What is the right air pressure for my tires?

Proper inflation pressure is the most important single factor for tire care. The value specified on the tire sidewall is the maximum operating value determined by the manufacturer, but not necessarily the proper inflation pressure for your vehicle. Always use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find this information:

• In your vehicle’s owner manual
• On a sticker on the side of your vehicle's door
• In the engine compartment
• In the glove compartment

Please note that the inflation pressure for the front and rear axle may differ, and may also vary according to the operation load. Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual. Warning: Do not apply generic values suggested by non-qualified personnel, such as gas station attendants. The proper inflation pressure is NOT a rough or intuitive value, and is different for each vehicle. It should match exactly the value specified by the manufacturer.

When should I measure the inflation pressure of my tires?

Pressure increases as tires get warmer, the variation being between 1 and 2 psi for every 5ºC. Therefore, always check the inflation pressure when the tires are “cold”. In other words, whenever the car has traveled no more than one or two kilometers at a relatively low speed. The right inflation pressure should be checked at least once a month, and always before going on a long trip or carrying heavy loads. Checking the inflation pressure periodically will also help you to detect small leaks and fix them in time, thus avoiding dangerous situations.

Remember that a radial tire can lose half of its inflation pressure without its external appearance changing; therefore, you should not rely on external appearances.

How should I measure the inflation pressure of my tires?

Use a quality pressure gauge (manometer). You may use a portable manual pressure gauge or a professional one (such as those found in workshops, gas stations, etc.). Values are usually stated in “pounds”, which correspond with the English measurement unit “psi” (pounds per square inch). Its equivalent metric expression (which is probably how values are specified in your vehicle) is kilograms per square centimeter, also known as “bar”. For a quick conversion, use the following:

1 bar » 14.5 psi (pounds per square inch)

Thus, a 2-bar pressure equals approximately 29 psi. Make sure that tires on the same axle have the same inflation pressure. Always remember to check the inflation pressure of your spare tire. Do not forget to fit the valve caps back on as they protect against dust and dirt.

What are the consequences of an improperly inflated tire?

Proper inflation pressure ensures the best mileage performance of your tires.

Underinflation can cause:

• Increase in fuel consumption
• Tire overheating
• Reduced mileage
• Premature structure fatigue

Overinflation can cause:

• Structure breakage
• Irregular shoulder wear
• Reduced mileage
• Uncomfortable driving
• Less road adherence
• Premature and irregular wear

Underinflation causes abnormal tread wear, because only the tire edges touch the ground. Also, an underinflated tire experiences more deflection, which results in overheating. Remember: Heat is a tire's worst enemy. When a tire has the recommended inflation pressure and load, most of its surface touches the ground, and thus heating is kept at a low.

Why do I need to have my wheels balanced?

Well-balanced wheels provide a more comfortable ride, and ensure a longer useful life. Unbalanced wheels can cause vibrations, which may result in greater driver fatigue, premature and uneven tire wear, and an increased wear of a vehicle's suspension system.

When should I balance my wheels?

Tires should be balanced when first fitted in the rim (new tires) or when fitted back after repair. They also need to be balanced again as soon as vibration is detected or every 10,000 kilometers. If vibration persists after balancing, check alignment and/or the suspension system. Proper balancing and alignment contribute to an even tread wear of the tires.

What is meant by alignment?

A vehicle is properly aligned when all the suspension and steering parts are synchronized, and when all wheels and tires are parallel to the vehicle and between one another. Wheel alignment to car manufacturer specifications will guarantee even tire wear and accurate steering control.

When should I align a wheel?

Alignment is required whenever tires are replaced; whenever irregular and premature wear is observed; after strong impacts such as obstacles or potholes; whenever the vehicle pulls (i.e., it veers to the left or right) or is unstable; and every 10,000 kilometers.

What is meant by tire rotation?

Front and rear tires work differently. For instance, front tires steer the vehicle, and are subject to mechanical steering differences, they hold the vehicle when the car brakes, etc. Rear tires usually receive traction and tend to slide in curves, etc. Moreover, the vehicle load is often asymmetric, e.g., when carrying a single person. Tire rotation is thus necessary to achieve an even tread wear of all tires. This ensures the best tire mileage performance.

When should I rotate my tires?

Refer to your vehicle's owner manual to see the manufacturer's rotation recommendations. If you do not find this information, rotate your tires every 10,000 kilometers. For radial tires, it is recommended to avoid reversing the rotation direction when changing their position. Observe tire rotation patterns according to the type of tire (radial or conventional). When rotating your tires, make sure inflation pressures match the corresponding values according to their position.

How can I detect and avoid problems?

It is very important to detect the signals that indicate future tire problems. By doing so, you will be protecting your investment, and, more importantly, avoiding serious risks to yourself and others when driving your car.

Vibration and/or pull

Vibration and pull are two symptoms that can be easily noticed. Wheel improper aliguement and/or imbalance may be the probable cause of these problems. If this is not immediately corrected, it can result in premature wear of the tires and the vehicle's suspension system. In extreme cases, it might result in the loss of control of your vehicle.
SOLUTION: ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING

"Saw tooth” wear

The tread takes on a saw tooth appearance; it looks worn and rounded on one side and sharp on the other. This is due to wheel improper aliguement, which causes the tire to scrub against the ground, and, therefore, one side is more worn than the other (depending on the misalignment direction).
SOLUTION: ALIGNMENT

Desgaste en

Los elementos de la banda de rodamiento adoptan un aspecto similar a los dientes de una sierra, gastados y escalonados en los hombros internos de los neumáticos traseros. Esto ocurre cuando no se realiza la rotación correspondiente, por lo que el neumático sufre un arrastre contra el suelo y desgasta más un lado que el otro.
SOLUCIÓN: ROTACIÓN

“Diagonal wave” wear

Alternated areas in the tread show a wave-shaped wear pattern running diagonally through the tread. This defect is the result of an imbalance of the wheel-tire assembly.
SOLUTION: BALANCING

One-side wear

A tire that shows a more severe tread wear pattern from the center towards one of the sides of the tire means that the tire is not touching the ground with the whole of its surface. This is what is usually known as “camber” of the wheel with respect to its axle. Even if the wheel is properly aligned to the travel direction, it is not aligned vertically. It shows a deviation (toe-in or toe-out), which causes an irregular wear of the tire.
SOLUTION: CAMBER CORRECTION

Two-side wear

If your tire is worn in both edges, this may be due to a lower-than-recommended inflation pressure. This reduces the tread useful life, because of the excessive wear of the tire shoulders. Moreover, it causes excessive heat, reducing tire life, and may lead to tire failure. Finally, it increases fuel consumption as the rolling resistance becomes higher. Check your tires on a regular basis to ensure that they are properly inflated. Note that irregular wear can also be caused by misalignment or mechanical problems.
PROBABLE CAUSE: UNDERINFLATION

Center wear

When a tire is overinflated, the tread center supports most of the vehicle’s weight, and it consequently wears down faster than the shoulders. If a tire is worn unevenly, tire life will be shorter. Check the inflation pressure of your tires every 15 days and before going on a long trip.
PROBABLE CAUSE: OVERINFLATION

Vida útil

Queremos que tus neumáticos te acompañen durante mucho tiempo en óptimas condiciones. Por eso te invitamos a visitar un distribuidor oficial Fate para que puedan realizar una revisión de los mismos cada 8-10 mil kilómetros. Así, aunque haya expirado el período de garantía de fabricación, podrás circular con la máxima confianza.

Verificar vigencia de la garantía de fabricación a partir de la fecha inscripta en el lateral del neumático (número DOT). Ver condiciones de la garantía

When should I replace my tires?

Although tires have an average useful life, several factors can seriously affect it. Therefore, it is not enough to rely on the mileage traveled. The following should be periodically checked:

• Presence of visible damage;
• uneven wear;
• stones or other objects embedded in tread;
• loss of pressure;
• tread wear indicators at surface level;
• damage or deformation of rims and valves.

Using a tire with any of the above symptoms could be highly dangerous, and any such tire should thus be replaced.

What are tread wear indicators?

As your tires wear out, groove depth decreases, resulting in road grip, traction and the tire’s ability to drain water away from the footprint being reduced. Each tire has small wear bars that appear at 4 to 8 points around the tire running through the tread grooves. These rubber bars are 1.6 mm in height. When your tires are legally worn out, the grooves will be at the same level as the tread wear indicators. Its position is indicated by the letters T.W.I. (which stand for Tread Wear Indicator) etched on the tire shoulder. A poorer performance of the tires will be felt before the legal minimum is reached, which can prompt you to replace the tire. Remember: driving your car with worn tires, particularly on wet surfaces, increases the risk of accidents. When the 1.6 mm limit is about to be reached, braking distance is almost twice that of a new tire.

Should I replace a tire with another of the same size?

Tires should be replaced with tires of the same size, or with optional tires authorized and recommended by the vehicle or tire manufacturer. Never replace a tire with a larger or smaller one or with a tire having a lower load capacity, as this could affect vehicle mechanics, and seriously impair its performance or even cause an accident. If you properly replace a tire with another one of an equivalent size or suitable for your vehicle, ensure that the load capacity of the tire is the right one.

Can I mix different types of tires in my vehicle?

Tires of different construction types, sizes and wear levels can affect the drivability and stability of a vehicle. For best performance, use the same type of tire in all four positions. It is strongly recommended NOT to mix radial and bias tires in the same vehicle. If this cannot be avoided, never fit radial and bias tires on the same axle.

I purchased two new tires. Where should I fit them?

If you purchase two new tires for your vehicle, it is recommended that you fit them in the rear axle, and pass the old ones to the front axle. Also, if you really need to mix radial and bias tires, always make sure radials are fitted on the rear axle. Never mix radial and bias tires on the same axle.