This point alone shows the wise economy in purchasing tires of standard build and avoiding all so-called low priced tires as they usually cost the motorist considerable more before the average mileage of a good tire is obtained.
Tires given close attention will usually give from one to two thousand more miles of service than those that do not receive prompt attention. Therefore, close inspection should be made frequently for cuts, rents, stone bruises, or a break in the tread which exposes the underlying fabric to wear and dampness.
When a break is discovered in either the tread or breaker strip, it should be slightly enlarged and well cleaned. A coat of raw rubber cement is applied and allowed to dry. Another coat of cement is applied, and when this coat is fairly dry, fill the indenture with raw rubber gum and cook for thirty minutes with a small vulcanizer. The cement, rubber, and vulcanizer may be purchased at any accessory store for a couple of dollars.
Tire Care.—Always keep the garage floor clean and free from oil, grease and gasoline, in order that the tires may not come in contact with it or stand in it. All three are deadly enemies to rubber. This is easily accomplished by spreading a thin layer of sawdust or bran on the floor and dampening it. This not only makes floor cleaning easy but also keeps the air moist and causes the dust to settle quickly.
When a tire comes in contact with either grease, oil, or gasoline, it should immediately be washed with warm water and castile soap.
Mud must not be allowed to dry and bake on the tires as it causes the rubber to loose its springy elastic qualities, and dry-rot or rubber scurvy takes place immediately, and the tread begins to crack and crumble.
Tire Chains.—Use tire chains only when they are absolutely necessary to overcome road conditions, as the use of chains under the most ideal conditions results in a certain amount of damage to the tires, and also causes destruction to improved roads. Chains are easily put on by stretching them out at the rear of the car and rolling the car on them. The clamps should be placed forward in order that the contact with the road may serve to keep them closed.
Adjust the chains to the tire loosely in order that the cross chains may work around and distribute the wear evenly.
Cross Chains.—Inspect the cross chains occasionally for wear and sharp edges.
Do not use springs across the front of the wheel to hold the chains, as they prevent the cross chains from working around on the tire and the opposite side chain is often drawn onto the tread, and as these chains are not continuous, the link connections wear and cut the tread exposing the underlying layers of fabric to dampness and wear.