Videos from our Tire and Wheel Specialists

Wheel and Tire Care

Wheel Covers

Nitrogen Air Tire Inflation

Wheel Vibration System

Q. When do tires need to be replace?

A. Tires are typically replaced when they are worn or damaged. There are a number of factors that can affect this including storage, temperature, surfaces, punctures, etc.

The usual recommendation for replacing tires is when they no longer feel safe to the driver. A typical set of tires under normal driving conditions will last approximately 40,000 miles. Some tires are designed for much longer, even up to 80,000 miles. If you are unsure if your tires need replaced come into Hubcap Express and speak with one of our tire experts.

Q. How do I determine my wheel/rim size?

A. DO NOT MEASURE RIM OR HUBCAP SIZE - A tape measure will give you the WRONG size! It will measure a little over an inch larger than the actual wheel size.

Rim size is the diameter of the BEAD of the TIRE, which cannot be measured without removing the tire from the rim.

All tires have a "Size Series" printed on them that contains the wheel / rim size. This series of numbers usually begins with a P (for Passenger) or LT (for Light Truck)

Examples: P185/70/R16. LT225/80/R16.

In this designation the two digit number following the R denotes the Rim/ wheel size is 16 inches. The R itself actually means it is a Radial tire.

Q. Why do hubcaps come off?

A. Any number of reasons. The most common are: 1) damage from contact with a curb, 2) faulty installation, and 3) broken retainer clips or struts. Sometimes the impact from a big pothole or speed bump can knock off a hubcap. Heavier metal wheel covers come off easier than lighter plastic ones.

Q. Who uses nitrogen in their tires?

A. All commercial aircraft, NASCAR, Indy, LeMans, Formula One, the U.S. Military, NASA, even Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France riders!

Q. What are the benefits of nitrogen?

Q. Once filled with nitrogen, will it harm my tires to fill them with regular air?

A. Until nitrogen tire inflation becomes more commonplace, regular air is still better than no air. However, the more air you put in, the less benefit you'll get from the nitrogen that remains in your tire. If you add regular air to your tire, return to Hubcap Express to have your tires refilled with nitrogen.

Q. I have alot of vibration in my wheels, is this a major problem?

A. Yes, today's cars and light trucks are designed to ride smoothly and handle safely. Unchecked, excessive wheel vibration can result in:

• Excessive tire wear

• Damage to suspension & steering parts

• Unsafe steering and handling

• Unsafe driving conditions

• Wheel to axle mounting error

• Brake component wear or failure

• Drive train engine component wear or failure

• Vehicle component characteristics

A knowledgeable technician with proper training and equipment can diagnose these problems. But the only way to rule out all wheel-related vibration is a computer simulated road test. Hubcap Express is one of very few tire service centers in Northeast Indiana to own the Hunter GSP-9700 Road Force Measurement System. This system uses a "road roller" to perform a computer simulated road test, isolating and measuring the exact cause of wheel related vibration.

Q. What causes excessive wheel vibration?

A. At 60 MPH an average tire rotates 850 times per minute. At this speed slight variations in balance, sidewall stiffness or roundness can cause the wheel to literally slam into the pavement 14 times a second.

Q. How is excessive road force variation corrected?

A. Excessive road force variation is corrected by:

1. Aligning the high point or stiff spot in the tire with the lowest spot in the rim can make the wheel "round when rolling". This procedure is called Forcematching© and solves most vibration problems.

2. Tires or rims with extreme runout or road force variation often cannot be matched and must be replaced to solve vibration problems.