HowStuffWorks Newsletter
How do 30 pounds of air in your tires hold up two tons of car? What’s the technology behind the tire and how do wheels work? Learn it all in the Car Wheels and Tires Channel.
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Ever notice you see more tire debris on the side of the road during the hottest months of the summer? Could the heat have anything to do with it?
By Alia Hoyt
Winter tires are very different from all-season and snow tires. So who needs them?
As many as a third of new 2017 cars didn't come with spare tires. So what's the deal?
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What if you could get snow tires mounted that offered good traction for most wintery days and, when the sleet hit the fan, could offer studded traction on the fly?
You could burn your old tires and pollute the air with dangerous toxins. Or, you could do the right thing and recycle them. Where and how is that done?
The main purpose of a tire sidewall is to provide lateral stability. You can learn more about the functions of a tire sidewall by reading this article.
Once a tire has all its components assembled, it’s still only a green tire, without any tread patterns or markings. You can learn more about a tire’s vulcanization process from this article.
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Tires do have their limits when it comes to weight capacity. Learn about tire load ratings from this article.
Make sure your tires are properly aligned for a good driving experience. Learn about how wheel alignment affects tire wear in this article.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated, because over inflation can lead to problems. Learn about how over inflation affects tire wear from this article.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated – under inflation can lead to poor performance. Learn about how under inflation effects tire wear in this article.
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You need new tires, and would like to measure your car's tire size before going shopping. Here is a guide how to measure car tire size.
Some tires are built to handle mud and snow… and some are not. Learn about mud and snow tire designations in this article.
The roads are covered in snow, and you need to put chains on your tires. But how in the world do you do that? Thankfully it's not that hard, and we'll tell you how.
Since even the cheapest set of tires can add up quickly if you have to replace all four at one time, wouldn't it be nice to know how to make your tires last as long as possible? Here are a few helpful tips.
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Most people don't have to buy tires too often, nor do they realize that tires are a key part of their car's safety and performance. But have you ever wondered how tires are made?
Generally speaking, all tires look the same. But the truth is they're not even remotely the same in use, engineering or construction. So how do you choose a tire that's safe for your car or truck?
By Eric Baxter
Tires come in an array of sizes and constructions. Given the countless factors affecting tire life, it's a guarantee a car's tires will wear unevenly. But will rotating your tires make them last longer?
By Eric Baxter
Having improper or unsafe tires on your car is like wearing the wrong shoes -- only with consequences that can be much more serious. Are some tires really safer than others?
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Fuel-efficient tires aren't anything new. In fact, car manufacturers often install tires that improve a car's fuel efficiency ratings. But until recently, tire shops didn't sell them. What are fuel-efficient tires, anyway?
Buying new tires can be a confusing (and often expensive) experience. It seems like everyone gives you advice about how to handle it. But, do you really need to replace all four tires at the same time?
Tire failure while you're driving can be disastrous. It's always best to buy new ones before something goes wrong on the road. But do you know the warning signs that indicate you need new tires?
It's inevitable. If you drive your car on a regular basis, your tires are going to wear out. Sooner or later you're going to have to shop for new ones. But do you know what to look for in a new tire?
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To put it in layman's terms, tire traction is how your car's tires transfer energy to the pavement. Most people know that. But how much do you know about tire traction ratings or tire traction enhancers?
Icy roads are scary. Wouldn't it be great if you could find a tire that would make that wintry drive a little less terrifying? Q Tires may be the answer.