2023-05-18 Thu 10:09 AM ![[Pasted image 20230518121903.png]] - My van is a 2016 Ram Promaster 2500 159 inch wheel base. - I bought it used with 110k miles - Had the tires rotated when I first bought it # 2023-05-18 Thu 12:16 PM Situation today - Have put another 10k miles on it over the last year - Visual inspection of tread a couple weeks ago showed that one of them is about at the recommended replacement level. Others not. - I'll at least get rotation and balancing today at ~$100 - If the tread is worn I'll get new tires, at $170 per - Lemme go look at tread - 2023-05-18 Thu 12:25 PM Okay so the front ones are close, the back ones are fine. I think I'll replace none and get them all rotated. Plan - Fine a trustworthy shop, call to check availabity and prices for this and [[Todo. Van brakes - pads, sensors, fluid]] - Get - rotation at $100 - MAYBE brake fluid at $100 - MAYBE new pads at $170 per axle - Big Brand Tires - Tire roto free - Balancing $100 for all fires - Brake inspection free - Starting at $260 per axle - 2:15p at 456 s plano - Les Schwab - Tires and brakes yes - Can roto and balance, and do inspection on the brakes. Don't commit to just ding pads — they also inspect rotors and caliper, and resurface rotors or replace parts as necessary - Couldn't give quote/estimate becasue Ram Promaster wouldn't come up in his system for some reason - Not busy today, can just come in and get an inspection - 2023-05-18 Thu 13:13 PM - So I took to Les Schwab and I'm waiting while they do an inspection - This place charges $35 for the rotation - I said no thanks, just do the inspection and then let's talk - I watched him take the wheels of and he did switch their positions. So that's a rotation Result - All 4 tires are fine - Guy at Les Schwab rotated them for free (because he said they were purchased from LS) - Tread: - Tires that are now on the front have about 9/32 of tread - Tires that are now on the rear have about 4.5/32 of tread - Legal minimum is about 2/32 of tread - But the back ones are prob gonna wear slowly now - Tires do have a bit of shoulder wear - Should rotate them regularly — every 5k miles - Might be an alignment issue. could get that done next time - Cost estimate to get 2 new tires was like $650 :0 - ![[Pasted image 20230518153211.png]] - These are apparently the same tires I have now - The Dean Tires Back Country QS-3 Touring H/T is a highway terrain, all season tire manufactured for SUVs and light trucks. It has a 60-65,000 mile warranty. The stronger compound and ideal tread design increase the all weather traction, while the grooves avoid hydroplaning. - Seems like you can get that tire for like $150 out there? but maybe what I'm seeing is a different one? - Here it is for $110 https://tires.auto/brands/summit/trail-climber-ht-ii/225/75/16/345-517?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmZejBhC_ARIsAGhCqncArN9T9Q5Demr_Pwh58E2LegY91GU_d5a9iJ97Ym4fx7_wso4LVz0aAskGEALw_wcB - ![[Pasted image 20230518154312.png]] # Learning - Why rotate tires? - They'll naturally wear uneventy - If you don't rotate, you'll have to replace them faster - Why balance tires? - If not, annoying vibration and early tire replacement - How often should tires be rotated and balanced? - rotate every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. basically every 2 or 3 oil changes - Why replace tires? What happens as you go past that recommended time to replace? - As tread wears out, you get decreased grip (which means increased risk of losing control, skidout, and worse braking, etc) and increased risk of blowout. - More tread → more heat dissipation - > Driving creates friction between your tires and the road surface, and friction creates heat. Too much heat can cause a blowout, causing you to lose control of the car, especially at high speeds. Tire materials can withstand fairly high levels of heat. But, once the surface temperature reaches a certain limit, the tires become unsafe. Treads help cool the tire by allowing air to flow in between the grooves. Bald tires don’t have the grooves provided by treads, so the heat can easily build up to unsafe levels. —https://www.fixautousa.com/blog/5-reasons-why-driving-on-worn-out-tires-can-be-dangerous/ - Guy above also claims that low tread causes you to lose air pressure faster, but he doesn't say why and that sounds dubious - Might be legally required to have a min amount of tread. Not sure what CA law is, but potential extra ticket if cop wants to fuck you. - How to check when it's time? - > Instead of “eyeballing” the tread depth, always use a tire tread gauge. It doesn’t cost much, is simple to use, and can be easily stored in your glove compartment. Another way to evaluate tread depth is to insert a penny into the tread with the “heads” side facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low and it’s time to get new tires. - > Tire sidewalls tend to dry out as the miles pass. This can lead to cracks or cuts that compromise the structural integrity of the tire. Very small cracks are common on worn tires, and don’t pose much of a threat. Large cracks should not be ignored. Any time you spot one, head to your tire shop for a professional evaluation. —https://www.fixautousa.com/blog/5-reasons-why-driving-on-worn-out-tires-can-be-dangerous/ - How much should new tire replacements cost? (Parts and labor) - New tire can be $50-$1000, median cost $167 per tire, so could be $600 for all 4. - Labor - Sam's club charges $14 per tire, dealership $36 (per tire I assume) https://www.upstart.com/learn/how-much-do-tires-cost - How much should rotating and balancing cost? - Rotation - between $25 and $80 - Rotation and balancing - $80 - $100 https://repairpal.com/estimator/tire-wheel-assembly-rotate-balance-cost