So why wouldn’t your potential new vehicle come with a spare?

Glad you asked! It seems that to meet increasingly stringent government fuel-efficiency standards, some vehicle manufactures are trying to save weight by leaving out the spare tire and instead giving you an emergency sealant and inflator kit or run-flat tires.

“Unfortunately many vehicle owners may be unaware that their vehicle has no spare tire until they experience a flat tire,” said John Nielsen, national director of auto buying and consumer information. “Consumers should review their owner’s manual and emergency maintenance supplies they have in the vehicle and be informed about alternatives to a spare to prevent panic or a delay when encountering a flat tire.”

AAA says a spare tire, all the related tools and a jack can weigh more than 40 pounds, and the spare and its accessories don’t add cost to the vehicle.

Another reason that car companies use for not putting in a spare is research showing that more and more consumers (even those who have a spare tire) are choosing to use a roadside assistance service such as AAA. They also say, using a tire sealant/inflator kit often is safer and faster than changing a flat tire.

To illustrate its point, AAA published a list of more than 75 car models available in the U.S. that don’t offer a spare tire.

The majority of those listed are vehicles with run-flat tires or high-performance/specialty cars.

AAA recommends vehicle owners:

Inspect the car and consult the owner’s manual. If the vehicle has a spare, be sure it is properly inflated and stowed. If there is no spare, ensure there is an alternate solution, such as run-flat tires or an emergency sealant and inflator kit.

If the car is equipped with a sealant/inflator kit, AAA recommends replacing it every five years or after its use. Sealants can become less effective with age.

Now I’m a believer.

Here’s some facts:

• In 7 million miles of truck tire testing, nitrogen inflated tires lasted longer.
• Tire failures were reduced by 50%
• Tread life was increased by 25-30%

Nitrogen in Tires:

• Improves steering
• Improves handling
• Improves braking
• Reduces chance of tire failure
• Dramatically slows pressure loss from permeation
• Improves fuel economy
• Reduces tire oxidation (dry rot)
• Eliminates interior wheel corrosion
• Reduces running temperatures (nitrogen is cooler than oxygen)
• Decreases false alarms and activation of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

It’s a proven winner and a sure fire (to say nothing of cost effective) way to keep your tires feeling like new.

Stop by today for an inspection and allow Rick Johnson Auto and Tire to keep you cool in the Florida sun.

Just heard the latest out of Tokyo — that’s a long way off from Southwest Florida but it concerns Bridgestone Tire company. Which announced today that they have developed and intend to make available to the general market a printing technology for rubber that can create printed patterns in bright colors on a tire’s sidewall.

The printing technology consists of a barrier layer between carcass and print area, to protect the printed region from discoloration, newly developed inks and a further barrier layer to protect the surface from external damage, Bridgestone said.

Through this new technology, the Tokyo-based tire maker said it can allow its designers to be more creative and highlight tire features such as energy efficiency, without adding weight to the tire.

Bridgestone said it will continue to explore the many opportunities associated with this printing technology, such as using original customer designs or photographs that could be removed later or changed if a customer chooses. Imagine that! You could be riding on your kids pictures or your own designs if you are a creative person. Performance tires could soon become just as “cool” as skateboard designs.

Bridgestone didn’t say if it had a patent yet but they did say that the plan is to “quickly bring this tire printing technology to market.”

It seems to me this could be used for all kinds of things. Especially if you wanted a tire to have the classic look with a thick 3″ white wall. Hey it was good enough for my daddy.

Every vehicle that is brought into a Rick Johnson Auto and Tire center in Southwest Florida receives the following items checked:

1. Fluids checked
2. Tire wear measured
3. Alignment recommended (or not)
4. Condition of struts
5. Condition of shocks
6. Clutch Hydraulic System (Fluid, visually checked)
7. Condition of the Exhaust System
8. Engine or Transmission inspected for leaks
9. Condition of Drive Belts and Hoses
10. A/C Output (Temp and Fan Speed)
11. Condition of Front Brakes
12. Condition of Rear Brakes
13. Condition of Battery or Charging System (if necessary)
14. Brake Hydraulic System (Fluid, visually checked)
15. Dust & Adjust Rear Brakes (if necessary)
16. Condition of Battery
17. Condition of Battery Terminals/Cables
18. Condition of Air Filter
19. Operation/Condition of Wiper Blades
20. Top Off Fluids (if necessary)
21. Operation of ALL lights and lenses
22. Recheck Oil Level
23. Horn Operation
24. Test Drive (For Engine, Transmission, Performance)
25. Torque Lug Nuts

There are four parts of your car that control traction, speed, and control, and over-all ride quality. What are they? Your tires. You already know that having tires with worn treads, or not enough air, is a detriment to your driving, if not a danger to yourself and others on the road with you, but did you also realize tires (and wheels) are a fashion statement as well? Why else would vintage car owners be so proud of their wire rims? Why else would wheel/tire upgrades be part of most premium trim levels on new cars?

Once you’ve decided, that you, too, want to change the tires and wheels on your car from the original models to something new and different, here are some things to know, that may help you choose the right style for your vehicle:

Those Letters on the Side Mean Something

The first step in choosing a new set of tires is to crack the tire code, you know, those numbers and letters you see on the sides of your tires. Typically the sequence will look something like this:

P195/60R16 63H M+S

Broken down, the individual numbers and letters represent:

• Type of tire. P for Passenger Car or LT for Light Truck. LT tires are designed to carry higher loads (more weight), and are usually found on full-sized SUVs and pickup trucks, although if you check the owner’s manual for such vehicles, it may state that Passenger car tires are fine.
• Width of the tire across the tread, in this case 195 millimeters.
• Aspect ratio of the sidewall to the width (60)
• Type of construction (R- Radial)
• Diameter of the rim, in this case 16 inches
• The next number (63) represents the tire’s load rating. This is the load capacity of a single tire.
• The next letter (H) represents the speed rating, from 99 to 186 MPH, with T meaning 118 MPH and H meaning 130 MPH, which involves the tires ability to dissipate heat (more heat = faster breakdown of tire). These two numbers are recommended for people who do a lot of highway driving, but if you’re a senior citizen or teenager, and all your driving is within cities at relatively low speeds, a type S tire (112 MPH) would probably work for you.
• And the final letter or letters (M+S) means the tire is designed for all-season driving.

Why are these numbers important? Because the tires you choose must fit the way you drive, as well as the specifications for your car. If the original tires have a load rating of 63, any new tires you purchase should have an equal or greater load rating.

As well, it’s important to consider where you live. If you live in a place like California or Texas where the weather is fairly warm all year, with only occasional moments of actual “winter,” and all-season tire will work well for you, but if you live in the mid-west or northeast, where winter involves many months of snow, ice, and slush, you’ll want to get winter tires, at least for that season. It’s also good to know that new tires have better snow traction and wet traction, while older, worn tires have better dry traction, so if you do live in a place where winter means rain and snow, make sure you purchase your new tires in the fall.

How Do You Drive?

Now that you know how to read the tire code, consider your own driving habits, as these will inform the best choice of tires for your car. Specifically, consider the following:

• The size and type of tire recommended by your owner’s manual, always the best guide.
• Your needs: What kind of driving will you be doing? Long jaunts on highways or mostly in town? What about dirt roads?
• Your preferences: Do you like a firm ride, a soft ride, or something in-between?
• Your vehicle’s needs: Be sure you purchase tires that meet the load-bearing demands of your vehicle, but don’t over-buy. All-season tires will probably be perfectly sufficient, even if a touring tire is being pushed at you. Getting the wrong tires could lead to unnecessary wear-and-tear and maybe even to an accident later on. Ultimately, the right tires may help to save money on gas along with other unseen benefits.
• The style factor: If a hot look is your goal, you may be thinking about plus-sizing – that’s when you mount larger-than-spec wheels and tires on a car or truck (it’s especially popular on mini-pickups), to make them look different, but it can also improve cornering responses and increase traction. The down-side is that plus-sizing can mean a harsher ride, and there is often less durability. If you do opt to plus-size, only choose tires and wheels that are approved for use on the vehicle you drive, have the same (or greater) load rating as the original tires, and are within 3% (in either direction) of the original tire diameter.

Is Fuel Economy a Factor?

While fuel economy should never be the only basis for choosing your new tires, it is a valid point to consider, especially since, according to a spokesperson from Bridgestone Firestone North America, there may be a “15-20 percent difference” in fuel economy depending on which tires you choose. What tires are best for increasing fuel economy? Usually OEM tires will give the best results, but only if they’re properly inflated and in good condition.

When it comes to tires, think of it this way: your tires are like your car’s shoes. You wouldn’t play golf in wingtips, or hike in roller-blades, and tire choices can be just as specific. Ultimately, you should balance performance, preference and the price you’re willing to pay.

TIRE BALANCE SPECIAL $9.95/TIRE

When the tire rotates, asymmetries of mass cause the wheel to wobble, which can cause ride disturbances, usually vertical and lateral vibrations. It can also result in a wobbling of the steering wheel. The ride disturbance, due to unbalance, usually increases with speed. At Rick Johnson Auto and Tire Centers we will remeasure and redistribute weights in order to counteract the combined effect of the tire and wheel unbalance.

Must present this coupon at the time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other specials, offers or coupons.

$10.00 OFF ANY PURCHASE OVER $20.00

At Rick Johnson Auto and Tire Centers, we know times are tough and that is why we are giving you an additional $10 off our already competitive low prices on goods and services. When you spend $20 or more, use this coupon and receive an additional $10 off your total purchase.

Must present coupon at time of purchase. No rain checks. Cannot be combined with ANY other special offer or coupon. Excludes GOOD service oil change special. Only one coupon per customer per vehicle per visit.

$40 OFF ANY BRAKE SERVICE

Arguably brakes are one of the most important safety features in your vehicle. Regardless if you need brake pads, brake rotors, calipers or even more complex master cylinder or brake booster service. Use this coupon to take an additional $40 off Rick Johnson Auto and Tire Center’s already competitive pricing on brake services.

Must present coupon at time of purchase. Excludes Brake Flushes. MOST CARS. Cannot be combined with any other special offers or coupons.

$15.00 OFF INTERSTATE BATTERY

• Interstate has been the top-selling automotive replacement battery brand in North America since 1990.
• Interstate is one of the most recognized battery brands in the world.
• Our 200,000 dealers make warranty replacement convenient nearly everywhere in North America.
• Battery research shows that no automotive batteries last longer than Interstate batteries, while other brands last fewer months.
• Interstate’s product rotation system actually extends the life of batteries and ensures that they’re fresh on the store shelf.

Must present coupon at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other coupon, special or offer. One coupon per customer per vehicle per day.