Passenger and Light Truck Tires

At Belle Cote Gas we supply most major brands of all season and winter tires. We also provide rims and tire pressure monitoring system sensors along with calibration services for your existing sensors if working but not registering accurately.

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Remember to have your wheels torqued after 100 KMS any time a tire is removed from your vehicle. Stop in to torque your wheels at no charge!

 

Tire Tips

  1. Keep your tires properly inflated.

Under or over-inflated tires may not accelerate, brake or steer properly. Check your tire pressure at least once a month when the tires are cold, that is, before you head out for a drive. Chances are you’ll find that you need to make an adjustment.

According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada:

  • 70% of vehicles have at least one tire with an inflation problem.
  • 23% of vehicles have at least one tire under-inflated by more than 20%, and this increases your vehicle’s fuel consumption and reduces the lifespan of your tires.
  • 17% of vehicles have at least one tire over-inflated by more than 20%, resulting in excessive tire wear and reduced vehicle handling.

Tip: Not sure what your tire pressure should be? The vehicle information placard is a small sticker that lists the proper pressure for both your front and rear tires. Often, it’s located on the driver side, front or back door. If you’re unable to find it, refer to your owner’s manual. Do not rely on the number found on the side of your tires because that’s the maximum tire pressure, not the recommended tire pressure. If not sure, please drop in to Belle Cote Gas. We provide this service at no cost.

  1. Rotate your tires regularly.

Rotating your tires will extend their life and improve performance. It’s recommended you rotate your tires once every 10,000 to 12,000 km or six months.

  1. Get a wheel alignment.

When you do a tire check and notice any type of unusual tire wear, it may be time for a wheel alignment.

  1. Make sure your tires are balanced.

Having unbalanced tires can lead to rapid and premature tire tread wear. You should have your tires balanced every time you change or rotate your tires or when you install a new set of wheels.

  1. Frequently inspect your tires.

When you’re checking your tire pressure, also visually inspect your tires and be on the lookout for cracks or bulges, objects lodged in the tire, punctures, and uneven tread wear.

Bottom of Form

  1. Change your tires according to the season.

In Canada, it’s recommended that you have both summer and winter tires. Both types of tires are designed differently to match the driving conditions. Using winter tires in the summer or vice versa can wear your tires faster than expected.

  1. Don’t mix and match tires.

While it may seem more cost-effective to replace one or two tires at a time, having mismatched tires can lead to rapid and uneven tread wear or even mechanical issues.

  1. Replace your tires when needed.

Pay close attention to the tire tread for indication on when to replace your tires. Tires are manufactured with wear bars and when the bar becomes exposed, it’s time to replace them. Not sure what to look for, do the Bluenose test. Insert a dime with the Bluenose’s sail’s facing down into the tire tread. If you can see the top of the sails, the tire is worn out and it's time to get a new set.

  1. Ensure punctured tires are repaired properly.

Depending on the severity of the puncture or size of the foreign object lodged in your tire, it can be easily repaired. However, it needs to be repaired properly. Take it into the mechanic.

  1. Store spare tires the right way.

Make sure tires are clean, free of gasoline, grease, or any substance that could deteriorate the rubber. If you are storing your tires indoors, make sure it’s in a clean, cool, and dark location away from direct sunlight or sources of heat. If you’re storing them outdoors, make sure the tires are raised off the ground and use waterproof covering with holes to prevent moisture build-up.

Proper upkeep of your tires means not having to replace them as often, ultimately keeping you safer on the roads while saving you money as well.

Maintenance

Proper upkeep of your tires means not having to replace them as often, ultimately keeping you safer on the roads while saving you money.

Tire Tread Depth Chart

(H) Speed Rating
The speed rating is a measurement of the speed at which the tire is designed to run for extended periods. An "H" speed rating signifies that this tire can be run safely at speeds of up to 130 mph for extended periods. Will it explode if it goes to 140? Not immediately. But it might, if it is run at that speed for an extended time.

Here is a complete list of the various tire speed ratings, and their associated letters:
S = 112 mph
T = 118 mph
U = 124 mph
H = 130 mph
V = 149 mph
*Z = Over 149 mph
*W = 168 mph
*Y = 186 mph
*(Y) = Over 186 mph

*The "Z" rating used to be the highest rating for tires having a maximum speed capability greater than 149 mph. But as tire technology improved, it ultimately split into the "W" and "Y" ratings. A "ZR" may sometimes appear in the size designation, as a sort of nod to the prior rating, but it will also be used in conjunction with a W or a Y. When a Y rating is enclosed in parentheses, it means that the tire is capable of speeds in excess of 186 mph.

DOT Code
The DOT code is used by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to track tire production for recall purposes. If a tire proves to be defective, this number helps keep track of where these tires ended up so buyers can be notified of the problem. At the end of the DOT code you'll find a four-digit number. This is the manufacturing date of the tire. The first two digits stand for the week; the other two are the year. For example, if your tire had "1613" listed, it was manufactured on the 16th week of 2013.

If you come across a three-digit number, you have a tire that was manufactured before 2000. A DOT tire code of "127" indicates the tire was made on the 12th week of the seventh year of the decade. But it's difficult to know whether that was 1997 or even 1987. According to tirerack.com, some tires produced in the 1990s may have a small triangle following the DOT number to identify the decade. But any tire that has a three-digit code is history. Tire experts recommend that you replace tires that are six or more years old, regardless of their tread depth.

Sometimes the DOT number will be located on the inside of the tire. In this case, you can either jack up the car to inspect it, or check with your local mechanic or tire shop.

Tip!  Make it a habit of checking the manufacturing date on your spare tire.