Tylo Times » Automotive

Fuel Efficient Tires

Cindy — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:03:20 +0000

We’ve already covered how proper tire care can help save gas but ties themselves can actually be environmentally friendly. When people think of eco-friendly materials, tires probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. As of late, however, tire manufactures have been thinking a lot about the environment even if you don’t think they have been. Take the Firestone Tires’ Dive tire for instance, which claims to be the most fuel efficient tire among leading tire makes.

Several factors contribute to the fuel efficiency of a vehicle including its: aerodynamics (wind resistance), weight, gearing, and rolling resistance, which is where a vehicle’s tires come into play. What makes Firestone’s Drive tire more fuel efficient than its competitors is that it has a very low rolling resistance. Rolling resistance refers to the how difficult it is for a car to move from a stop with a certain tire tire; in other words, how much force needs to be applied to get the tire rolling. Even though it might seem like a tire should roll pretty easily, the truth is that with all of the weight of a car bearing down on them tires actually don’t move so freely. In fact, the underside of a tire is actually somewhat flattened by the force of a car and its cargo. Its to trying to move a wheelbarrow with under-inflated or flat tires. Since more of the tire is touching the ground with a flat tire the harder it is to push the wheelbarrow because the tire is not a perfect circle. But if the wheelbarrow’s tires are fully inflated than less of the tires’ surface touches the ground and the easier it is to move.

Tire manufactures have been working to reduce this “flat area” to make it so that auto tires can move more efficiently. It’s not a matter of tire pressure though but rather tire strength and composition. As such, tire manufactures like Goodyear Tires and Firestone have been working on new compositions and designs to reduce the rolling resistance of their tires. So if you need to drive your car why not do it in the most eco-friendly way possible and pick up a set of fuel efficient tires. Just imagine having a full-electric car like the Tesla Model S and having fuel efficient tires. The famous Dr. Seuss put it best,”Oh, the places you’ll go.”

Photo by Steven Depolo

Via Driverside

Fuel Efficient Tires is a post from: Tylo Times

How to Get a Car Delivered From Another State

Cindy — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:10:00 +0000

The internet has changed the way people shop for everything from books to cars. The latter has created a whole new situation: people purchasing a car through the web that is physically in another state — perhaps even across the country. Usually this occurs because someone really wants a specific model and year, but it may also happen when there’s an irresistible price offered. Whatever the reason, the new owner now has to figure out how to pick up the car.

The easiest way is sometimes not the best. Flying to the city and driving the car back may cancel out any savings from the initial sale, especially if time away from work and family are factored into the equation. Finding a friend or family member who lives in the area and would like to come visit is a solution for many. Once they arrive with your vehicle, they get to enjoy a nice vacation and then take a flight home, having saved the cost of a flight to get there. In these cases, car owners will want to be careful to check their insurance policies to make sure that both the vehicle and their loved one are covered during the long trip.

There are also professional options available. It is possible to hire someone to drive the car from the seller to the buyer, but again, insurance and costs may make this expensive. Another option is to hire a car transport company to do the job.

With careful research and planning, it is possible to find an affordable option to transport a car from one part of the country to another so that the new owner can begin to enjoy their new treasure.

How to Get a Car Delivered From Another State is a post from: Tylo Times

Kent State University: Remembering May 4, 1970

Ford Super Duty

Cindy — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:10:00 +0000

I see the massive Ford trucks on the road and I wonder about the life of the person and the truck. What in the world does anyone need a truck like that for. Sometimes what they are wearing can give a clue. If they have on a bandanna with a cut off Harley Davidson t-shirt then maybe they are in the motorcycle business and need the truck to pull around trailers filled with bikes. Which just make one jealous for the persons life all together. How fun would that be to just be able to get on a motorcycle and ride all over the country or world even.
If they are wearing a cowboy hat, which is what I find more often than any other, than it is more than clear. This person has a very physically demanding life. They are more than likely hauling horse and hay to shows across the country. I bet they have to take that massive truck out on the open plain to fix fences and find their cattle. I bet they even have a ford super duty pick-up repair manual and can do most of the truck maintenance on their own. Maybe they have come to the city to pick up something they need and are listening to some Brad Paisley on their radio. Actually, I bet it would be more like some old Patsy Cline or Roger Miller.
Anyway, then there is me with my convertible Oldsmobile living in the city working my desk job, daydreaming about the greener grass on the other side, as I drive along with my oldsmobile delta 88 royale repair manual in the glove box hoping I don’t even have to change the tire.

Ford Super Duty is a post from: Tylo Times

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Can I Replace My Car Tires One at a Time?

Cindy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:17:36 +0000

Sooner or later the time will come when just one tire will go flat or become too damaged to repair. Even tires of the highest quality and performance ratings such as Nitto tires or Toyo tires, if debris is in the road, or if you hit a bump or a curb too hard, you may just wreck only one tire. The question is, if the other tires are still in good shape, is it okay to replace just that one? Or will the balance be thrown off?

This may seem like a silly question, but I am a female who never found it very fun to work on cars and who does not know about these kinds of things, and when I asked my friends, it seemed that no one had the same answer. Some people said “no way”, while other people said “sure why not?’ I decided to look around for the information in auto manuals and online and this is what I found out. If one tires is damaged beyond repair, and the other tires are still in excellent shape and have not yet accrued a lot of mileage, it is fine to replace just one tire. Just be certain that you buy a tire that is the same size as the other three. Many people even suggest buying the same brand as the others if that is possible.

Some car tires are easy to replace yourself, such as those used on vintage wheels however there may come a time when you do need to replace all four tires but can only afford to do two at a time. Now, while it is recommended that when all the tires are worn out, the safest thing to do is to just replace them all. But if you do just buy two, again, make sure that they are the same size, and put them both either on the front axle or together on the rear axle. This will affect the balance in the least possible. And then be certain to replace the other two as soon as that option becomes available to you. These are simple questions that I didn’t know the answer to, but with a little investigation, I found what I needed to know.

Can I Replace My Car Tires One at a Time? is a post from: Tylo Times

Oil Grade and Car Batteries: Keeping Your Vehicle Running in Freezing Temperatures

Cindy — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:56:04 +0000

Before the cold weather sets in, it is time to change your oil. A Ford Ranger repair manual will offer suggestions on the best grade of oil for your car and for it being able to endure sub-zero temperatures which in some cases, can last up to three months, if not more. Those cold temperatures will not only make your nose freeze and your finger tips ache, but can wreak a bit of havoc on your vehicle if you do not take precautionary steps to avoid that.

No matter what make and model your vehicle is, be it a Ford Ranger or a Chevrolet Cavalier, repair manual suggestions involve using the lowest grad of oil recommended for your vehicle, during the times of cold winter months. This will not only protect the working parts of your car’s engine, but will also result in better fuel efficiency as well as better conservation of energy.

It will aid in starting your car quicker and allowing the engine too, to warm up quicker. During winter is when many people decide to make the switch to a synthetic blend of oil. These blends serve to further speed up your car’s starting abilities, and will ensure that the residual sludge will not build up through your engine, keeping it running longer and better even in the freezing temperatures. And taking steps to ensure that all of your battery cables are tightened and clean, will help your battery when it attempts to start that oh so cold engine.

Water and baking soda, with a used toothbrush is all you need to clean those terminals. Batteries under perfect conditions will last three to five years, so be aware of the age of your battery. You can take it to any garage and they can test it for you if you are unsure. You may find that it is time to buy a new one before the season begins, so look for one with the capacity to reserve electrical power, one that has a higher crank amp, and one that offers the best possible starting power.

Oil Grade and Car Batteries: Keeping Your Vehicle Running in Freezing Temperatures is a post from: Tylo Times

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Wheels and Tires, From the Racetrack to the Roadway

Cindy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:37:24 +0000

A friend of mine has been involved with competitive racing and motor sports her entire life. I remember her family taking trips on every holiday, to the sand dunes in Yuma, Arizona. They had a large camper that towed a flat bed filled with ATV’s, SUV’s, and motorcycles. Now, her thirteen year old son is quite the motorcycle and ATV rider. He has been a fast learner, and I tend to think that it runs in his blood.

One of the most important parts, as with all vehicles, are the wheels and tires that they use on their bikes and the other motorsports vehicles. The Cooper Tire Company is one of the best manufacturers for those involved with every thing from drag racing, to ice racing and rally cross. They have been one of the top competitors for years, since 1950, in all aspects competitions, from the Formula One Races to small grass roots races Cooper Tire has been there.

They continue to be one of the leaders around the world, in more than one hundred and fifty differ championships and series throughout the world, carrying on the tradition of the champion’s spirit and vibe. This is carried from the tracks of those champions, onto the automobiles of everyday drivers. Their vast experience of high performance equipement has served to enhance the experiences of the everyday driver. From inexpensive road tires to cheap rims,
their pricing reflects their innovative technology.

They do not need to charge an arm and a leg for quality. It is just simply what they do. This is one of the reasons why the company continues to remain so involved in the aspects of the race tracks and in the competition. Aside from the excitement of it all, it allows them to take what they have learned and give it back to everyone from the owner of a classic Ford Mustang to a high performance BMW sportscar to a Chevy pick-up truck. Take time to do the research and I am certain that you will agree.

Wheels and Tires, From the Racetrack to the Roadway is a post from: Tylo Times

Purchasing New Tires

Driving on Icy or Wet Roads

Cindy — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:08:12 +0000

Problems occur on any roads, when the weather begins to happen. In Los Angeles, any time it rains there will be numerous accidents…one car accidents. Some people just blame it on crazy LA drivers, which after living in the city for two years I must say that they are actually some of the best drivers around. The problem is that it so rarely rains there that the oil gets built up on the freeway, and any Ford Lincoln Navigator repair manual will suggest that drivers slow their speeds.

The roads become an oil slick, and trying to brake suddenly when traveling fast becomes close to impossible. The same is true for any of the Western States with low rainfall. That was one of the things I was taught in driving school as a teenager in Arizona, that and how to change a flat tire, which I have never actually done myself, but carry my Ford Bronco repair manual should the need arise. Ice on the roads is just as dangerous, as many times you can not see it, you only know it when you are top of it. It is very important to drive with caution and to slow down, and to not follow too closely to another other drivers.

It is suggested by the DMV and in any Ford Ranger repair manual, that standard following time is five seconds, however it is best to increase this distance when the roads are compromised. I myself got into a bit of a situation, and I was traveling at a very slow speed, five maybe ten miles an hour at the most. I was coming up to a stop sign on a small Chicago side street, put on my brakes and my truck just kept on going, bumping in to the car in front of me. There was no damage to either vehicle, however, the other vehicle just happened to be a police car. Luckily the Chicago police officer found it to be more funny than anything else, as I still had my Arizona plates on my car. He poked a bit of fun and then sent me on my way.

Driving on Icy or Wet Roads is a post from: Tylo Times

Driving in Dubai

Buying Tires at a Discount Rate

Cindy — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:09:27 +0000

When struggling through a recessed economy, the last thing most people want to worry about is replacing worn out or damaged tires. What can be an extremely fun and productive purchase when finances aren’t a concern suddenly turns into a stressful situation most people try to avoid. This is when finding the perfect establishment that sales a discount tire becomes a great benefit. It can still be an exciting and satisfying purchase, and many online stores offer special deals and offers of free shipping.

Most people have a preferred tire brand and size, though they forget that they a need new car tire until they are at a dealer or service center taking care of a different issue. For this reason, many consumers choose to have one store from which they only purchase tires and acquire the other vehicle maintenance products and services from another location. In addition, companies that offer discount tire services have a great deal of knowledge on the subject generally offer other services and products as well. And purchasing a discount model often makes room in the budget for other items. Custom truck wheels might be worth seeking a compromise on tire price and the benefit is that most tire stores also sell wheels.

This should not lead the consumer to believe that companies offering discount tire sales are offering a lesser product. Many times a particular business can offer or specialize in discount tires and wheels due to an extremely large inventory and by buying these brand name tires in large bulk numbers. This is possible with stores that have the storage space available as well as though who specialize specifically in tire sales, which reduces the amount of space that is consumed by other products and services. You as the customer has no need to worry about the quality of tire offered in these stores, you can still find your favorite Goodyear, Falken, Michelin and Kumho among all the others.

Buying Tires at a Discount Rate is a post from: Tylo Times

Simple Steps to Changing Your Own Tire

Cindy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:51:42 +0000

When it is necessary to change a tire, say in the middle of a strip of highway when no one to help is in sight, a look through the car or motorcycle manuals published by the manufacturer of the vehicle will surely help, unless you have experience with this sort of do it yourself auto repair. I have been driving for close to thirty years, and to be honest, I’ve never changed my own tire. It is not that complicated of a procedure, but it may get dirty and it be tough.

One thing to be certain of before heading out is that the spare that you have is actually in good shape and fully inflated, otherwise there is not option than to wait for a tow truck. This is a small bit of car maintenance that is easy to overlook. Unless you have a full size spare, keep in mind that those little spare tires have a limited number of miles of usage and are intended just to get you to the nearest tire distributor.

Once you have you have ensured that the car is in gear and the emergency brake is set, use the jack to pull the car up enough to take all of the weight off of the tire, using the small car engine repair manuals you have precipitously placed in your glove compartment, as a guide, use a screw driver to remove the hubcap. Then you will need to grab your wrench. And it is now time to loosen the lug nuts that serve to hold the entire wheel on the axle.

Once the lug nuts are removed it becomes easy. Just remove the damaged tire, and mount the spare. Tighten the nuts just enough to hold the new tire in place, and then lower the car off of the jack. Once the car is one the ground it will be easier to tighten the lug nuts as much as is possible. Replace the hub cap, and head on your way to a tire distributor for a replacement tire. It’s tough and it’s messy, but it’s a good thing to know how to accomplish.

Simple Steps to Changing Your Own Tire is a post from: Tylo Times

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Purchasing New Tires

Cindy — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:08:01 +0000

One may have many questions when it comes to replacing their tires. There are many companies that offer discount tires and they would be able to answer any questions one may have. Tires are rated by speed, and some my wonder about the effects on the handling of one’s vehicle should they replace their tires with those that have a lower rating. The problem with replacing the speed rated general tire, is that unless they are the tires meant for that make of car originally, the capabilities of the speed of the car will not be able to be maintained.

When speaking of high performance vehicles such as race cars, this will affect the overall handling of the vehicle and could prove to be dangerous. The size of tires is another concern. When replacing current tires it is never wise to mount tires that are smaller than the originals. This goes for the carrying capacity of the tires as well. Tires should always be replaced by those of the same dimensions. One can ask any tire salesperson for the answer, but it should also be located on the sticker that is in the driver side door panel. Should one only be able to afford to replace one Cooper tire at a time, it is recommended that they be placed on the back wheels.

One reason is that the traction on the new tires will be greater. Especially if one drives in rainy or snowy conditions, this traction is better to have on the back of the vehicle. This will help to cut down on the instances of either hydroplaning when one hits a puddle, as well as to decrease the possibility of a fishtail. Tires are an important component to the safety of ones vehicle. The handling of one’s car will be greatly affected by the tires one has mounted, and careful considerations must always be made when replacing tires.

Purchasing New Tires is a post from: Tylo Times