed specifically for the growing crossover vehicle category, and is equipped with
features that enhance handling, stability and fuel efficiency. It's available in 25 sizes to
fit 17-inch through 20-inch diameter wheels.
|
|
Tire For The World's Top Sports Cars: The Potenza S001
Bridgestone has extended its sport tyre line-up with the launch of the Potenza S001 for top sports cars and high-powered luxury vehicles. They developed a new flagship UHP tyre for the world's top sports cars: the Potenza S001. Designed for maximum sports performance, the tyre also delivers high efficiency with reduced rolling resistance.
|
|
Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing, Inc. produces 5-Millionth tire
WHITE, GEORGIA -- Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. (TNA), manufacturer of Toyo Tires® and Nitto® brand tires, recently produced its 5-millionth tire. Considered the most technologically advanced manufacturing facility in the global network of Toyo Tires plants, TNA is located in White, Georgia, a community of Bartow County.
|
|
Toyo Tires unveils new double-sided model poster for 2010
CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA - Toyo Tires unveiled its new 2010 model poster which is printed double-sided so you can select your favorite scene, whether with Robby Gordon's Hummer H3 Dakar® racer equipped with Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R tires, or with Rhys Millen's RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe drift car equipped with Toyo Proxes® R1R extreme performance tires.
|
|
BFGoodrich Tires gears up for King of the Hammers domination
GREENVILLE - BFGoodrich® Tires is looking to continue its domination at the 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, Calif. on Fri., Feb. 12 with its third straight victory. In 2008 and 2009, competitors on BFGoodrich tires won five of the six possible podium spots with the coveted King of the Hammer scepter going to Shannon Campbell in 2008 who then handed it off to Jason Scherer in 2009.
|
|
Kumho Laser Etched Tire Wins Prestigious Design Award
Kumho has won an iF Product Design Award for the innovative laser etching technology it launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. A total of 2486 entries were submitted by 1061 companies from 39 nations for the contest, from which Kumho was declared victorious in the Advanced Studies category.
|
|
Winter Tires Story
As the December 15th deadline fast approaches (like, tomorrow), I thought it useful to recount my winter/summer tire story. For starters, I purchased a used 2004 Volvo XC70 in the Fall of 2008. As I picked up the car in Toronto (not in my native Montreal), I was aware that the car required some new rubber.
|
|
Winter Driving Conditions Cause Drivers Anxiety from Coast to Coast
Bosses, spouses, financial advisors and local politicians take note: many Canadians say their local weather reporter is just as influential as you, according to a new poll sponsored by Goodyear Canada. The poll reveals that almost 8 in 10 (76 per cent) of us check our local weather report at least once a day - a preoccupation that may translate into serious anxiety behind the wheel, come winter.
|
|
Cooper Zeon 4XS
Cooper Tire's first ever premium UHP 4x4/SUV tyre, the Cooper Zeon 4XS, has been designed and built by British engineers.
|
|
All-New Drag-Specific Radial: Nitto NT05R
Cypress, Calif. - Nitto Tire announces the release of its all-new D.O.T.-compliant competition drag radial, the NT05R. The NT05R is Nitto's most aggressive drag radial designed for competition use. Nitto will officially debut the tire at this year's SEMA show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 3 to 6, 2009. Visit Nitto at booth #46115 to see the tire. The NT05R will be available for purchase in the first quarter of 2010.
|
|
Toyo Tires Available At Hyundai Dealers
RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Toyo Tire Canada, Inc. has formed a new distribution partnership with Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. and effective immediately, this agreement enables all 182 Canadian Hyundai dealers access to Toyo Tires'® full line of passenger and light truck tires. Hyundai dealers can source tires through a Toyo dealer in their region as a part of the national accounts program.
|
|
Michelin Has Introduced A New Studded Tire, The MICHELIN Agilis X-ICE North
When snow, icy or wet roads and other extreme winter conditions make driving nearly impossible, drivers may have trouble maintaining control of their vehicles. To make driving safer and easier for utility van drivers in severe, challenging weather conditions, Michelin has introduced a new studded tire, the MICHELIN Agilis X-ICE North.
|
|
Does Your Car Sound Haunted?
Halloween is the time of year for squeals, squeaks, screeches and things that go bump in the night, but when these eerie and haunted sounds come from your car, it's time for maintenance. Noise is to the vehicle what pain is to the body: a warning.
|
|
Time to think about winter tires...
Have you noticed that the leaves have begun falling? This inadvertently means that the winter season is fast approaching. Believe it or not, it is already time to seriously start thinking about getting some winter tires.
|
|
Rustproofing : A life-long investment
Every fall it's the same story: Rustproofing companies begin an aggressive advertising campaign, corner garages put up signs on the kerb displaying their available rust treatments and we get coupons in the mail and by email. It is a seasonal topic but rust is a year-round issue. Many people are confronted by something they know they should do to protect their car but are often not certain as to what they should do.
|
|
Winter wheels from Volkswagen Accessories
Dreieich/Frankfurt am Main, - Everyone knows that sandals are anything but the optimal shoes in winter. However, many drivers have difficulties when making the safe switch from summer tyres to winter tyres. But: In comparison to summer tyres, only winter tyres possess a softer tread surface mixture which ensures a better wheel grip at temperatures below seven degrees Celsius. Volkswagen Accessories offers winter complete wheels with high-quality light alloy rims and premium winter tyres for the majority of the Volkswagen models.
|
|
Kumho Cutting-Edge Tire Technology
Kumho is exhibiting examples of a brand new laser etching process at the Frankfurt Motor Show (September 15-27) - technology that is set to transform the way the company designs its tread patterns.
|
|
Firehawk GT Pursuit Delivers Top Performance For Emergency Vehicles
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - For emergency, rescue and police vehicles, a tire that delivers top performance, durability and dependability is critical. With lives potentially on the line, there's no room for error. In recent testing by Police Fleet Manager, the Firestone Firehawk GT Pursuit proved to be the best tire for this demanding job, garnering top overall honors and rating first in wet-oriented performance.
|
|
New Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire
The tire industry's best light truck tire just got better. Today, Michelin announced the introduction of the new MICHELIN® LTX® M/S2 tire for light trucks and SUVs, offering significant improvements in safety, longevity and fuel efficiency.
|
|
Are your brakes trying to tell you something?
Are your brakes making questionable sounds? Does your brake pedal nearly go to the floor before your vehicle slows down? Does your car or truck's stopping power seem to be going out the window?
|
|
A New Tire From Yokohama Manufactured With Natural Rubber And Orange Oil
TORONTO, - A revolutionary new tire from Yokohama manufactured with natural rubber and orange oil, and targeted at the rapidly growing hybrid car market, establishes a new standard for environmental responsibility while contributing to improved fuel economy and safety, Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. has announced.
|
|
Bridgestone Introduces the Dueler A/T Revo 2
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - It's a tire line that has set the standard for toughness, durability and quiet comfort and now Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is excited to announce the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2, the next generation all-terrain tire in the Dueler family.
|
|
Team Develops Energy Efficient Tire That Won't Go Flat
AKRON, Ohio, -- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) have developed an airless tire to transport large, long-range vehicles across the surface of the moon.
|
|
Sans-ZO: eco-friendly cleaning products
The specialists will tell you, cleaning a car requires extensive care, good products and the patience of a saint. Especially if you're doing it yourself. But mishandle products or use inappropriate ones, and you can kiss the desired results goodbye.
|
|
Towing season is here. Is your ride up to the task?
Like many motorists, chances are you'll probably be hitting the highways in the family crossover or SUV and doing some form of towing this summer. If you're thinking of investing in a trailer, your dealership can help you find an adequate new or used vehicle that meets your exact needs. They can also help ensure that the vehicle in question remains in top shape throughout the season.
|
|
Is your Air Filter costing you money?
Driveability, fuel consumption and performance issues on a vehicle can cause motorists to assume the worst-- but the fix is sometimes a very simple one.
|
|
Preparation and maintenance can reduce winter's toll on your vehicle's interior
It's a concept you're familiar with from the entrance way to your house: in wintertime, salt, sand, dirt and moisture all wind up getting inside and making a mess. Whether tracked in on boots, clothing or pets, the above wind up attacking flooring and carpeting and can be easily ground in- causing damage if not properly cleaned up.
|
|
Car Reviews
Consumer Car Ratings
|
