Don’t worry about the tires
Q: I bought a 2020Subaru Forester about three months ago. Falken tires came standard. Not knowing anything about this brand (I'm not sure if I had ever heard of this brand before), I stopped at an independent tire shop that sellsFalkenamongother brands. When I asked about Falken, theimmediateanswer was “they're not very good.” He also said they should be goodfor40,000miles.Ifound out later that there isnomileage warranty. For the last threemonthsIhavebeenworrying about having “not very good” tires. I haven't lost any sleep, but I stillworry. Should I beworrying?— W.N., Richfield, Minn.
A: Tothe best ofmy knowledge, Falken tires are fine. Theycomeas original equipment on several brands of vehicles. They are popular in motorsports, especially for driftingandenduranceraces. The tires are not included in thenewcarwarranty, butseparatelyby the tiremaker. The company says on itswebsite that“Falkentiresthatareoriginally equipped on this vehicle arewarranted against any defects in the materials and workmanship for the usable life of the original tread.”
Q: Ihavealwaysmaintained my cars and have taughtmy twodaughterstheimportance of vehicle maintenance. One questiontheyaskedishowfar cantirepressures beofffrom the recommendedpressures and not affect safety or handling.IftherecommendedPSI is 35, is anywhere from32-38 psi safe? Also, which type of tiregaugeisthemostreliable? — S.S., Chicago
A: Since2008, allpassenger vehicles are required by law to have a tire pressure monitoring system. It will trigger a warning light whenever a tire is 25% below its recommendedcorrectpressure. See your tire information sticker on the driver's door post. Lowpressurenot only affects handling, but braking distance and wear. Unless they are old or mistreated, most gauges are reliable.
Q: What is the correct tire PSI that should be used: the one on the car door frame, which is 32 PSI, or the one on the sidewall of the tire, which says up to 44 PSI. — T.B., Cortland, Ill.
A: Always go by the sticker on the car. The figure on the tireisthemaximumsafeinflation pressure, not the correct inflation pressure.
Q: My last flat tire set a record for size at my tire dealer. I had been driving infarmcountryona dirt road and acquired the piston rod from a tractor engine. The tractormusthave thrownthe rod and it somehowworked its way entirely intomy rear left tire. — J.G., Bloomington, Ill.
A: We thought the flat tire issue had gone a bit flat. But we couldn't pass up sharing yourstory. Now, wewillreally put this issue to bed.
Q: What is the best way to discourage mice fromgetting into cars stored for the winter? My stored car is clean, garaged and covered. I add some peppermint or Irish Spring soap in the engine compartment, yetsomeyears I've seen evidence that I've had visitors although thankfullynodamage.— P.C., Elmhurst, Ill.
A: Curiously, laundrydryer sheets reportedly keep critters away. Stuff some steel wool in the engine's intake and the tailpipe, too, to prevent them from setting up house inside.
Q: Howdoes coldweather (sayzerodegrees, heater running, etc.) affect driving distance in Minnesota winters? — B.B., Maple Grove, Minn.
A: Cold weather robs you of gas mileage, especiallyduring thewarm-up period. Add in the power needed by various accessories such as rear windowdefogger, lights, wipers, heated steering wheel, heated seats and so on, and you have the right idea.