Frequently Asked QuestionsA

1. When buying just two new tires, should they be put on the front or rear?
2. How much air should I put in my tires?
3. What is alignment?
4. What should I do if I notice a vibration?
5. Why do my tires need to be balanced?
6. Do my new tires require any special treatment?
7. How long should my original equipment tires last?
8. Is it easy to mount a tire on a wheel? Can I do it myself?
9. Must I replace my present tires with the same size tires?
10. Should I "mix" tire types on my car?
11. How can I check my tires for wear problems?
12. How do I know when I need new tires?
13. Should I rotate my tires?

1. When buying just two new tires, should they be put on the front or rear?

   When you select a pair of replacement tires in the same size and construction as those on the car, you must put them on the rear axle. A single new tire must be paired on the rear axle with the tire having the most tread depth of the other three.

2. How much air should I put in my tires?

   Proper inflation is the single most important part of tire care. The inflation pressure on the side of the tire is the MAXIMUM operating pressure. It is not necessarily the right inflation for your vehicle. Always use the inflation recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find it in your owner's manual, posted on the edge of the driver's door, on a doorpost or on the inside of the glove box door. Always check inflation when tires are COLD: when the vehicle has been driven less than 1.6 km or one hour or more after driving. Use a good quality tire gauge. Note: It is natural for radial tires to have a slight bulge in the sidewall at their proper inflation pressure. Check or adjust inflation every few weeks, before any long trip or if traveling with a heavy load.

3. What is alignment?

   A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound and when the tire and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front- or rear-tire wear, or changes in your vehicle's handling or steering response (i.e. pulling to one side) can indicate misalignment. Many vehicles today are equipped with rear suspensions that can be adjusted for alignment. Your vehicle may need a "front-end" alignment or a "four-wheel" alignment, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. The moderate cost of having your vehicle aligned can more than pay for itself in tire kilometrage, performance and comfort.

4. What should I do if I notice a vibration?

   Vibration is an indication that your car has a problem that needs attention. The tires, steering system and suspension system should be checked to help determine the possible cause and correction of the vibration. If left unattended, the vibration could cause excessive tire and suspension wear. It could even be dangerous.

5. Why do my tires need to be balanced?

   Properly balanced tires are important for driving comfort and long tire life. Unbalanced tires can cause vibration, resulting in driver fatigue, premature tire wear and unnecessary wear to your vehicle's suspension. Tires should be balanced when they are mounted on wheels for the first time or when they are remounted after repair. Tires should be rebalanced at the first sign of vibration or "shimmy." Vibration may also be due to misalignment or mechanical problems.

6. Do my new tires require any special treatment?

   Your new tires will probably feel different from the tires that were replaced. Drive carefully as you become familiar with their performance and handling. Take special care when braking, accelerating, cornering, or when driving in the rain, because these are the times when the differences will be most noticeable.

7. How long should my original equipment tires last?

   Due to the variety of styles, construction features, tread compounds, vehicle applications, geographical conditions and driving habits, it is difficult to provide specific kilometrage expectancy. However, any tire wear concern should always be presented to your local Costco Wholesale tire centre for further evaluation.

8. Is it easy to mount a tire on a wheel? Can I do it myself?

   Never try to mount your own tires. Tire mounting is a job for the people who have the proper equipment and experience. If you try to do it yourself, you run the risk of serious injury to yourself as well as possible damage to the tire and rim.

9. Must I replace my present tires with the same size tires?

   Never choose a smaller size than those that came with the car. Tires should always be replaced with the same size designation -- or approved options -- as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

10. Should I "mix" tire types on my car?

    Tires of different size designations, constructions, and stages of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability. For best all-around performance, it is recommended that all tires be of the same size, construction (radial, non-radial), load capacity and speed rating.

11. How can I check my tires for wear problems?

    Tires often give their owners signs of problems in plenty of time to have them corrected. Learn to "read" these early warning signs and you can prevent many wear problems that shorten tire life by thousands of kilometres. Consult your Costco Wholesale tire sales associate for further information.

12. How do I know when I need new tires?

    Many tires have tread wear indicator bars molded into the tread. When the tread is worn down to where you can see a solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread, it is time to replace the tire. Here is another simple test you can perform to measure tread depth on your tires. Place a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of the Lincoln's head, it is time to visit Costco Wholesale for a new tire.

13. Should I rotate my tires?

    Regular and proper tire rotation promotes more uniform wear for all of the tires on a vehicle.

The final decision to install a tire on a vehicle will be made by the Costco tire centre manager or supervisor. The tire must meet all vehicle manufacturers’ safety standards and specifications.

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