Re: Options for new tires - OHTSU tires (and balancing question)
Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73670
More expensive, but Centramatics (SP?) and I think it is Ring Masters (Or maybe Balance Masters) are a one time coach purchase, and if you buy a different coach with the same size wheels, they can move along with you.
In order of preference I would recommend:
1) Centramatics and or Ring/Balance Masters
2) Liquid balancing (adds some protection to seal small puncture leaks, as well as balancing)
3) Equal/Golf Balls/Pellets
4) Nothing at all
We had Park House Tire in San Diego do:
1)Balance each tire (Front/Duals/Tag) (Though most will tell you not to bother on the Duals)
2) Install the Centramatics on Front/Dual/Tag sections) (Just one on the Dual)
3) I got the gent installing our tire off to side, and tipped him $10 per tire up front, with a promise of another $40 if I felt he had accomplished what I had asked. What did I ask? To take extra time on these big heavy PITA to mount tires, and make extra sure they were well centered on the rims. You can balance all day, but if a tire is mounted off round on the rim - you have minor to severe egg rolling ahead.
The Manager agreed to one other item, actually was interested himself. We mounted all of the new balanced well centered (the gent showed me each tire with a small metal ruler at four sections around the wheel - got his extra tip) tires. Went for a drive on my normal route, one that had (brace yourself) a newly refinished tar section of Interstate 8, in the Mission Valley area (smooth section of about 1 mile). We placed a large bowl of water, 1/2 full on the bathroom tile, just over the drive axle. My wife and the Manager both watched the water in the bowl. Observing jitter as we drove over the smooth section. Back to the Tire Shop, Centramatics added to all axles, and then repeated the test drive.
Now guys, the difference of the tires was already something I could feel in the driver seat. Probably a 75% improvement over the OEM Toyo's. The drive with Centrmatics, improved the ride just that much more. The observed 'jitter' of the water by my wife and the Manger, was over 75% better, in their combined opinion.
The other thing I like about the Centramatics, and I assume the Liquid or Equal or other internal tire balancing would do the same - is that they adapt over the years as the tires wear some.
That's my story:)!
Best of luck on your decision, and hope you enjoy your ride down the road! Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Topic: Options for new tires (Read 3114 times)
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