Tire Care Guide - Tire Pressure, Maintenance, Rotation, Balance, Wheel Alignment, Replacement, Storage

Importance of Tire Pressure

Optimum air pressure should be maintained to ensure safety, driving performance, tire life and fuel cost.

Tires have been known to lose up to one pound per square inch (psi) every month. It is important to check all tires, even the spare, at least once a month or before a long trip.

Recommended Interval

Tire pressures should be checked at least once each month and before every long-distance trip.

Tire pressure and tire life

Tire Pressure Status

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Low air pressure: It causes the contact patch width to increase, which results in excessive force on the either edge of the tread. Outer abrasion can damage each part of the tire. It also contributes to an increased slope of the sidewall compared to that of optimum air pressure, which can be dangerous.

High air pressure: Due to the inflated shape of the tire, like a balloon, the force is focused at the center. The resulting uneven force across the contact patch becomes the cause of irregular tread wear.

Checking for Optimum Tire Pressure

Driver’s side door

Hankook recommends that you check your tire pressure once each month.

The optimum air pressure level for your tire can be found on the inner side of the car door, or in the car manual (the location of the sticker can vary according to country).

The number on the tire sidewall means maximum tire pressure. Therefore, do not apply tire pressure above it.

How to Check Tire Pressure

Purchase a certified air pressure gauge or take your vehicle to a nearby service center or fuel station for a check-up.

Tires must be checked in a “cold” state (at least three hours after driving).

Insert the gauge into the valve.

Compare the measured air pressure level with the level listed on the car door.

If the measured figure is higher release air until the figure matches what is listed on the car door.

If the measured figure is lower insert more air until the figure matches what is listed on the car door.

Importance of Checking for Tread Wear

The deeper the groove, which is on the surface of the tire, the more grip a tire will have. You can prevent danger of unexpected accidents by checking for tread wear on a regular basis.

Recommended Interval Between Check-ups

Hankook recommends that you check for tread wear at least once a month. Also, make sure you check your tires before and after a long journey.

Checking for Tread Wear with Tread Wear Indicator

You can check for the depth of the groove by using a tire tread depth gauge or by observing the Tread Wear Indicator on the side of the tire. To ensure optimum safety and performance, tires should be replaced when the tire groove wears below.

Tire Tread Wear Indicator

- TWI: Tread Wear Indicator(1.6mm)
- Indicator mark: Triangle symbol “▲”

The Importance of Tire Rotation

Periodic tire rotation helps extend the life of your tires and improve performance level.
For your safe driving and saving money, please refer to the rotation method below.

F : Front Wheel

R : Rear Wheel

Front-wheel Drive

Before
After

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Rear-wheel Drive

Before
After

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Four-wheel Drive

Before
After

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Directional Tire

Before
After

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When to Rotate Your Tires

In general, it is the best to rotate tires every six months or 10,000km. To change tire position to the other position ensure even wear and long life of tire.
You should follow the rotation recommendation of the vehicle manufacturer first and the tire manufacturer’s recommendation as a secondary option.

The Importance of Tire Balance

Tire balance is a process of compensating for the weight of the tire and wheel after assembly. If not properly balanced you will experience increased vibration and additional stress on your vehicle.

When to Check for Tire Balance

- When the tire is replaced
- When the balance weight falls or the position is changed

How to Achieve Tire Balance

To balance the tire and wheel assembly, a balance weight can be used when a certain spot is lighter or heavier than it should be.

The Importance of Wheel Alignment

If your tires are wearing unevenly, such as the inside shoulder of the tire wearing faster than the rest of the tread, your vehicle may be out of alignment. This conditions not only shorten the life of your tires but adversely affect the handling characteristics of your vehicle, which could be dangerous. If you detect irregular wear, have your alignment checked immediately.

Aspects of Wheel Alignment

Caster

Definition of Caster is the angle created by steering axis and vertical line to the ground when viewed from the side. Caster is positive if the axis is angled backward, and negative if forward. Typically, positive caster will make the vehicle more stable at high speeds.

Camber

Definition of Camber is the angle created by steering axis and vertical line to the ground when viewed from the front or rear. If the top of the tire is farther out than the bottom (that is, away from the axle), it is called positive camber; if the bottom of the tire is farther out than the top, it is called negative camber; if the tire stands perfectly vertical, it is called neutral camber.

With the development of suspension and vehicle technology, most vehicles today have negative camber, which increases outer tire’s contact area and provides stable cornering performance.

Toe

Definition of Toe is the angle created by tire direction and vehicle direction when viewed from the upper. If the tire’s front is inward, it’s called Toe-in; if outward, called Toe-out. Too much toe-out usually causes fast wear on tire’s inner surface of tread. And Too much toe-in causes fast wear on outer surface of tread in reverse. Both cases results in worse riding comfort and less fuel efficiency.

When to Check Wheel Alignment

We recommend checking wheel alignment during an annual inspection or for every 20,000 km driven.
An inspection is required when,

The car has been in an accident.

After a car accident.

When there is abnormal tread wear on the tires shoulder.

When the handling is unstable and/or wobbles.

When ride quality has become rougher or fuel economy has declined.

The Importance of Tire Replacement

Replacing tires at the right time is critical to driver safety and also affects vehicle maintenance and performance.

When to Replace a Tire

- in case of severe tire worn out : How to check tread wear.
- in case repair is impossible due to tire puncture.

How to Replace a Tire

In the case of a damaged tire and wheel, professional consultation is recommended. Tire replacement should only be done by a trained and highly experienced technician.

1. Detach the tire and wheel from the vehicle
2. After separating the tire and wheel, replace with a new tire.
3. Check tire balance.
4. Attach the newly attached tire and wheel to the vehicle.

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Tips for Tire Replacement

Generally, all four tires should be replaced at the same time. However, if only two tires are replaced, the new tires should be put on the rear.

If only one tire is replaced, it can cause left/right tire imbalance and can have an effect on a vehicle performance.

Tire Storage

Improper storage methods can have a negative effect on the tire’s appearance and performance. It is imperative to learn and practice proper storage methods.

Tire Storage Methods and Points to Consider

Tires should always be stored in a cool, dry, clean, indoor environment.

Avoid from sources of heat and ozone such as hot pipes and electric generators.
Keep tire surfaces clean and away from grease, gasoline or other substances which could bad effect to the tire rubber.
Avoid tire flat spotting.

Store with a wheel

Suspend
Stack
Do not store upright

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Store without a wheel

Store upright & turn every 4 weeks
Do not stack
Do not suspend

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