Provinz: Braiden Tire Tech Session

BRAIDAN TIRE TECH SESSION

Photos by Wolfgang Lott, Provinz Photographer
Story by Kathleen Wong, UCR President

Braidan Wheel & Tire hosted a Tech Session for our members on Saturday March 24, 2018. Our host, Brad Shimbashi and his team, welcomed approxi­mately 50 UCR members to his store. Braidan Tire is a family-owned and operated business based in Markham, Ontario since 2006.

The event began at 11:00am with a delicious pasta lunch. Brad catered with a chef from a local golf club to prepare made-to-order pastas. Members had a choice of fusilli or penne matched up with either a cream or tomato sauce con­taining 10 individually selected ingredients such as chicken, shrimps, olives, onion, red/yellow peppers, broccoli, mush­room, etc. The chef brought three stoves with her, so she was efficiently cooking three different pastas at the same time and reducing the wait time at the lineup.

Top: Braidan Tire shop at 9399 Markham Road, Markham ON L3P 3J3.
Above: Brad Shimbashi gave an informative presentation on tires.

At 12:15pm, we began a 60 minute Q&A tech session with Brad. Here are some key takeaways:

  • The most reliable source of tire pressure is the informa­tion placard in the driver’s front door jam. The reason that the tire pressure on the information placard is different from the driver’s manual is because the driver’s manuals are generic. For instance, the driver’s manual is the same for all 911s, etc.
  • Tire manufacturers typically state that a set of tires can last up to 10 years. However, a tire’s life can be reduced due to factors such as heat, storage and conditions of use. So, you should monitor the wear and tear on the tire over the years.
  • Air is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% water vapor/ other gases. Oxygen can retain moisture inside the tires
  • Nitrogen is dry gas, so the moisture is eliminated. Tires filled with nitrogen can retain optimal pressure three to four times longer. Therefore, you will have optimal tire pressure in your tires at all times resulting in enhanced handling, improved fuel efficiency, increased safety, and extended tire life. Nitrogen tire inflation service is available at Braidan Tire.
  • Brad explained the difference between cast and forged wheels. Casting and forging are two predominant types of processes used to manufacturer wheels. Under casting, aluminum is poured in molten form inside a mold to form a wheel and most factory wheels are cast wheels. Forged wheels are the ultimate in one piece wheels, and they are lighter and stronger compared to cast wheel of the same width and diameter. Both cast and forged wheels are avail­able at Braidan Tire.
  • For all-season tires, Braidan Tire recommends Michelin Pilot Sport 3 and Continental ExtremeContact DWS06. However, it is highly recommended that you use winter tires during the winter.
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tire is good for those members who want to do some light tracking because it has good dry braking and good wet braking.
  • Pagid RSL 29 brake pad is good for light track use because it provides good brake and disc life.
  • For the trackies who take their cars to Canadian Tire Mo­torsport Park (aka Mosport), the left tires tend to wear more than the right tires. So you can rotate the left and right tires to extend the life of the tire. Braidan Tire also has a shop at Mosport. Therefore, Brad and his team are always available during UCR Driver Education events if members want to purchase tires or require any tire rotation services.
  • The Longacre tire pressure gauge is a good quality air pressure gauge, and it is available at Braidan Tire for $59.95.
  • A common problem with TPMS (“Tire Pressure Monitor­ing System”) can be fixed by replacing the valves. TMPS service is available at Braidan Tire.
  • Do not use wheel nut gun to tighten the nuts because there is a risk of over-torquing lug nuts such that the threads will stretch and the fixing will lose tension. A torque wrench should be used for tightening the lug nuts to the manufac­turer’s specified torque.

Brad reminded us about the Braidan Tire’s coupon (only for PCA members) which was printed at the back of the monthly Provinz magazine beginning in March 2018. The coupon expires on December 31, 2018. Here are the three deals on the coupon and members have to show the coupon at purchase:

  • Save $100 on purchases over $1,000 of helmets, racing suits, wheels & tires (sets of four only)
  • Save $50 on purchases under $1,000 of helmets, racing suits wheels & tires (sets of four only), Pagid pads under $450
  • Save $25 off all Nomex gloves

Our members found the tech session very informative  given Brad’s depth of knowledge on wheels, tires, brake pads, etc. On behalf of our members, I would like to extend our appreciation to the Braidan Tire team for a wonderful event, and Braidan Tire’s long-time support as the trackside tire sponsor of our annual Can/Am Challenge Club Race (Mosport).

Guests enjoyed a delicious pasta lunch prepared under the direction of the talented chef from one of the local country clubs.

Mark your calendar. Braidan Tire will host an UCR Tech Session for our members next year, on Saturday March 23, 2019 @11:00am – 2:00pm.

(Provinz: May 2018)

More Great Articles

Comments

Popular stories

0
YOUR CART
  • No products in the cart.