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4x4 truck tires
Tire Information World : your friendly
independent source of tire help
What Everyone Needs to Consider When Buying 4x4 Truck Tires
 Want to know
about 4x4 truck tires?
Whether your truck needs to be equipped for an
occasional run off road, or you’re planning to run in the Dakar
rally, there are things to consider before you purchase a set
of 4x4
truck tires.
Because everyone’s truck is different, and we
all live in different places, I’ve put together a little list of
things to consider.
Tire Height, Width and Rims
Sidewall height is important. If you only drive on
the street then a low-profile tire will be fine, but for off-road you
are going to want more tire between your rim and the ground.
Wider tires have more contact area with the ground,
thus better grip. Handling improves, too. However, it means more tire
noise and a compromise in fuel efficiency. Wider tires may also slip
more in the wet.
The size of your rim is a subjective matter, larger
rims are very popular. You need to be certain that you aren’t
breaking any laws by putting on those aftermarket wheels. Warranty and
insurances can be voided, too, so ask around about where you stand in
this respect.
I think that most of us normally drive pretty
well and try to respect the laws. But what do you do if, just once, you're in a bit of a hurry
and you get caught? Well, there are legal ways to beat speeding
tickets. Here's a guy who's done it and tells you how! Truck Tire Maintenance
Keeping your tires in good shape is easy. The number
one cause of abnormal tire wear is incorrect inflation pressure so
check that all tires on your truck have consistent air pressure. This
is fundamental to good tire life, handling, and traction. Read about inflation pressure.
Rotation
Rotation will reduce the wear and tear of your 4x4 truck
tires. Do
it every 6 to 7 thousand miles. See my article on Tire rotation.
Consider Where you’ll be Driving
Street tires? A combination of street and off road? What tires
should you buy? Most trucks are equipped with street tires when they
are new. If you are considering going off road then you need to start
considering new tires. Keep in mind
- How long you want a set of tires to last
- Wet weather requirements, does it snow where you live?
- What sort of Ride quality you want
- The sorts of terrain where you’ll be using those 4x4 truck
tires.
- The speeds you’ll be driving.
Did you Know?
The Dakar Rally (or the Paris-Dakar
Rally) started in
the late seventies after Frenchman Thierry Sabine got lost in
the
desert. It is considered by some to be the most dangerous race in the
world because of various political disturbances and war in some of the
countries. The route often changes and is subject to a huge attrition
rate, with less than half of the starters expected to cross the finish
line.
Thierry Sabine died when
the helicopter he was in crashed into a dune at Mali in 1986. Sabine
and four others were flying over the race on January 14.
In 1982, Mark Thatcher (son of former British Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher) went missing for 6 days while competing in the
rally. He and his mechanic were later found unharmed, 30 miles off
course, by the Algerian military.
If you've never been
ripped off buying a car, you've been lucky, but if you're not on your
toes it may be your turn next! You're going to be spending big
bucks, so it makes sense to spend a bit of time to learn what to watch
out for. Take a look at Car Buying Scams --
this may be the most profitable few minutes of your life.
Did you know we have a special
place to show-off your favorite wheels?
See the Hot Wheels Show Room
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Information World's home page from 4x4 truck tires.
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