r you've: shopped for tires. . lately, you probably noticed that more decisions are re- quired in choosing the right tire than ever before. A . number of features depend- upon your driving needs. While you have a greater op- portunity today to purchase- the-right set of tires for your driving needs,you also have more chances of making a mistake. THE ABCs OF TIRES To understand what a salesman is saying, you need to’speak the language. . he _ uses. According. to “Bill Woebrie, manager of."in- dus standards: for the Uniroyal Tire Company, the following terms are com- monly used by tire sales representatives; many are not understood by their customers: Aspect Ratio - The relation- ship between section height (distance from rim to tread) and section width. In a P185/80R13 size, the “80” is the aspect ratio, indicating the height is 80 per cent of the width. Balancing - The process of achieving an equal distribu- tion of weight around the tire/wheel assembly. This is done by fastening _lead propery attaching a tire to a a ind: - tire which fits on to the tim of the wheel. ' Belt - A narrow layer of rub- ber coated parallel cords. This layer runs cir¢umferen- tially around a tire, on top of the.carcass and beneath. the tread. Bias - Identifies a type of tire construction. Also call- ed “diagonal”, it'a. tire hav- ing full plies, but no belts. In a P185/80D13 size, the “D” designates a diagonal tire. : ‘ Bias: Belted - Identifies a type of tire construction in which both full plies and belts are used. Both cross each other at bias angles. In a P185/80B13 size, the “B” designates a bias belted tire. Highway Tire - As opposed to a mud/snow tire, this tire was not designed to give ad- ditional traction in mud and snow. Its strength rests in longer mileage and quieter operation. Mixing - Combining tires of different size, type or con- struction on the same. vehi- cle. Specially trained per- sons should be consulted for appropriate mixing prac- tices. Some states prohibit mixing bias and radial tires on the same vehicle as a mat- ter of public safety. Mounting - The process of inflating i its eres Mud/Snow Tire - A. tire which, when compared with conventional rib type’ tires, has .a ‘relatively - “aggressive tread pattern and is designed to provide. additional start- ing, stopping, and driving traction in mud and snow. ° WHAT TO LOOK FOR. The tire will be marked “mud and snow” or any con- traction using the letters “M” and “S” eg. M&S, M/S, M Plus S, etc., indicating that it meets the voluntary industry standard for such a tire. Ply - Layer. of.rubber-coated parallel cords, which form a unit of a tire carcass. P-Metric - The current, modern system of tire size nomenclature. It is based on a world-wide standard for tires. PSI - Pounds per square in- ch. A_ unit of inflation pressure for a tire. Puncture. Sealant-A specially formulated material, applied to the in- side (air chamber) of the tire and under the tread area, which is designed “to seal puncture holes and prevent air loss. Radial - Identifies a type of tire construction. Refers to the:ply used in the tire in NEWS photo Elleworth Dickson Riding his 1981 Yamata ‘Ra-3501C, North Vancouver's s Al McAlduft of Performance Motorcycles is in his second year of road racing at Westwood Race Track. brakes alignments Dave Thodeson The Brake. Doctor 985-8705 North Van Autobrake ates etetetetatate tate tatetatatetetatetetetetatatatetatatatetatatatn tena ‘ate te raters, ae eta toracerataretecnselere tate’ REPAIR AND Secs . pre tn ta Sern te duetetnnosatere’ wuratere ne vlan prmenchsslelR an iann aa RESTORATION We'll give your car the professional attention it deserves OC) ae etata tata te tate ele ela ately tgtneveetatece nee ete from $59.95 from $24.95 “BCAA approved CARUNE | 1175 West 15th St. WV. tate tetets tate ee tat tate ote ate a etetet st etetetetanatatel, parallel to the radius. In a P185/80R13 - size, the “R” designates a radial tire. Rim. ‘Diameter - The diameter at the intersection of the tire and the rim. Ina P185/80R13 size, the “13” _ indicates the tire is to be us- - ed ona int diameter of 13 — inches. Rolling Resistance - The force or drag.resulting from energy consumed by a roll- ing tire. The-resistance of a tire to free rolling. Section Width - "The width, from sidewall to sidewall, of the ‘unloaded new tire, mounted on a specified-rim, and inflated to the normal recommended __ inflation pressure. In a P185/80R13 size, the “185” is the section width of 185 millimeters. Tread Wear - The gradual removal of tread rubber resulting from normal opera- tion of tires over many thousands of miles. X-Rotation - A _—s pattern which involves switching the right front tire to the left rear, the left front to the right rear, and the rear tires brought directly forward on the car. The purpose is to achieve uniform tread wear s which ; cords. run at right angles: to. the bead ‘and * for all tire ‘onthe car. ASK QUESTIONS Become familiar with these terms, ‘to understand the relative merits of dif- 986-1 682 B7.- Wednesday, ‘Aiagust 17, 1983 - North Shore News ferent tires. Don’t be afraid to ask a salesman some ques- tions; that’s why the salesman is there. The more you know about tires before you make your decision, the better your chances of being satisfied down the road. PE “980-0571 Home Security Today at an affordable price SPECIALISTS in 24 hour monitored fire, burglary and medical security. APARTMENTS, HOMES, COMMERCIAL Piease call Phil or Kevin for a consultation or more information. interScan Our Service Facility is one ~ the’ ‘most modem and ‘upto: date in Canada. a Security Lid. 270-4461 a now chon InNorth Van 7 AN Personnel are Factory Trained -’ Hans Saely Service Manager For Appointment Please Call 985.0591 4 JIM PATTISON TOYOTA SON ores er ena beet ae teretete tate’ ATTENTION ALL HONDA, TOYOTA & DATSUN OWNERS We repair all makes & models Tune-ups & All Mechanical Repairs, Alignment, Brakes, etc., Free Towing. Free Courtesy Free Estimates s Available Factory Trained Technicians CHIE SERVICE CENTRE 1 S26 Welch St. North Vancouver owe ater ener a anole! : KC om ate Natosntete*ate tare tnetereturee~nra tata tatetptata state arate tute tate at sn ata te etn a elena tata >, CK? ‘UNDERCOATING. NG STEAM CLEANING INTERIOR SHAMPOO We've been at the same location for 22 years. Phone us at 987-4477 ie . RUST PROOFI * NORTH VAN UNDERCOATING FD. | 1311 Pemberton, N.V. 987-447 oP haa ateletatehccaletetatatety For fast, professional repaira and service : of your cooling system end/or alr con- ditioner, come direct to the specialiats, @ e Oe asta. 8. ita te ete orate’ tetatgietataratateratens ne tatatetstere NOR EST ett O700 ‘siete oxy erates etetae are, Deets ae 1175 Weat 14th 59. NV. - iB Sets erate aytse “atene DRIVE IN SERVICE Just off Pemberton, drive around back - Mon - Fri 8:00 - 5:30, Sat 8:00 - 3:30 RADIATORS 984-0374 Over 30 years on tha North Shore.