Tire maintenance

20 articles

What is DSI?

DSI (Driving Safety Indicator) is a weardown indicator that indicates the remaining tread depth in millimeters. It helps you to know when you should change your tire to a new one. It also helps with increasing the mileage of your tires when you are able to even out the car specific differences in tr…

When should a tire be taken in for maintenance?

Consult a tire expert immediately if the tire deflates when in use or if you notice external damage to the tread or the sides of the tire, such as punctures, cuts, abrasion, or uneven wear.

How should tires be stored?

Proper storage can extend tires’ life. They should be stored in a dry, dark, cool space, between 32 and 60 degrees. Conditions that are too warm can dry out the rubber and cause cracks. They should be kept out of the rain and away from moisture to avoid condensation, and must be far from bright ligh…

What is TPMS?

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The purpose of the tire pressure monitoring system in your vehicle is to warn you that one or more tires are significantly under-inflated, possibly creating unsafe driving conditions. The TPMS low tire pressure indicator is a yellow symbol that illumi…

What is the correct tire pressure for a winter tire?

Nokian Tyres has tested the winter tire pressures for most car models. The indication has been that the number should be 0,2 bar (20kpa) higher than the recommended summer tire pressure. This is due to to different construction in a winter tire and the effect of cold to the pressure. You can check y…

What is an automatic tire pressure monitoring system?

This system alerts the driver if the pressure of any tire falls by more than 20 percent from the default.

What if the pressure is too low?

Incorrect tire pressure could have serious consequences. If tire pressure is too low, breaking distance will be longer and the vehicle will be harder to maneuver, worsening situations like aquaplaning. Studies show if the pressure of one front tire is 1 bar lower than the recommended pressure, break…

Can Run Flat tires and the Run Flat system be installed on any vehicle?

Technically Run Flat tires can be installed on any vehicle, but we recommend installing them only to vehicles designed to be installed with Run Flat tires.

Can new studs be fitted onto studded tires to replace detached studs?

No. New studs cannot be installed in place of detached studs because the studs will not stay in the tire's holes.

Can tires be washed with solvents?

We recommend that tires be washed with a mild detergent such as a solvent intended for washing cars.

My tires are wearing more in the middle than the shoulders, are the pressures wrong?

It is normal that the tires that are on the axel of traction wear more in the middle and the freely spinning tires on the shoulders. The best way to ensure mileage is to rotate the tires every 5000 miles.

What will be the future tire like? What is the future of the Nokian tire?

In the future, the rolling resistance will improve remarkably, due to material innovations. In addition modern technology will be attached to the tire and the tire shall be a more inseparable part of the suspension and the whole car. In the next decades most oil-based materials will be replaced by m…

How should I properly maintain my tires?

Always perform a visual assessment for tires before driving, and inspect more closely every 3-4 weeks. Quick checks can improve driving safety and comfort, and extend the life of tires.

Run Flat tires are heavier than other tires - does this affect fuel consumption?

Yes. The rolling resistance of a Run Flat tire is bigger than that of a tire with a normal construction.

Can a punctured Run Flat tire be repaired?

If a Run Flat tire has been driven empty - even over a short distance - we recommend replacing it with an entirely new tire.

Where can you have Run Flat tires installed to your car?

Installing Run Flat tires doesn't require speciality equipment and can be installed in most tire service centers.

What is the difference between Nokian Tyres' Run Flat system and corresponding systems from other manufacturers?

Nokian Run Flats tires can be installed on ordinary rims, while several other manufacturers' products require special rims.

How must summer tires be handled in extremely low temperatures?

Summer tires are designed for summer temperatures. If summer tires need to be transported, stored or handled in extremely low temperatures (below -30°C), special attention must be taken when handling them, as careless handling can cause damages on the tire. In transportation, special attention must …

How should I check tire pressure and how often?

The pressure can be checked by using a gauge found at most service stations. This should be done every three weeks. We recommend using the pressures defined by the car manufacturer. You can check the correct tire pressure for your car in your vehicle's manual. Note: Always measure pressure when …

How far can I safely drive on Run Flat tires after sustaining a puncture?

Nokian Tyres Run Flat tires can be driven with no air pressure for 30 miles on a fully loaded car and for 100 miles when driving alone.