Cooper Tires invited me to their test track in Texas for a few days of driving fun….or that’s what I thought was going to happen. Fun turned into education and turned me into a more knowledgeable Macaroni Mama! I felt good when I left….informed and empowered.
About Cooper Tires
Founded in 1914, Cooper Tire, one of the few remaining American-owned rubber companies, is embarking on its 100 year anniversary.
Did you know that Cooper Tires, unlike so many of its competitors, only makes tires? Mama always said, "Do what you know, do it well, and you cannot fail." Well....this is not exactly true. During WWII, they manufactured pontoons, landing boats, waterproof bags and camouflage items, inflatable barges, life jackets and tank decoys, as well as tires, for the Allied forces. The US government recognized their contribution by bestowing the Army – Navy “E” Award upon them in 1945.
Kudos to Cooper!
Cooper Wants to Empower Moms
It is Cooper Tires' desire to get more women buying their own tires. I mean why not? We do everything else, so why are the majority of us not taking on our own tire care? And they are doing this by asking companies like Macaroni Kid to spread some tire knowledge.
I know that I, for one, will be taking a bit more interest and time from now on when checking and purchasing the items that keep my family safe on the road, and so should you. Next time you need tires, make an informed purchase with confidence. Don’t just buy the most expensive; what the dealer is pushing, what is on sale, or even what you had before. Take into consideration the age of your car, how much longer you plan to have it, how many miles you typically drive, and how often you would like to replace your tires. Premium tires may cost a lot, but that does not mean that mid-tier tires to not offer good quality.
Here are a few valuable purchasing tips I learned from Cooper Tires:
Damaged Goods?
If your tire is damaged, don’t count it out just yet. There is a chance it can be repaired. If you have not driven on it while it was flat, and the puncture is in the tread area, there is a chance it can be patched. Take it to your tire dealer or auto repair shop, and see what they can do for you.
Check your tire pressure every month. That may seem like a lot, but good tire pressure ensures a safe ride and saves on gas. I am now a monthly checker! While you're checking the pressure, you should also check to see if the tread on your tires is wearing evenly. If not, it may be time for a rotation and alignment down at the shop. Bald tires? Well….we all know that means it’s time to replace them.
Place a penny in the shallowest tread groove with Lincoln’s head pointing down. If you are able to see the top of his head, your tire needs to be replaced. Now who said the penny has lost it value?
Time For Tires
The tire size for your vehicle can usually be found on a sticker in the driver's door frame or in your owner's manual. You can also determine a tire's size by reading the series of numbers and letters on its sidewall. For example, let's say your tire's sidewall reads: P215/65R15 89H:
"P" stands for the type of tire - in this case, passenger. If you drive a truck or SUV, the sidewall code would begin with "LT" for light truck.
The "215" in this example represents the tire width, or 215mm measured from sidewall to sidewall.
"65" shows the tire's aspect ratio, or the height of the tire's sidewall compared to its width. In this case, 65 means the height is equal to 65% of the tire's width.
"R" simply means the tire's construction is radial
"15" is the wheel's diameter - in this case, the width of the wheel from one end to the other is 15 inches.
"89" shows the tire's load rating, and "H" shows its speed rating. Both these ratings correspond to actual numbers in charts established for the tire industry. In this case, a load index of 89 means the tire can support 1,279 pounds at maximum air pressure, and an H speed rating means the tires can travel at a maximum speed of 130 mph. (that’s fast! LOL)
Your new tires, first and foremost, must meet your driving needs. Think about the best and worst conditions in which you'll be driving. Do you live in an area where winters bring snow, ice and prolonged temperatures below 45 degrees? If so, you may want to consider installing winter tires during winter months, and summer or all-season tires during warmer months.
Does your area see heavy rain, where you'll be driving on wet pavement a lot? If so, make sure you opt for a tire that has good wet handling capabilities.
Choose your tires wisely, and remember that they are more than just four pieces of rubber. They transport your loved ones all day long, and picking the right tires will help to keep your family safe on the road.
And if you think for one moment that Cooper Tires was all business you are wrong. They and Johnny Unser, the Indy Car Racer, took me and a our very own Shayna Mills ~ NE Dallas Publisher Mom on a few quick spins (literally) around the Cooper block.
Thanks again Cooper for all the great tips of the trade!
Thanks again Cooper for all the great tips of the trade!
