Tips and Guides

What are Tire Balancing Weights? Tire balancing weights, also known as wheel weights, are small metal weights that are attached to the inside or outside of vehicle wheels to help balance them. The purpose of tire balancing weights is to offset any imbalance that may be present in a tire and wheel assembly. When a…

Refrigerants play a critical role in cooling systems like air conditioners and refrigerators. For decades, the industry relied on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) like R134a. However, HFCs have high global warming potential (GWP). With rising environmental concerns, the industry has been shifting to alternative refrigerants with lower GWP. One of the leading new refrigerant options is R1234yf,…

What Are Spline Lug Nuts? Spline lug nuts are a specialized type of lug nut used on many modern vehicles. They differ from standard lug nuts in that they have an internal spline shape rather than a typical hex shape. The splines on a spline lug nut allow it to “lock” onto the matching splines…

What is a TPMS Sensor? A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor is a battery-powered electronic device mounted inside each tire on a vehicle. TPMS sensors continuously monitor the air pressure levels in the tires and alert drivers if a tire becomes significantly under-inflated. TPMS sensors contain pressure transducers that can detect when a tire’s…

The Goodyear Gatorback belt is designed for heavy duty industrial applications that require high performance and durability. This belt uses a unique Gatorback weave construction that makes it ideal for demanding environments with contaminants like oil, heat, chemicals or rocks. The key features of the Gatorback belt include its rugged and flexible design, excellent grip,…

Tire rotation is an important maintenance task for all vehicles, including all-wheel drive (AWD) models. Rotating tires periodically helps them wear evenly and extend their lifespan. Tires are expensive, so making them last longer saves money. Uneven tire wear can also impact your vehicle’s handling and braking. Many people assume AWD vehicles don’t need tire…

What are Grand Touring Tires? Grand touring tires, sometimes referred to as GT tires, are designed for responsive handling and a comfortable ride. They are considered to be a step above all-season tires in terms of performance and features. Some key characteristics of grand touring tires: In summary, grand touring tires strike a balance between…

What does HT mean on a tire? HT stands for “high temperature” and is a rating that appears on some tires. It indicates that a tire is designed to withstand higher operating temperatures than a standard tire. On a tire’s sidewall, you may see a code like P215/65R15 95H. The 95H here refers to the…

Electric vehicles (EVs) have different driving characteristics and requirements compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which means choosing tires for EVs requires some special consideration. The unique torque delivery, weight distribution, regenerative braking system, and emphasis on efficiency in EVs put different demands on tires than what ICE vehicles require. Additionally, the quieter ride…

Introducing the Nitrogen vs Air Debate One of the ongoing debates among auto enthusiasts and mechanics is whether it’s better to fill your tires with nitrogen or regular air. Proponents of nitrogen claim it can improve fuel efficiency, prolong tire life, and enhance performance. However, others argue that regular air works just fine for most…