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24 Jun 11 Finding a good set of tires?

Finding a good set of tires can be tricky, especially if you don’t know where to look. But hope is abound, because there are cheaper tires that can be bought that are just as good, if not better than the more commonly known ones, so that you’ll be able to purchase a quality tire without having to waste your hard earned money by giving it to an overpriced company who’s products just are not up to par.

People waste so much time trying to find the perfect tire for them but always end up going to the wrong dealer and paying far too much for too little performance and shoddy handling and horrible treadwear. And most dealers have the audacity to convince some people that they are actually getting a great deal when all a person would have to do is to go on the Internet and perform a little bit of research, which will end up saving term a whole lot of money in the end; cash that could be better spent some place else other than the grubby hands of a dealer trying to bilk you.

Take Kumho tires for instance, a South Korean company which was once known as the Samyang Tire for a brief time. Kumho is actually a Korean word which roughly translates to “bright lake” and the Kumho company is itself a subsidiary of the Kumho Asiana Group, a conglomerate that also owns Korea’s second largest airline as well.

While normally produced in Korea, with three plants located there, which also houses the company’s Research and Development department, the Kumho company has since begun production in America, in the state of Georgia, which will bring the price of the already inexpensive tires down even further, and this will also help a struggling American economy by offering jobs to unemployed workers who need it.

Kumho is also a sponsor for the Manchester United football team and also sponsors Formula 3 Racing as well!

Kumho American manufactures many different kind of tires; such as Grand Touring All Season, Passenger All Season, Track and Competition Standard Touring All Season, High Performance All Season, Ultra High Performance All Season, Extreme Performance Summer, Max Performance Summer, and Ultra High Performance Summer. Look closely under each of these categories at the multitude of tires contained within each one and you’ll be sure to find the perfect tire for whatever it is you’re looking to do with your vehicle, and one that performs better than expected as well.

All of the numerous tires under these brands of Kumho tires each have superb handling and nimble capability, according to your needs, of course. But rest assured that each and every one of the tires sold by Kumho will live up to its high production standards and will assuredly last the test of time, no matter the wear and tear a driver might put upon them while in use.

Remember, there are many different types of tires that Kumho produces, and it is sure that they have the kind that you need, and for an inexpensive price at that!

04 Dec 10 Get The Best Winter Tires For Safe Winter Driving

Nov 25, 2010 – 7:04:44 PM
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Get The Best Winter Tires For Safe Winter Driving

Find the best winter tires so you can be ready for safe winter driving. I think the Goodyear Nordic tires are the best and you might think that too…read this article to find out what makes these winter tires the best…better than all the rest.



Photo Caption: Interesting Fact: When equipped with a set of Goodyear Nordic winter tires, you are able to stop shorter on average up to a distance of 60′ while traveling at 60km/h.



(NC)—As winter approaches, Canadians begin to prepare not only for winter, but for safe winter driving. For all drivers this should include changing all-season tires over to winter tires.


Winter tires are designed for winter driving conditions – colder temperatures, snow and ice – and are therefore safer for winter driving than all-season tires. At temperatures below 7 C, all season tires begin to lose elasticity and traction. Winter tires are made with a compound that retains elasticity and gives better control and traction not only in ice and snow, but also on cold, dry pavement. The Goodyear Nordic, for example, stops on average up to 60 feet sooner than a best-selling all season tire travelling at 60 km/hr.



A few tips to remember when installing your winter tires this year:



Winter tires should always be installed in sets of four. Failing to do so may cause loss of vehicle control.



Don’t think you’re safe if you drive an SUV or truck – all passenger vehicles should be equipped with winter tires.



When purchasing winter tires look for the mountain/snowflake logo on the tire sidewall which indicates the tire has met or exceeded the Rubber Association of Canada’s standards for acceptable winter tire performance.



Purchase winter tires as a package with wheels to save time and cost mounting tires onto your existing wheels and reduce stress on your tires, leading to longer tire life.



Look for affordable opportunities to be ready for winter driving. For example, this fall Canadian Tire offers deferred payment on a set of winter tires purchased using their Canadian Tire Options® MasterCard® with no interest, no payment and no fees for 12 months.



Check out your local Goodyear dealer to find the best deals on the best winter tires out there. You know what Canadian winters are like, so if these Goodyears work up in Canada, they will work anywhere there is cold and snowy weather. Be safe this winter, get the best winter tires for your vehicle.

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02 Dec 10 Are All-season Tires The Best Winter Tires?

Nov 25, 2010 – 7:28:45 PM
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Are All-season Tires The Best Winter Tires?

Are all-season tires the best winter tires for your vehicle? Let’s read about the myth of all-season tires and find out what tires are best in the winter for your car.



In cold weather all season tires can lose up to 60 per cent of their traction when compared to winter tires like the Hankook I*Pike shown here



(NC)—Choosing the right tires for your vehicle during winter is as important as wearing your seatbelt. While today’s vehicles are full of safety features, the choice of what you ride on is often forgotten or ignored and remains among the best ways to keep you and your family safe.


A recent study by the Quebec Ministry of Transport has shown that a vehicle equipped with winter tires has 38 per cent less chance of being involved in an accident than a vehicle with all-season tires. Yet most Canadians remain unaware of the difference between all season and winter tires.



When the weather is warm and roads are dry, almost any tire with sufficient tread will deliver some control. However, when the temperature drops, all-season tires begin to lose their traction. The rubber compound of the tire starts to harden, giving it less grip on the road. By -14 C all-season tires no longer function according to their design – resulting in 60 per cent less traction than winter tires. Essentially, at that temperature a vehicle without winter tires will slide like a hockey puck on ice.



“Many people believe that all season tires will do the trick in our harsh Canadian winters, unfortunately that is not true,” says Bill Hume, Vice President of Hankook Tire Canada. “All-season tires are not designed to clear snow and slush, and can easily become clogged, making it difficult to stop effectively. Most winter tires have softer compounds and aggressive tread design that help to disperse snow and ice – giving the driver more control.”



Stopping distance is where winter tires truly outperform all season models. Selecting quality winter tires, such as the Hankook Winter I*Pike, can result in as much as 40 per cent less stopping distance should you suddenly hit the brakes: that is equal to three full car lengths!



If you drive mostly on plowed roads, or are able to avoid extreme winter driving, you might want to consider the All-Weather tire, a new alternative to the All-Season. This new breed of tires is specifically engineered to be more effective in cold weather, while still delivering great performance year round. The Hankook Optimo 4S, for example, carries the Rubber Association of Canada’s Mountain Snowflake seal of approval for meeting or exceeding winter traction requirement.



Although winter tires are paramount for safe winter driving, it is important to always remember to brake slowly, drive attentively and use extra caution when heading out this winter.



For more information visit www.hankooktire.ca.



Compare the all-season tires and the winter tires at your local dealer and find out which are the best tires for your vehicle and the type of winter driving you usually experience.

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01 Dec 10 Winter Tires and Four Easy Tips To Prepare For Canadian Winter Driving

Nov 25, 2010 – 7:40:26 PM
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Winter Tires and Four Easy Tips To Prepare For Canadian Winter Driving

Winter Tires are one way to prepare for Canadian winter driving and so will these four helpful driving tips from the experts in harsh weather driving at Hankook Tire Canada.



Winter tires, like the Hankook I*Pike are designed to handle ice and snow thanks to aggressive tread patterns and special softer rubber compounds that provide more traction on slippery surfaces.



(NC)—Unless you plan to hibernate this winter, you will inevitably be faced with some challenging road conditions in the coming months.


“Knowing how to handle the road in harsh weather is one of the most important steps in keeping you and your family safe,” says Bill Hume Vice-President of Hankook Tire Canada. Hume notes that simple preparations and preventative measures can enhance safety and reduce stress associated with slippery road conditions.



These four important winter driving tips may help get you through any slippery situation:



1. Keep Your Distance:



Always leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Doing so will give you enough time to brake in a controlled manner and time to react in case of an emergency. Stay vigilant of road conditions, and increase the space if you detect or suspect black ice. A good rule of thumb is that if there are icicles on your windshield wipers or frost on your side view mirrors, there is a good chance that there is black ice on the road.



2. Use Your Brakes:



If your car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), hit the brakes and let the system work for you: your ABS will pump the brakes at timed intervals without locking your wheels, enabling you to stop safely. It’s normal to feel pulsation in the brake pedal, that’s the ABS working. A lot of people have a tendency to release the brakes as the ABS kicks in; do not lift your foot until you come to a stop. If your vehicle is not equipped with ABS, pump your brakes to avoid locking which will help you remain in control of the vehicle.



3. Importance of Winter Tires:



Studies have shown that at -14 C all-season tires lose up to 60 per cent of their grip compared to winter tires. Unlike all season tires, winter tires are made with special rubber compounds that stay soft even at very low temperatures. A softer tire will stick to the road better, and give your vehicle more traction for optimal control. Some winter tires like the Hankook Winter I*Pike feature aggressive v-shaped tread patterns which are great on snowy roads. If you plan on doing a lot of driving in the winter months having the right winter tire will make a big difference. For more information on how winter tires function, speak to your local tire dealer.



4. Stay Calm and Control a Skid:



In the event that you do find yourself skidding out, remain calm and do not suddenly brake, accelerate, or jerk the wheel. Instead, let go of the gas and turn the steering wheel into the skid in a slow and controlled manner. While it may seem counterintuitive to aim your car in the direction that it is skidding, it may be the best way to get control back. For example, if your rear wheels slip out to the left; turn the steering wheel smoothly to the left and ease your foot off the gas. Your rear tires will slow their rotation to regain their grip, at which point your car will stop sliding and begin to straighten. You can then bring the wheel back to center, regaining full control.



These four winter driving tips are important. Re-read them and remember what they say. Knowing what to do in a cold weather and snow related mishap and the winter tires you just had put on your vehicle can save you from accidents in the snow and wet, cold weather.

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29 Nov 10 Are Winter Tires On Your Winter Driving Checklist?

Nov 25, 2010 – 7:48:52 PM
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Are Winter Tires On Your Winter Driving Checklist?

Winter tires and your winter driving checklist. Are you ready for winter driving?Winter tires like the Hankook I*Pike are ideal for winter roads – offering maximum steering response and stability.(NC)—With summer in the rear-view mirror and Jack Frost knocking at the door, it is time to think about winterizing your car.



“With unpredictable weather conditions, Canadian winters are challenging for even the most seasoned motorists, placing extra demands on your vehicle and driving skills,” says Bill Hume, Vice President of Hankook Tire Canada. “Every driver should create a complete seasonal checklist to ensure they and their families are prepared to face the elements head on.”



In other words, start thinking about mechanical maintenance and winter tires long before you see snowflakes falling. Here are a few things you can do to help your car get through the winter and keep from getting caught in the cold:


• Change Your Oil:



The change in seasonal temperatures may also dictate changing to a thinner viscosity engine oil to more efficiently lubricate moving parts in colder conditions. Check your cars owner’s manual for fluid recommendations.



• Consider Winter Tires:



Winter tires have added groove capacity, which helps dispel excess snow from your tires. Winter tires are also made of a softer compound, providing additional traction in colder temperatures. Hankook’s winter I*Pike tire, equipped with v-shaped tread, is an ideal solution for winter roads – offering maximum steering response and stability.



• Check Your Battery:



With cold weather comes increased power demand: defrosters, windshield wipers and heating systems can really take a toll on your car battery. For a simple battery test, run your vehicle’s headlights before starting the engine. If you notice that your vehicle’s headlights get brighter once you start the engine, more extensive battery tests may be needed.



• Prepare An Emergency Kit:



The Ministry of Transportation recommends keeping a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Having essential supplies can provide comfort and safety for you and your passengers in the event of an emergency. Some of the essential items include: ice scraper/snowbrush, shovel, sand or other traction aid, booster cables, flashlight, first aid kit, a blanket and a spare winter tire.



It is also important to stay alert, slow down, and stay in control — the three key elements of safe winter driving. Drive according to highway and weather conditions, and keep an eye on your car’s maintenance throughout the season. Be prepared and don’t let winter ruin your road trips.



For more information visit www.hankooktire.ca.



These car winterizing and safety tips can make your winter travel safer. Winter tires and a few simple car maintenance tips to help ensure the safety of your vehicle and your passengers is certainly worth it.

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28 Nov 10 Properly Inflated Winter Tires

Nov 25, 2010 – 7:55:44 PM
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Properly Inflated Winter Tires

Properly inflated winter tires are so important. Your tires support your entire car, be sure to fill them to the proper levels as recommended in your car owners manual.



(NC) —Make sure your tires are properly inflated before the snow flies or you could find yourself needing a tow truck, or worse, an ambulance.



Since the air pressure in tires supports the weight of your car, it is absolutely vital that you inflate your tires to just the right degree. This is especially important in winter when tires lose their pressure faster because of the colder weather. Underinflating or overinflating your tires increases your fuel consumption and expenditures, pumps out unnecessary harmful emissions and increases the risk of damage and injury to you, your passengers and your vehicle.


Here are a few tips from Transport Canada to maintain proper winter tire inflation:



• Measure your tire inflation at least once a month.



• Measure the pressure when the tires are cold (after two hours of non-use or less than two kilometres of driving). Tires lose pressure when the air temperature gets colder.



• Inflate your tires to the recommended pressures printed on the label inside your car or in your owner’s manual.



• Use a high quality gauge such as those sold at automotive supply stores.



• Underinflation increases rolling resistance, which reduces tread life and increases fuel consumption. It can also lead to sudden tire failure. Without enough air, the sides of a tire bend and flex too much. This builds up heat, which can cause serious damage. Operating a vehicle with just one tire underinflated by 56 kPa (8 psi) can reduce the life of the tire by 15,000 km and can increase the vehicle’s fuel consumption by four per cent.



• Overinflation can be a problem, too. An overinflated tire rides on just the centre portion of the tread. The smaller contact area means reduced grip on the road. This can lead to a harsh ride, handling issues (such as steering and stopping problems) and increased wear on tires and suspension components.



Transport Canada has posted these and other tire maintenance tips on its website: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp/tp2823/inflating.htm



Keep your car’s winter tires in top condition by checking the inflation levels often. Keep the air pressure in your tires at the proper levels.

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22 Aug 10 Properly Inflated Tires Can Save You Money and Help The Environment

Aug 21, 2010 – 1:28:23 PM
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Properly Inflated Tires Can Save You Money and Help The Environment

Yes, properly inflated tires can help to save you money and help the environment. Going green is important for everyone and so is saving money.



Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are helpful, but you should still check your tire’s air pressure monthly. Tire care is important to the safety of your vehicle and your passengers.



(NewsUSA) – Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now a standard safety feature on all new cars in the United States. TPMS automatically monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver when the pressure in one or more tires becomes significantly low — and potentially dangerous.


Still, conducting monthly tire pressure checks is one of the smartest driving moves you can make. Not only are properly inflated tires critical for vehicle safety, they also increase fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.





Increase Fuel Efficiency



According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 3.56 million gallons of gasoline are wasted every day due to incorrectly inflated tires. The good news is you can improve gas mileage just by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure. In fact, one study showed that if gas costs per gallon, proper tire pressure can save you up to 2 at the pump each year.





Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions



According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the typical car in the United States releases more than five tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. By keeping tires properly inflated, you can reduce your vehicle’s “carbon footprint” by an average of 327 pounds per year. Because a tire can lose up to half its air pressure without appearing to be under-inflated, you cannot rely on a tire’s appearance to determine whether it’s properly inflated or not.





Tire Pressure Tips From Schrader



To help ensure your tires are properly inflated year-round, here are some tips from Schrader, the inventor and leading manufacturer of TPMS worldwide:



* Check the pressure in all four tires — and the spare tire — monthly with an accurate tire gauge, and always check tire pressure before a long road trip.



* The “right” pressure for your vehicle’s tires can be found in the vehicle’s manual or on the driver door edge, glove box or fuel door. Do not follow the information listed on the tire sidewall.



* For the most accurate reading, tires should be checked when they are cool.



* Always remember to replace the valve cap.





For more tips, including what to do if the TPMS symbol illuminates on your dashboard, visit TPMSMadeSimple.com. Schrader created the site to help educate drivers about TPMS and the importance of proper tire pressure.

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29 Jul 10 Check Your Tires Before Your Trip

Jul 27, 2010 – 5:14:02 PM
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Check Your Tires Before Your Trip

Check Your Tires Before Your Trip. Your tires air pressure should always be checked before a road trip. Make this simple auto maintenance function a part of your monthly car check up.



(NAPSI)-Keeping your car on the road to safety and savings can start with something as simple as well-maintained tires.



According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, about 11 percent of vehicles on the road have at least one bald tire, and 55 percent of vehicles have at least one underinflated tire.


Ongoing preventive maintenance-which can take less than 10 minutes-at least every month or before long trips is the best method to maximize tire performance, say the experts at Cooper Tire. Before hitting the road, drivers should conduct do-it-yourself maintenance checks, examining tires for proper inflation, damage or excessive wear and tear.



• Treading Firmly.



The only piece of a vehicle to touch the road is the tires, making tire tread-a key factor in handling, cornering, accelerating and braking-a vital part of overall tire maintenance. Tire tread depth should be more than 2/32 of an inch deep all around the tire, and drivers can check this by using a penny.



Insert the edge of the coin into the tread with Lincoln going in head first. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered by tread, there’s an acceptable amount of tread; if the top of his head is visible at any location on the tire, the tire is worn out and should be replaced.



• Wearing Well.



While examining the tread, also look for signs of uneven wear or damage such as cuts, cracks, splits, punctures and bulges. These conditions shorten the life of tires and, if not corrected, may do further damage to the tire, or air loss may occur.



• Putting the pressure on. Tire pressure also plays a critical role in the overall performance of tires as underinflation creates excessive stress on the tire, while overinflation can cause uneven wear in addition to handling and braking issues. A common myth is that the tire pressure listed on the sidewall is the optimal pressure, while in reality it is the maximum pressure.



Drivers should follow the guidelines found in the vehicle owner’s manual or tire placard (or sticker) attached to the vehicle door edge, doorpost, glove box door, trunk or fuel door.



• Professional Help.



Should any of these checks reveal the need for required maintenance-or when in doubt about the condition of their tires-drivers should take vehicles to a tire dealer for a professional inspection, suggests Chuck Yurkovich, vice president of global technology for Cooper Tire.



Learn More



To obtain more information on proper tire maintenance, visit www.coopertire.com, or follow Cooper on www.facebook.com/coopertire or www.twitter.com/coopertire.

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