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Bridgestone / Firestone Drive and Learn: The 411 on Tire Safety
Do tires really matter? Are tires all the same? Like many of you, when I first bought my ride, I immediately started looking for the perfect set of rims to spice up my vehicle. You know, to add that personalized touch. After weeks of research, I settled on a chrome pair of 22s that retailed for about $4K. Then when the sales agent asked about the tires, I responded, “What’s the cheapest you got?” This is a scenario that many sales reps face daily.
However, it wasn’t until I visited the Bridgestone/Firestone “Redefine Performance” Drive and Learn Experience held in Phoenix Arizona, that I realized that my mindset was extremely flawed. At this event, Bridgestone Engineering Manager Mark Kuykendall gave us the “ins and outs” of tire dynamics during a brief course called “Tires 101.”
During Tires 101, Mark stressed the importance of following the “Inflate, Rotate and Evaluate” method for tire care. First there is Inflate, or know your PSI -- this is the recommended pressure you should maintain in your tires and this info is found on your car’s door jamb or inside the fuel filler door. You must check your tire pressure monthly with a quality tire pressure gauge and do so when the tires are cold (driving heats up the tires and makes readings incorrect). There are numerous factors that could change your tire pressure, directly impacting performance and safety. Rotate your tires for maximum mileage and do this according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations or if not provided, rotate every 5,000 miles. Then finally you Evaluate, or routinely check for obvious signs of wear or damage. One technique for evaluating tread is to temporarily place a penny upside-down in the tire’s tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is worn and the tire needs to be replaced. Following these steps will help you to properly maintain one of the most important parts of your vehicle.
Bridgestone/Firestone also took the opportunity to present a couple of their latest developments, the Potenza G019 Grid and the Potenza RE760 Sport. We put the tires to the test in a variety of conditions while comparing them to a couple of competitive brands. The Potenzas held their own on the wet track, slalom course and under heavy braking.
Once again Bridgestone/Firestone has proved that they are on the cutting edge of technology and development, and after my track sessions I felt that I had finally been armed with the tools needed to ensure that all of my tire decisions are the right ones. And I must admit, their tires gripped the road and handled better than any of their competitors. So when buying new tires, do your research and keep in mind that when you are gliding down the highway, the only part of your car that comes in contact with the road are your tires.
For more information on Bridgestone/Firestone’s tire safety program visit www.tiresafety.com.
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