BMW Tire Centre
ires play a vital role as part of your BMW, especially in Canada. As the only part of the car that touches the road, your tires should be in top shape so you can stay safe on the road. With routine inspections and maintenance, your tires can stay in great shape all year. However, there are a few warning signs that mean it may be time to bring your BMW in:
- The tire tread is low (if you stick a nickel in the tread, the less of the beaver you see, the better)
- There are any noticeable markings or bulges in the sidewall
- You have to re-inflate them often
- You notice that your car vibrates at high speeds
If you start to notice any of these signs of wear, a failing tire may not be far behind. No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road waiting for assistance or putting on a spare, and that is the least dangerous scenario. Even worse, a tire blowout on the freeway could lead to a devastating accident.
New tires are safer and perform better. You can see an increase in fuel efficiency, traction, and braking distance. But if you're shopping for a new set of tires, you probably have quite a few questions. We know navigating a maze of different types, sizes, and tread types can be confusing. Thankfully, we're here to help.
BMW offers a wide variety of approved tires that are tailor made, rigorously tested, and awarded top safety ratings. Here is a quick breakdown of key BMW tire terms:
The aspect ratio is the ratio of tire height to tire width in % (H/W). It is indicated within the size designation of the tire. Example: a tire with a dimension 175/70 R 13 has a width of 175 mm, the side height is 70% of the width. The date of manufacture is indicated within the DOT marking on the sidewall of a tire. The so-called DOT number indicates, among other things, the age of the tire in encoded form. For example, “2419” means that a tire was manufactured in the 24th week of 2019.
When driving, tire wear occurs automatically, so the tread pattern of the tires should be checked regularly. Winter tires should have at least 4 mm tread and summer tires should have 3 mm tread. Visit your local BMW Retailer to inquire about your current tire tread depth.
You can always rely on run-flat technology. Not because you can continue driving for another 80 kilometres at a speed of 80 km/h after a puncture – it’s just because you can continue to drive. Continuing to drive means safety and comfort. The reinforced sides of run-flat technology tires stabilize your vehicle so you don’t have to stop in unsuitable places to change tires. Instead, simply drive on to your nearest BMW Retailer.
Some drivers might assume that all-weather tires offer the best solution that eliminates the need to change or store tires. However, safety is compromised because the tires are designed for moderate weather conditions without snow, heavy rain or temperatures below freezing. The braking distance is, therefore, always longer compared to certain winter or summer tires. This is why we recommend winter and summer tires with Star Marking. All-season tires are generally used in small sizes and for vehicles with low engine power. They simply do not offer the best driving pleasure that you expect from a BMW.
BMW summer tires offer the perfect balance of comfort, acoustics, and rolling resistance. The specialized structure of a summer tire tread pattern offers a rubber compound that does not get too soft, even at high temperatures. Larger tread blocks decrease hydroplaning, and increase directional stability and steering precision. Summer tires are recommended after temperatures exceed 7° C.
The perfect tire for Canadian winter road conditions. With a mixture of specialized rubber, winter tires makes driving safer when temperatures dip below 7° C. Cold weather tires are also equipped with added rubber patterns that open when you BMW is in motion. The additional grip edges ensure higher traction and directional stability on snow, mud, and slush. You will also have a shorter braking distance compared to summer tires of up to 50% less on ice and snow.
Whether you're in the market for new tires or just need a nail removed, the professionally-trained technicians at Elite BMW can help you. Ready for repair those tires or to buy a new set? Schedule your appointment with our tire experts at Elite BMW. Trust our advisers to get you the perfect set of tires for your BMW that can battle the rugged Ontario driving conditions.