Tire FAQs
From tire sizes to tire wear, Fountain Tire offers knowledgeable solutions to your commonly asked questions. Information on winter tires is also available through Winter Tire 101.
1. When will I know that it is time to replace my old tires? 
Tires, by nature, wear out over time. Due to the large number of factors involved such as speed, road conditions, inflation, vehicle maintenance, your driving habits, and temperature, it is impossible to predict a firm figure for expected tread life. Tires should be inspected regularly and replaced when the tire is worn down.
Tires are worn out when there is just 1.6-mm (2/32-inch) tread depth remaining. This can be measured with an inexpensive tread depth gauge, available at most auto supply stores. In the absence of a gauge, here are two quick methods to check to see if your tires are worn down to the point of replacement.
The Tire Wear Bars
Tires are manufactured with wear bars that indicate when there is less than 1.6 mm (2/32 inch) of tread depth remaining. When the tread is worn down to the point where you can see a solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread, it is time to replace the tire.
The Penny Test
The Rubber Association of Canada suggests this simple test to measure the tread depth on your tires. Place a penny into a tread groove with the Queen's head down and
facing you. If you can see the tips of the crown, it's time for a new tire.
To save money, also check to see if your current tire is under warranty before making a purchase.
2. What are the different tire regions?
Tread Region - The "flat" area of the tread. The construction of the tread will determine the adhesion characteristics of the tire in all driving conditions.
Sidewall Region - The vertical portion of the tire that extends from the road surface to the rim. The manner in which the sidewall is constructed affects the ride and handling of the tire. A stiff sidewall provides quick steering response, but a supple sidewall will flex to a greater degree and provide a smoother ride.
Shoulder Region - The curved region where the vertical sidewall of the tire meets the horizontal tread.
Bead Region - The narrow band between the sidewall and rim that comes into contact with the rim. The bead is responsible for anchoring the tire to the rim and maintaining a leak-free seal while transmitting all forces (acceleration, turning, braking) between the vehicle and the road.
3. How do you read the numbers on the sidewall of a tire?
There is a great deal of information moulded into the sidewall on every tire.
Example: P215/65R15 89H
"P" means this is a passenger car tire (as opposed to a tire made for a truck or other vehicle).
"215" Section Width: The width of the tire in millimetres from sidewall to sidewall. This measurement varies depending on the width of the rim to which the tire is fitted: larger on a wider rim, smaller on a narrow rim. The number on the side of the tire indicates the width measured with the tire fitted to the recommended rim width.
"65" Aspect Ratio: The ratio of height to width. This tire's height is 65% of its width.
"R" Construction: How the plies are constructed in the tire carcass. "R" means radial. "B" in place of the "R" means the tire is belted bias construction. "D" in place of the "R" means diagonal bias construction.
"15" Rim Diameter: The diameter of the wheel in inches.
"89" Load Index: This tire has an industry-standard maximum load of 1,279 lbs. Different numbers correspond to different maximum loads. The maximum load is shown in lbs. (pounds) and in kg (kilograms), and maximum pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch) and in kPa (kilopascals). Kilograms and kilopascals are metric units of measurement.
"H" Speed Rating: This tire has an industry-standard maximum service speed of 130 mph. Tires using an older European system carry the speed rating in the size description: 215/65HR15. Different letters correspond to different maximum service speeds.
4. How can I check my tires for wear problems?
There are several warning signs to keep in mind when thinking about tire-wear problems:
- Sawtooth appearance on the edges
- Faster wear on the outer edges than in the middle
- Quicker wear of front or rear tires on front wheel drive vehicles
- Tire wears excessively on one side
- Cups or dips in the tread
Tire wear problems could have a number of different causes, including:
- Your tires are not properly inflated or balanced
- Your vehicle is misaligned
- The shocks on your vehicle are weak
- Your vehicle has loose front-end parts
Professionally trained Fountain Tire associates can diagnose the cause for you.
5. Can I mix different types and sizes of tires?
Tires with different size designations, constructions, and amounts of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability. For best all-around performance, we do not recommend mixing sizes and types of tires on a vehicle, as this will adversely affect the handling characteristics of the vehicle. With winter tires in particular, Fountain Tire will install winter tires in sets of four only. For more information view our Winter Tire Policy or contact your local Fountain Tire store.
6. How often should I check my tire pressure?
You should check your tire pressure at least twice a month. Make sure the air pressure is checked before driving while the tires are cold. In colder weather, tire pressure should be checked outside to get a true reading. If your vehicle is stored in a heated garage, you will lose up to 25% of the tires’ air pressure upon entering the cold air.
7. Why should I rotate my tires?
Did you know that each tire on your vehicle supports a different amount of weight? This unequal weight distribution causes your tires to wear at different rates. By rotating your tires, you can extend their useful life. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, your tires should be rotated every 10,000 kilometres.
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