Tires are Important for Safety and Economy

Your vehicle's most imporatant safety feature.

The engine and brakes of a vehicle work directly through the tires. Even the most advanced traction and stability control systems are limited by the tire's ability to hold the road. If a consumer has tires that are worn, under inflated, or not suited to the environment, they put themselves, their vehicle, and others at risk.

Safety

Tires are more important than you thought. Drivers rarely give tires a second thought, but choosing the right tire can be the difference between and a near miss and an accident. Getting the right tire for a vehicle starts with finding a knowledgeable dealer. One who can help you select the tire best for the intended use. Steve Marshall Ford's Parts Department is knowledgeable and can find the perfect tire for your driving habits and vehicle, and also point out the pros and cons of each tire brand. There is a right tire for everyone, and it is our job to find the right tire for you.

For some consumers, the choice between tires comes down to price and availability or a decision based on appearance and reputation. When depending upon our Parts Department Staff you can learn how to purchase tires based on safety, quietness, road holding ability, and wear. Regardless of tire choice, it is necessary to understand why tires are so important.

Tires are a vehicle's only contact with the road. Even the brawniest engine, strongest brakes, or most advanced antiskid system, is at the mercy of the tire's grip on the road. Every move a driver makes with the steering wheel or brake or gas pedal is transmitted to the road through the four post-it note-sized contact patches of the tires. Selecting the right tires for your driving needs is as important as selecting the right vehicle. Tires that are worn won't be able to displace enough water to prevent hydroplaning. Performance tires won't be able to get much grip in snow. All-season tires can't manage the heat creased in high-speed driving. Passenger-car tires might not be able to carry the heavy load found in a contractor's pickup.

Economy

Most consumers know that proper tire inflation is important and for many reasons. A properly inflated tire generates less heat or friction with the road, increasing fuel economy and decreasing tire wear. Secondly, a tire that's either over- or under inflated will wear unevenly and a tire that is low in pressure loses cornering ability.

Choosing a tire based solely on fuel economy would be foolish, but according to Bill VandeWater at Bridgestone Firestone North America, "consumers can see a 15-20% difference in their fuel economy depending on the tire they select. Some studies have shown that many consumers like high fuel economy, but not at the cost of mileage or safety and performance." Though many consumers consider fuel economy a high priority, it is typically not the number one priority for the consumer. Therefore replacement tires are not designed with fuel economy as high a priority. According to VandeWater, "If a consumer wants a good fuel economy tire, the best choice is usually the original equipment tire."

68% of drivers are concerned with fuel economy and cost of fuel!

Consumers should remember that fuel economy is dependant on proper air pressure. Monitoring air pressure regularly, and using proper inflation pressures as directed by the vehicle owner's manual, is the best route to ensure maximum fuel economy and maximum tire life. Remember, regardless of temperature, tires lose between 1-2 psi per month. In addition, for every 7 degrees Celsius drop in temperature, a tire will lose another pound of pressure. So a tire left unchecked from the time it was filled in warm June to 35 psi, is down 12psi in cooler November. That under inflation is going to hurt fuel economy, traction, and increase tire wear.