Checking tire shops near you after getting a flat? Spending hours searching the web for the best all-season tires for a small SUV? Been driving with your "Low Tire Pressure" light on for a shamefully long time?
Tire maintenance can be an easily neglected piece of the automotive puzzle. And it can be made all the more difficult by running into inconsistent information about what tires your small car needs. If you're on that struggle bus, we welcome you to Tires 101. Please, take your seat.
What are the basic components of a tire?
TREAD:
Tread is made of rubber compounds and is the part of a tire that physically contacts the road.
SIDE WALL:
The side wall is the rubber component of the tire that covers the area between the tread and the bead.
BODY PLY:
The body ply is the skeleton of the tire and is often made of polyester or rayon.
BELT:
The belt is what stiffens the tread and protects the tire’s carcass. The belt itself is usually made up of sturdy steel cords.
BEAD:
The bead is designed to firmly grip the tire to the wheel. The bead is an extremely durable loop made from steel wire, making it extremely strong.
What kinds of tire styles are available to choose from?
The key to a smooth ride is picking the right tires. But how does one do that? There are so many considerations to make when purchasing tires for a car.
Is your climate primarily hot or cold? Rainy and humid or dry and arid? High altitude or low? All-terrain? City driver? Are you driving more than the average of 15,000 miles per year? Each answer will result in a different type and size of tire.
Curious to know which type your car needs? Here’s a roundup of info on the five basic types of tires:
ALL-SEASON TIRES
All-season tires are perfect for drivers who do a mix of city and highway driving. This is a perfect tire for the everyday, general driver.
SUMMER TIRES
These tires are perfect for driving around in the Miami heat year-round but are also perfect for folks driving during hot summer months. Keep in mind they’re not designed for use year-round in a non-South Florida climate!
SPECIALTY TIRES
This is a catchall term for vehicles that require a specific kind of tire, such as extra-large vehicles, run-flat tires, or folks who need winter tires.
PERFORMANCE TIRES
Performance tires generally have lateral grooves for improved traction in wet weather. They also typically feature higher speed ratings and better grip regardless of weather conditions.
ALL-TERRAIN TIRES
Perfect for folks who frequently drive off-road. All-terrain tires generally have a more aggressive tread pattern for improved traction when driving in muddy or snowy conditions. These tires have been reported to be noisier than some other tires when driven on the road.
What kind of maintenance is normal for my tires?
Long story short...it’s complicated. But consider the following services to be tenets of tire maintenance:
TIRE ROTATION
Every car, including your MINI Cooper, benefits from tire rotation services as often as is recommended in the owner’s manual.
Tire rotations are done by repositioning the wheel assemblies according to their specific recommended pattern in order to prevent irregular tread wear. Irregular tread wear can lead to much shorter tire lifespans overall. So, let’s get those tires movin’!
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheel alignments measure and correct the angles that a vehicle’s wheels point in while also improving how the tires themselves are able to physically grip the street.
These wheel alignment services are performed using professional computerized equipment for the most precise camber, caster, and toe specifications possible.
FLAT TIRE REPAIR
Flat-tire repair like patching helps to repair minor tire punctures on a tire’s tread center.
MINI-Certified Tire Services can help with repairing tire punctures up to 0.25 inches with their state-of-the-art flat patching repair service.
TIRE INSPECTION
Regular tire inspections help maintain long-lasting tires, peace of mind, and overall safety for drivers like you. These inspections help drivers know if maintenance will be necessary to achieve the best driving experience possible.
During a MINI-certified tire inspection, a certified technician assesses a tire’s wear pattern by measuring tread depth and adjusting air pressure accordingly.
TIRE REPLACEMENT
Whether your MINI needs a single tire replaced or a brand new set of four, you can trust Braman MINI of Miami for a quick and convenient replacement service.
If you still have lingering concerns, consider purchasing tires from Braman MINI of Miami to receive one year of MINI’s Road Hazard Service and help extend your peace of mind.
Fun(ctional) Tire Upgrades!
Since proper tire care and maintenance can be a bit difficult to understand, especially for newer drivers, understanding when to upgrade your tires can seem even more confusing. We’d recommend discussing your personal tire needs with a professional tire care expert if you feel conflicted about what tires you want to drive home on.
Alternatively, another great way to find your perfect tires or tire accessories is to just browse, browse, browse Braman MINI’s online tire center. Our online inventory contains plenty of tires, tire accessories, tire covers, pressure gauges, and more to fit all your wildest tire needs.
Here at Braman MINI of Miami, we’re passionate about providing our customers with top-tier automotive sales and service. We’re proud to be members of the Miami automotive community, but we’re even prouder to be your local MINI dealership in South Florida. Contact us at (786) 374-2201 or come by and visit our Miami tire shop today at 2060 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL.
