Lancaster, PA’s Most Common Wheel and Tire FAQs

Are you a new or experienced car owner? Vehicles are incredibly complex machinery, and even just a tiny aspect of repairs and maintenance can take years to master. One of the most important parts of car care and maintenance is your vehicle’s wheels and tires. Where the rubber meets the road is a critical point of contact whenever you take your car out, and knowing how to best care for and plan around your tires or wheels is incredibly important.

When looking for wheels and tires, Lancaster, PA, turns to Dutch Valley Auto Works! We are the best auto repair and body shop in the area, capable of handling any vehicle and service that you might need. Whether you’re getting a new car updated to your preference or maintaining your classic car to peak performance, our team of certified professionals will keep you on the road – call today!

What Is the Difference Between a Wheel and a Tire?

Simply put, the wheel is the metal part that attaches directly to the axle, while the tire is the rubber that provides grip and traction. Both pieces can be replaced or upgraded as you like, and they can do important work when your car needs to get moving.

Because both wheel and tire need to be carefully selected to work properly in concert, it’s best to work with an experienced auto mechanic and body shop when repairing, replacing, or upgrading your wheels and tires.

What Is Speed Rating?

The tire speed rating is a way of categorizing the range of speeds a tire can function at. This rating is used to ensure safe performance and regulate speed. The speed rating of your tires is the last part of the string of numbers and letters on the hub of your wheels. Each section of this string indicates something specific about your tire’s make and model:

• Three numbers at the start indicate the width of the tire in millimeters
• Two numbers after a ‘/’ indicate the aspect ratio or how tall the sidewalls are compared to the tire width. A higher number indicates more cushioning.
• The one or two letters in the middle of the tire indicate the construction of your tire – R is by far the most common, and means the support plies inside the rubber are arranged in a radial fashion. ZR indicates higher speed capabilities.
• The numbers following the construction indicate the rim diameter of the wheel.
• The last two numbers on your tire indicate the tire’s maximum load capacity, with a higher number indicating a higher weight that the tire can carry.
• The final letters indicate the radial construction, which means the maximum speed the tires are rated for – in general, the later in the alphabet, the higher the maximum speed.

When shopping for new tires, it’s important to try to keep the speed rating and tire category as close as possible to your previous set to ensure you have the right size and consistent driving capabilities.

How Do I Tell What Tire Fits My Vehicle?

Are you worried about proper tire sizing? Original Equipment tire sizes are the best way to tell your vehicle’s default and most appropriate wheel sizes. Your manufacturer-recommended tire information is typically available online or through your Owner’s Manual. If you’ve lost your owner’s manual or are struggling to find the right make and model online, using the size information on your tire sidewalls will ensure you use consistent equipment.

Does Nitrogen Inflation Make a Difference?

Nitrogen (N2) inflation has grown in popularity recently as Bridgestone and Firestone have begun to manufacture nitrogen-rated tires. The sales pitch is that these tires have more advanced inner liners and that nitrogen, a noble gas, will not interact or corrode this liner. We cannot confirm or deny the long-term benefits of nitrogen, but there is no reason to believe the use of nitrogen would negatively affect your tires.

Can I Use Two Winter Tires?

Many think they only need to use two winter tires in a forward- or rear-wheel drive vehicle. This would be a very dangerous mistake, as all your tires provide critical grip and traction in winter snow, even if only one pair of tires supplies the acceleration. Particularly with ABS or traction control systems, having all four tires at equal levels of traction will ensure maximum safety.

What Is Wheel Offset and Backspacing?

When replacing your wheels, the offset and backspacing are important to consider, as they will affect how your wheel and tire assemblies will sit together inside the wheel well.

Offset

The offset is the distance between the center of the wheel and the surface where the wheel is attached to the hub.

• A positive offset means your wheel will sit closer to the suspension, which is standard.
• Negative offset wheels will sit further away from the suspension, which is popular with custom and off-road vehicles.

Backspacing

Backspacing is the clearance between the wheel and the inner suspension components. If you don’t have enough backspacing, you risk damaging the internal components of the wheel well when hitting potholes or moving over speedbumps. A professional will help you keep a safe amount of backspacing regardless of offset and tire size.

If you have an inappropriate offset or backspacing for your regular driving needs, you may experience premature tire wear.

How to Best Polish and Clean Wheels

When you want your wheels to look their best, you should clean them with the appropriate products. While there are specific cleaning products for every wheel make and material, you can generally meet most of your cleaning needs with simple soap and water.

Clear-Coated Finish

Wheels with a clear coat can be easily cleaned with mild dish soap and warm water and then dried with a soft cloth.

Chrome-Plated Wheels

If you’ve invested in chrome-plated wheels, you should be prepared to do a little extra work when cleaning. Start with the same soap-water-cloth process you would with a clear coat, then use a soft, non-abrasive cream wax or wheel sealant to prevent surface corrosion.

Polished Aluminum and Other Metals

Aluminum can provide a beautiful shine and luster when properly cared for. Simple soapy water and cloth drying are sufficient for cleaning, but aluminum and polished metals will lose their appearance without regular polishing. Use a polish and wheel seal formulated for your tire’s metal.

Get Your Tire Services Done at Dutch Valley Auto Works!

When your tires are flat, or your wheels are warped, your daily drive is far more dangerous or impossible. We understand how frustrating this can be, so we are here to help you get your vehicle back on the road! You don’t want to struggle with slow or inexperienced services, so you should only work with trustworthy local technicians.

When needing wheels and tires, Lancaster, PA, turns to us! Dutch Valley Auto Works is a leading body shop and car repair business that can get your vehicle working in tip-top shape! The next time you have a flat, don’t hesitate to come to the professionals!