Tire Repair or Replacement

1. Do I have to replace my present tires with the same size tires?
   Answer :
   What to know
   • Never choose a smaller size than those that came with the car.
   • Tires of different size designations may affect vehicle handling and stability.

   What to do

   • Replace tires with the same size designation or approved options, as recommended by the vehicle or tire manufacturer.
2. Can I mix tire types on my car?
   Answer :
   What to know
   • Tires of different size designations, constructions and stages of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability.
   • For best all-around performance, the same type tire should be used on all four wheel positions.

   What to do

   • Do not mix radial and non-radial tires on a vehicle.
   • If mixing is unavoidable, never mix radial and non-radial tires on the same axle.
   • If you install two radials and two non-radials on a vehicle, the two radials must be installed on the rear axle and the two non-radials on the front axle.
3. If I buy only two tires, should I put them on the front or rear?
   Answer :
   What to know
   • We do not recommend buying only two tires. However, if you do, you should put them on the rear axle (see "What to do" below).

   What to do

   • When you select a pair of replacement tires in the same size and construction as those on the car, put them on the rear axle.
   • A single new tire should be paired on the rear axle with the tire having the most tread depth of the other three.
   • When radial tires are used with bias or bias-belted tires on the same car (not recommended), the radials must always be placed on the rear axle (never mix radial and bias-ply tires on the same axle).
4. Isn't it easy to mount a tire on a wheel? Can't I do it myself?
   Answer :
   Never try to mount your own tires. Tire mounting is a job for the people who have the proper equipment and experience. If you try to do it, you run the risk of serious injury to yourself as well as possible damage to the tire and rim.
5. How should a flat tire be repaired?
   Answer :
   What to know
   • Tires that are traveled on even short distances while flat are often damaged beyond repair.
   • Your best bet is to make sure your spare tire is always ready to do the job (check it regularly for proper air pressure and be sure that it is in good shape).

   What to do

   • If a tire loses all or most of its air pressure, it must be removed from the wheel for a complete internal inspection to ensure it is not damaged.
   • If your car is equipped with a temporary or "mini" spare, be sure to check the tire's sidewall for the correct inflation pressure, speed and mileage limitations.
   • Most punctures, nail holes or cuts up to ¼ inch—confined to the tread—may be satisfactorily repaired by trained personnel using industry-approved methods.
   • Do not attempt to repair tires with tread punctures larger than ¼ inch (6 mm) or any sidewall puncture.
   • Never repair tires that are worn below 2/32-inch tread depth.
6. How do I know when I need new tires?
   Answer :
   What to know
   • Many tires have tread wear indicator bars moulded into the tread.

   What to do

   • When the tread is worn down to where you can see a solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread, it is time to replace the tire.