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Expertise

I have over 30 years experience in the design, manufacturing, and testing of tires. I have served as the technical advisor to the "800" number. I have authored or co-authored many publications - usually without credit. I can answer almost any technical question, but please don`t ask me to compare brands. I probably have prejudices because of my work experience.

Experience in the area

Member SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Member Tire Society (Tire Technical Organization) SCCA Regional Competiton License holder Authored many training manuals on tires, their care and use.

Organizations

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Tire Society

Publications

You may want to visit my web site: http://www.barrystiretech.com/index.html

Education/Credentials

I am a graduate of the University of Dayton, Dayton, OH - BME, 1971 I attended graduate school at the University of Akron - but did not complete my PhD - something I regret.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I want to dispell many of the "myths" about tires so people will be better informed.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Tires are a highly engineered product that face some of the most severe environments - the road.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

The vast majority of tire failures are caused by road hazards and lack of proper tire maintenance, not manufacturing defects.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    P = Politeness
UserDateKCPComments
Tim02/10/12101010 
newbie02/08/12101010Thank you for quick response.
tony02/06/12101010 
Kelly Smith02/02/12101010Thanks for the info on tire size .....
June01/30/12101010Thank you, Barry for your time & .....

Recent Answers from Barry Smith

2012-02-11 RV Tires:

Larry,    These types of tires come in Load Ranges (LR) - and along with the tire size, the load range determines the maximum load carrying capacity of the tire and the corresponding pressure this occurs

2012-02-10 Rim Leak:

Tim,    As a general rule, tubes don't fit in tubeless tires well - so the basic answer is: No.    I would suggest that you take the tire to a tire dealer and have him work on it.  There are sealants that

2012-02-03 tire size:

Tony,    According to Discount Tire, no.  That will rub.    If you go to Discount Tire's web site, they list the tire sizes they know will fit.  That might be helpful if you are looking for alternative

2012-02-01 P205/70R 15:

Joyce,    The common way to sell tires is by size - and let the buyer determine if his car takes that size.    Besides, this is such a common size and there are soooooo many vehicles that take this size

2012-01-30 Tire size:

Kelly,    I'm reasonably sure a 245/70R17 won't fit, because Discount Tire doesn't list that tire size on their web site:    http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tirePlusSizes.do?v=008422%7C2004&r=NCCINT%7Cpc%

 

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