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Tires/Expert Profile

Barry Smith

U.S.

Available

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.

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

User	Date	K	C	T	P	Comments
james	11/22/09	10	10	10	10	thank you for the confirmation, i was .....
Jeff	11/22/09	10	10	10	10	Thanks so much for the info Barry .....
BARB	11/19/09	10	10	10	10	thank you for tne information, ties are .....
david	11/17/09	10	10	10	10	Fantastic response and so quick, thanks
Bob	11/16/09	10	10	10	10

Recent Answers from Barry Smith

2009-11-20 winter tires for 2005 toyota matrix:

James, The best situation is to have all four tires exactly the same, including state of wear. The further you are away from that, the more risk. The risk? Losing control in an emergency situation

2009-11-20 proper tire inflation:

Mark, As you know, on every vehicle sold in the US, there is a sticker – commonly called the tire placard - that lists the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size. The placard is usually

2009-11-20 Storing Cars:

Sara, This is a complex issue with many facets. First, any time a vehicle sits, it is starting to get a flat spot. It is very temperature related. Clearly a week of sitting shouldn't cause an issue

2009-11-19 Tire specs:

Brooke, As you found out. M+ S means "Mud and Snow" - an All Season. BSW means "Black Sidewall". So these are not in conflict. My best guess is that they are the same. But to be sure that replacing

2009-11-18 tire rim size compatibility:

Dean, A 2000 Chevy Trailblazer has a bolt circle of 5 X 120.7mm and a 1999 Jeep Laredo has a bolt circle of ...... well my book doesn't list the model that way, but the 2 choices for Jeeps of that year

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