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After rotating my tires on my electric vehicle (EV) for the first time, I was surprised to see a flashing warning light on the dash—the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) icon. I figured the tires were properly inflated, so what gives? Turns out, EVs with direct TPMS (the kind that uses sensors inside the wheels) … Read more
Living in Southern California and frequently road-tripping through the desert, I’ve learned the hard way how extreme heat messes with tire pressure. One summer, I drove through Death Valley and ended up pulling over because my tire pressure warning light came on—despite topping up the day before. That trip taught me something most people don’t … Read more
I get this question a lot from folks looking to save money on their next tire swap: Can I mix tire brands on my all-wheel-drive car? It’s tempting—especially if only one or two tires are worn out. But with AWD systems, things get a little more complicated than they seem. I’ve done the research, talked … Read more
I live in Hermosa Beach, CA so I’ve spent enough time living near the beach to know that saltwater isn’t just something you rinse off after a swim, it messes with your car too. If you live in a coastal area like I do, you’ve probably noticed how everything from your brakes to your paint … Read more
I used to think checking tire tread depth required some special tool from an auto shop or a fancy gauge I’d probably lose in the glove box. But the truth is, you can figure it out at home in under a minute—with stuff you already have in your pocket or kitchen drawer. Whether you’re prepping … Read more
When I first heard about run-flat tires, I figured they were just a fancy upgrade for high-end luxury cars. But after chatting with a friend who had a flat in the middle of the 405 during rush hour—and drove another 40 miles on her run-flats—I started wondering if these tires might actually be worth it, … Read more
Tire rotation is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to extend the life of your tires—and it’s especially important for electric vehicles like the Chevy Bolt EV. Why? Because EVs like the Bolt have instant torque and regenerative braking, which puts unique stress on tires. Let’s dive into how often you should rotate … Read more
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are no longer just a high-end luxury add-on—they’re widely available as aftermarket kits that promise real safety benefits, fuel savings, and longer tire life. But are they really worth the money? If your car didn’t come with TPMS from the factory—or your OEM sensors are malfunctioning—you’ve likely seen $40–$150 TPMS … Read more
If you’re looking to stretch every gallon and reduce your carbon footprint, one of the smartest upgrades you can make is switching to low rolling resistance tires. These eco-focused tires are designed to reduce friction between your tire and the road—helping improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing everyday drivability. And yes, you can get them under … Read more
When it comes to modifying your Mazda 3 for performance and style, one upgrade that raises eyebrows—and questions—is the staggered tire setup. But does it actually improve handling? Or are you just adding cost and complication for little gain? Let’s break down how staggered tires impact handling, whether they make sense for a compact like … Read more