Toyota Scion of Bend

Toyota Tire Center - Bend, OR Serving & servicing Toyota in and around Central Oregon
Your Toyota Tire Center - the place to get tires matched EXACTLY to your Toyota. Your Toyota's tires are a specifically engineered component of your vehicle, helping to provide its unique driving & safety characteristics. That's why it's important to use tires that are exactly matched to your Toyota. And getting your tires from Toyota of Bend Tire Center is your assurance that you'll get those tires & only those tires.
Choosing tires that provide the best safety & value for your driving conditions is a big decision. In choosing wisely, you should take into account your average annual miles driven & how often you drive in rough conditions: rain, snow, dirt or gravel roads, busy highways & crowded city streets.			The Big 7 - There are seven factors that go into exactly matching tires to your specific Toyota model & year: 1. Size, 2. Speed Rating, 3. Load Rating, 4. Tread Wear Rating, 5. Traction Rating, 6. Temperature Rating, and 7. Overall Brand Quality.
Your Toyota Tire Expert knows there's no mystery to determine the exact tire match for your Toyota. But for the average person, taking into account all the factors involved would be overwhelming. The information available to you here should help you better understand some of the key points to consider when choosing tires. Fortunately, our Service Advisors are true tire experts! So speak to your Service Advisor regarding the tires that are best for you, they'll suggest the exact tires your Toyota needs to keep on performing & driving like the day you got it! For your convenience Toyota offers ALL of America's top brands. The exact tires you need, competitively priced without having to shop around!
	POTHOLES... You can't miss them all but you're covered. In addition to convenient certified service, ALL tires purchased at Toyota of Bend Tire Center come with...
	> 24-month "no charge" road hazard coverage > 100% replacement the first year > 50% replacement the second year > Flat tire repair coverage - up to $20/occurrence		> FREE tire rotations included for life of the tires > Tire disposal fee included > Computerized Spin Balance included > Professional installation

When to buy tires: Regularly inspecting your tires will help determine when they should be replaced. Here is a list of warning signs that your tires may need replacement. Speak to your Service Advisor if any irregularities are noticed Tread: Tire is worn to "wear indicator" or to minimum allowable limit as per tire manufacturer, (1.6mm or 2/32" for all season and 4mm or 5/32" for winter tires) Measure it - and inspect it. Advanced and unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in adverse conditions. Visually check your tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also check for signs of damage.				When inspecting tires, look for built-in "wear bars" - small, raised strips of smooth rubber that appear when the tire's worn out.
The following is required when choosing the correct tire: Size, Load Index & Speed Rating. You can find this information for the vehicle's original tires in your Owner's Manual. When looking at an actual tire, you can find similar information molded into the sidewall. When looking for replacement tires, remember to keep it simple & match the size your vehicle already has. Changing to a tire with specs other than those approved by Toyota can affect ride, handling & fuel. Our Service Advisors have the expertise to recommend the right tires for you. Note: Your replacement tires should have a speed & load rating equal to or greater than the O.E.M. specs. What Do these Numbers and Letters Mean or Represent? 185 - tire width (in millimeters). Note: Some size designations may be preceded by a "P" for P-Metric Passenger Tire or by "LT" for Light Truck 60 - Aspect Ratio: ratio of the tire's height to width, expressed as percent. R - Stands for 'Radial' construction. 15 - Wheel Diameter (in inches): diameter on which the tire will fit. 82 - Load Index: number from 70 - 111 corresponding to the tire's certified, max tire pressure, load carrying capacity. H - Speed Rating: letter indicates tire's certified max speed to carry a load. Mud and Snow: The letters "M" and "S" indicate the tire meets the Rubber Manufacturers Association standard for mud & snow usage			All-Season	All-around good performance in many conditions. Softer construction, longer tread life & quieter ride than performance tires. The more extreme the conditions, the more reduced performance.
			Performance	Stiffer construction, lower profile to better withstand higher speeds, esp. when turning. Lower profile gives driver strong "feel" for the road as it transmits unevenness
			Winter	Specially designed tread patterns & rubber compounds allow better grip & improved performance in snow & cold
			Light-Truck	Heavier gauge wires & thicker compounds designed to withstand heavier loads & add stability. Off-road tires are designed to withstand very rough road conditions. Both will usually have a higher profile allowing more of a cushion effect
			Run-Flat	Reinforced sidewalls enables vehicle to be driven at low speeds (max 55 mph / 100 mi.) without replacing tires even if tire pressure drops due to puncture
The U.S. - DOT markings signify the tire meets tire safety standards. The markings track the tire the same way lot numbers track food products.		The first two characters designate the tire manufacturer & plant code.This could be important if the tire receives a safety recall. Characters three & four denote tire size. The fifth, sixth, seventh, & eighth (optional) characters identify the brand as well as other characteristics important to the manufacturer. The final four numbers denote the date the tire was produced. The first two indicate the week, & the last numbers specify the year
Understanding the Tread Pattern: Tire tread can tell you a lot about what kind of tire it is & how it's likely to perform in various conditions. > Sipes: More sipes - higher wet traction on highway. Solid blocks - better tear resistance in gravel, etc > Lateral Grooves: Open - improved mud, sand & snow traction. Closed - quiet & higher cornering power on highway > Shoulder Blocks: Open - higher traction. Closed - quiet & higher cornering on a highway > Center Rib: Solid - responsive highway handling. No rib (lugs) - higher traction > Circumferential Grooves: Wide & clear - improved water dispersion at highway speeds. Zigzag & lugs - improved off road & snow traction.
Often, winter tires are viewed as "snow tires". Truth is, they aren't only designed to perform in snowy conditions, but they're intended to provide optimal performance in cold weather temperatures as well. Even without snow on the road, winter tires will continue to provide the performance & safety you expect, thanks to the soft compound mix capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. When to Install Winter Tires? The performance of all-season & performance tires decreases with the temperature, while the performance of winter tires increases with the decrease in temperature. How a Winter Tire Performs (Tire component interaction with road surface) Depending on conditions, various features of your winter tire have more or less of a role in its performance. For example, in fresh snow, tread grooves & compound adhesion play a larger role than sipes or studs.			Benefits of Winter Tires > Excellent ride comfort & safety > Exceptional grip in cold conditions > Superior braking capabilities on ice & snow > Outstanding resistance against aquaplaning > Superb wet & dry handling > Enhance vehicle stability control (VSC) operation > Smoother take-off when equipped with traction control Winter tires are very effective under difficult environmental conditions (snow, ice & mud) & at temperatures below 44° F. During the winter season, tires play a crucial role in the vehicles overall safety & performance. As temperatures drop, standard (non-winter) compound characteristics show decreased elasticity. This results in a reduced contact area & therefore overall grip. The need for greater mobility & improved safety in winter conditions has led to high demand for winter tires. To better understand the benefits of a winter tire, you must understand its properties are geared towards "cold temperature" performance.
Toyota Tire Pressure Monitoring System Your Toyota may be equipped with a technically-advanced tire pressure monitoring system . This is for safety reasons. While this tool keeps you informed about your tire pressure, it is no substitute for regular tire maintenance. Toyota recommends regular, first-hand visual inspection of your tires, as well as bi-weekly tire pressure checks. How the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Works: Most 2008 & newer model year vehicles may be equipped with the direct system which utilizes a sensor that accurately measures both tire pressure & tire air temperature. This sensor is fitted to the inner side of each wheel & transmits data via electronic waves to the receiver. Some 2007 & older model year vehicles are equipped with the indirect system which uses the Resonance Frequency Method & Relative Wheel Speed Difference Method to determine irregularities. If an inconsistency is detected in either of these systems, the warning light symbol illuminates on your dashboard. Warning Symbol for Low Tire Pressure: If this symbol lights up, it is alerting you that one or more of your tires may be under-inflated. If this warning light keeps blinking on & off (for 60 to 90 seconds), it is indicating a malfunction in the system. After blinking for this time, the warning light may remain on. If the light remains on, contact your Toyota Dealer immediately for a system inspection. Does the Warning Light Always Indicate that Tire Pressure is Low? The warning light may indicate a system malfunction requiring a Toyota Dealer's attention. If it flashes before staying on continuously, the tire pressure could be within the appropriate range, but you should contact your Toyota Dealer for a system inspection. If a tire consistently needs to be filled with air, have it checked by your Toyota Dealer. For vehicles equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring system, Toyota recommends the installation of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on winter wheels.
	Tires & Your Safety Wet Weather Driving
Many accidents occur in wet weather conditions as motorists fail to appreciate the difference between driving in dry & wet conditions. Follow these wet weather driving tips to ensure a safe ride. Slow Down & Increase Distance: When it begins to rain, slow down & leave a larger following distance than the usual four seconds between your vehicle & the one ahead. As your speed decreases, the tire footprint (the amount of the tire's tread contacting the road surface) increases, providing better traction. You also reduce the risk of hydro-planing should you run into deeper water puddled on the road. Stay in the tracks: If possible, drive in the tracks of the cars ahead to prevent hydroplaning which happens when a film of water comes between your tires & the road - eliminating traction you need for braking or turning. Water on the brakes can seriously impair braking efficiency. Maintain a Safe Distance: Even with a good wet weather tire, be prepared for longer stopping distances on wet pavement. Since other cars may not have proper tires for wet weather driving, be extra alert at stop signs & red lights. Choose Tires Carefully: Too many drivers buy a tire based on initial price or appearance. For optimum performance in the rain, select a tire with tread design & rubber compounds that provide enhanced wet weather driving capabilities. Properly Maintain your Tires: No tire can provide good wet traction once the tread is worn below 2/32" depth. Check your tires regularly & replace them at the proper time. Also, maintain the proper air pressure in your tires; check your vehicle's Owner's Manual or the door jamb for the proper air pressure for your particular vehicle & tires. In all conditions you'll want to keep your tires properly inflated to ensure good braking. Go Smoothly: When braking, accelerating or turning, avoid jerky, abrupt movements. Avoid Hydroplaning: If you feel your vehicle starting to hydroplane (riding on the surface of the water), take your foot off the accelerator - don't hit your brakes. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch & let the vehicle slow down until control is regained. Plan your Braking: Your car's brakes are an absolutely essential safety feature. Knowing how to slow or stop in all conditions can save your life. In rain, brake more gently. If your vehicle doesn't have anti-lock brakes & the tires begin to skid, ease up on the brakes then re-apply. If you are entering a curve slow down & brake gently before you start to turn. Turn on your Lights:: It may not help you see, but it will help other drivers see you. Check your Wipers: Install new wiper blades or inserts at least once a year to ensure good vision. Wear your Seatbelt: Always ensure you & your passengers are buckled up before you get on the road.
	Improving Tread Wear & Increasing Tire Life
Pressure	Your tires carry the entire weight of your car so keeping them properly inflated is essential for the performance & longevity of the tire as well as maintaining the ride quality & safety of your vehicle. Tires lose air due to time (about 1 psi/month) & temperature (1 psi for every 50°F drop). Rolling resistance increases as tires lose air, resulting in increased fuel consumption. Handling will lose responsiveness & uneven tire pressure may lead to uneven tire wear. Check pressure of all tires at least once a month & before taking a long trip. Tires must be tested cold for an accurate reading. The best time to check & inflate tires is at least 3 hours after the vehicle has been stopped & before it has been driven 1 mi. Always inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed by your vehicle's manufacturer. This can be found in the Owner's Manual, on the door jamb, inside the fuel hatch, or in the glove compartment. Purchase a good pressure gauge & check it for accuracy with your Toyota of Bend Tire Center . Beware of public gauges at the gas station. They are often abused & unreliable.
Valves	Tire valves are one-way check valves, ordinarily made of rubber, allow air to be pumped into the tire, holds the air within the tire, & can deteriorate over time - making them less effective in keeping air in the tire & maintaining proper tire pressure. When traveling at high speed, due to centrifugal force a deteriorated valve can actually bend & result in air loss - so for safety reasons, they should be replaced every time you buy new tires. The Schrader valve is what keeps the air in. That's the little thing you see in the middle of the stem when the valve cap is off. The valve cap keeps moisture, dirt & dust contaminants, & road debris from getting in there & gumming up the little Schrader valve & potentially affecting the proper functioning of the tire valve that can result in air loss. Air tight tire valve stem caps also keep out water content & air moisture, which, during the cold season, could freeze & solidify & thereby pose a problem to the tire valve & causes air loss.
Alignment	Is your vehicle pulling to one side, or shaking? A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment & damage your tires. Correct alignment allows for improved steering response & better handling performance. It also promotes even tire wear, which in turn means longer lasting tires. Proper alignment also reduces wear on the rest of the suspension. Have Toyota of Bend Tire Center periodically inspect your car to ensure that your vehicle is properly aligned. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear & should be corrected. Front wheel drive vehicles & independent rear suspension, require alignment of all four wheels. Have your alignment checked as specified by the vehicle owner's manual or if your car starts to "pull."
Rotation	Regularly rotating your vehicle's tires will help you achieve more uniform wear & increases the useful life of the tire. Check your Toyota Owner's Manual Supplement for recommended tire rotation intervals. Depending on the condition & type of your vehicle, Toyota of Bend Tire Center may use an alternate rotation pattern. Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating your tires. Consult your vehicle owner's manual, the tire manufacturer or Toyota of Bend Tire Center for the correct rotational pattern for your vehicle. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000- 8,000 miles.

Proper storage is essential to protecting your tires longevity & performance. Exposure to the elements & heat are the main factors affecting the speed at which a tire ages. Even though the rubber used to make tires is formulated to resist the effects of sunlight, ozone & water, the life of a tire can be extended if exposure to these elements is minimized during storage. Tires will age naturally, but by taking a few steps to properly care for your tires, you may be able to prolong their life. Ultraviolet rays, heat, oil, grease, extreme temperatures & highly reflective surfaces such as sand or snow are not good for the rubber in your tires. You should keep your off season tires out of direct sunlight. When storing your tires, place them flat in a dry, cool location that is not close to electrical motors or machines as they can give off ozone, which can damage your tires. Thoroughly clean the tires with soap & water before storing them. Allow them to thoroughly dry in a shaded location. Place each tire in a opaque polyethylene storage bag to minimize the effects of oxygen & ozone & to reduce contact with light & ozone. Stack tires flat (no more than four high) so the bottom tire will maintain its shape & in a cool, dark place. This will help tires retain their shape. If stored mounted on rims, tires should be inflated to 10psi - or 15 psi if put into storage during warm weather, as the pressure will drop during cold weather months & winter. The best place to store tires is an indoor location - clean, cool, dry, dark/sunless, well-ventilated & away from strong air currents. Storage temperature mustn't exceed normal room temperature. In heated rooms, tires must be shielded from the heat source. Also, they must be protected from direct sunlight & continuous changes of air. As ozone is very damaging, storerooms mustn't contain any devices that generate ozone. Solvents, fuels, lubricants & chemicals shouldn't be kept in tire storerooms or come in contact with tires. Ensure tires aren't stored under pressure to avoid cracks. Tires should be raised off the ground or off all asphalt & cement pads or other heat-absorbent surfaces. A wooden shelf or pallet will work well. Keep the tires aligned so they're less apt to topple, & properly supported to prevent deformation during storage. Because tires are highly engineered products - composed of various types of material & rubber compounds, & have performance properties essential to the proper functioning of the tire - they must be protected from heat, light, moisture, ozone & deformation during storage. Chief among these performance properties is flexibility. An assortment of plasticizers & other chemicals are included in the rubber formula to help the tire stay flexible. These component properties evolve over time. This evolution depends on many factors like weather, storage & use conditions. A tire gradually loses its flexibility in the presence of damaging factors encountered both outdoors - such as ozone, sunlight (UV light), moisture - and in storage - such as oil and grease. If stored in unfavorable conditions, or if not properly handled, tires change their physical properties. This can lead to a shorter service life, and the tires may even deteriorate to the extent that they become unusable. Minimizing storage time helps avoid damage. However, correctly stored & handled tires retain their properties virtually unchanged for several years.

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Toyota Tire Center