Can I Use Chains on my '89

[Marccus]

if i was you i would stop using the water wetter though, it plugs up after a while just like the stop leak product does! but you change it anually though so it figures its fine!
-Mitch

That's interesting. I have been using water wetter mainly because of the argument made to me that it helps lubricate the water pump and hence increase its longevity.

I'm not convinced the increased heat transfer properties reduce the chance of overheating.

I do run the 88 degC thermostat, so the engine coolant is always at 190F, but I can't see attaining a 20 degF drop in coolant at the radiator exit (as proclaimed by Water Wetter) due to the claimed increased heat transfer coefficient. Although I've never measured the radiator exit temperature to make a comparison.

I've never had an overheating problem even when I was driving through Death Valley or White Sands National Monument with temperatures as high as 115 to 125 deg F mid-day.

But maybe I'll consider eliminating it.

I do add the measured amount for the lowest concentration recommended.

 

[Marccus]

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tireSiping.dos

I had no idea about siping either.

What do the tire manufacturers say?

It would seem that it might reduce the stated LIFE of your tire, since the amount of rubber that would cover Lincoln's head on the penny (in the plane perpendicular to the tire) might have to be measured from the tread surface to the beginning of the sipe slices, not to the top of the tread where the slices end.

What about the tire warranty from the manufacturer?

Does it still apply as this is an aftermarket alteration?

Does siping have to be performed by "approved" service providers for the warranty to be still valid if it still can be valid when siping is performed.

Has this process / alteration been fully vetted by experience that there are not negative effects?

Let's say you really DO feel there is less CONTROL of the car after your tires are siped and you get into an accident - maybe a bad accident one, maybe someone gets seriously hurt, and you want to use the argument that your siped tires were responsible.

Just thinking - not trying to cause trouble or be pessimist.

BTW, how much does it cost to sipe tires!

Hey, this gives new meaning to the phrase "my tires were slashed".!!!!

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Siping has been going on for YEARS. And contrary to popular belief, undernormal driving conditions it actually EXTENDS the tread life because it allows the treads to run cooler than otherwise.

And yes, it work. It works WELL.

Every tire shop I have been to offers the service for a small fee ($15 per tire or so), and it does not effect warranty.