Identifying Tire Markings: Red and Yellow Dots

As we were in the shop mounting a few tire and wheel packages this week, we thought it would be beneficial to explain a few markings that you may notice on the sidewall of your tires. Maybe you were cleaning your wheels or airing up your tires and had time to glance around to notice all of the letters, numbers and dots on your tire. What do these markings mean? Are they important? Is something wrong with that tire? While all tires are marked and stamped with obvious information regarding tire size, weight and manufacturer info, other information is sometimes unclear to the average person. In this blog we’ll explain one of the most commonly seen markings on tires that aren’t easily identified or understood, but play an important role in your safety and the ride quality of your vehicle. 

Imperfections and Irregularities

It’s an impossible task for tire manufacturers to produce a perfectly round and perfectly balanced tire. Because of this, slight imperfections and small irregularities are marked on the tires to ensure the tire is properly aligned and balanced when mounted onto a wheel. The way these imperfections and irregularities are marked are with two different colored dots, yellow and red.

 

Yellow Dots 

Yellow dots signify the lightest point on your tire or where the wheel weighs the least. The valve stem section of your wheels is the heaviest part, so placing the lightest part of the tire on the heaviest part of the wheel significantly reduces the amount of weight your wheel will need when it comes time to add weight and balance.

 

Red Dots

The Red dot signifies the flattest part or lowest point on your tires. The lowest point of the tire should always be adjacent to the highest part of the wheel which is usually indicated by some sort or marking on the wheel.

If there is only a yellow dot on your tire, you should line up the yellow dot with the valve stem of the wheel when mounting. If there are both red and yellow dots, the red dot should be lined up with the valve stem. The lowest point of the tire takes precedence over the lightest point of the tire in this case.

Proper Balancing 

Properly aligning the red or yellow dots with the valve stem is important for a number of reasons. Most notably, the proper amount of weight added to your wheels will prevent your vehicle from experiencing that annoying rumble or shaky feeling when traveling at a higher rate of speed. If improperly balanced, your vehicle handling and stopping distance can be negatively affected. Unbalanced tires can also cause excessive wear and tear and uneven spots on your tires, making the vehicle unsafe for travel.

Preventative Maintenance

If you happen to notice a vibration at any point while driving after ensuring these markings are properly lined up, it could be that a wheel weight has fallen off or that your wheel may be bent or damaged. In any case, it’s a smart move to head over to your local tire shop and get your tires checked out. Getting your tires checked, rotated and rebalanced may not only keep you safe while driving, but save you money in the long run. General rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated and checked as regularly as you get your oil changed. 



We hope this information was helpful whether you’re new to the service industry or just a curious auto enthusiast eager to learn the little details about the markings you see on your tires. Connect with us on social media and let us know what topics you’d like to see in our next YouTube video or blog. Thanks for reading, now get out there and explore! 

The pursuit of adventure begins with you. REIKA is what gets you there.

 

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RAV4 Build: Our Shop Vehicle Goes from Stock to Stellar

RAV4 Build: Our Shop Vehicle Goes from Stock to Stellar

Toyota RAV4’s Beginnings

The RAV4, meaning “Recreational Adventure Vehicle with 4-wheel drive”, made a statement immediately upon its release in Europe and Japan in 1994 and North America in 1995.  The iconic Toyota RAV4 was brought to market to provide consumers with the comfort of an SUV, combined with the adventure of a 4-wheel drive. Known for the fuel economy and maneuverability of a compact car, the RAV4 is a perfect blend for both common, daily driving and for adventure seeking on tough terrain. The first of its class, the Toyota RAV4 paved the way for the midsize crossover utility vehicles (CUV) worldwide. Steadily becoming more and more popular with the rise of outdoor recreation and the overlanding craze, the Toyota RAV4 continues to be a top contender in sales and an overall choice when it comes to safety and reliability. 

We Chose the RAV4 for its Versatility

The 2021 launch of our company REIKA Vehicle Solutions, which manufactures wheels and lift kits, fell right in line with the fast-growing CUV community. We wanted to provide a solution for outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to customize their rides with a strong, lightweight and attractive wheel, while also offering solutions to those who need a little extra lift to get up and get out there. We decided that our first shop vehicle would be a 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE. The capability of this vehicle, along with excellent safety features, AWD and useful tools implemented into the drive system, enticed us to test out its capabilities and we were not disappointed. We’ve taken our RAV4 on trips through the soft sands of the deserts, up into the mountains through snow, and over obstacles on the trails of Utah – it has not once let us down.

A few important safety features included with the RAV4 are the lane tracing assist, lane departure with steering assist, road sign assist and the full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control. All of these safety features make driving this vehicle feel safe and secure on any type of journey. Another incredible feature of the RAV4 is its Multi-Terrain Select, which allows you to select the drive mode for the terrain you are on. The four modes are: mud and sand, rock and dirt, snow, and normal, all of which have proven to be extremely useful on our trail runs. Our 2021 RAV4 XLE is equipped with a 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine and is capable of producing 203 HP with 184 pound-feet of torque giving the extra push needed when accelerating through mud and up steep terrain. 

The RAV4 Transformation

Over the past year, our RAV4 has transformed from the original stock vehicle to a RAV4 that is ready to join the overlanding phenomenon.  From the get go, we decided to throw on a set of our best-selling R20 Teton wheels with a +38 offset and a set of All-Terrain Nitto Grappler G2 245-65-17 tires to give our RAV4 an aggressive stance. In addition, we added our REIKA VS 2” lift kit, allowing for the new wheel and tire set up to achieve optimal clearance without any interference. Traveling often and needing a little extra cargo room, we added a Yakima roof rack to the top for our full-size spare. 

Knowing we would be displaying our vehicle at the Overland Expos, attending community events and getting to know some of the nicest people in the industry, we linked up with a few great companies. Beyond Wraps decked out our RAV4 with cool REIKA graphics, Light Force donated exterior performance lights and we installed a Rhino Rack to haul our gear.  

Fast forward to a few months before Overland Expo 2022, we released a new finish for our R25 Detour wheel – a beautiful bronze. Linking up with one of our good friends from Milestar Tires, we installed a set of our new R25 Detour wheels in bronze, with Milestar Patagonia M/T tires. The latest feature added to the RAV4 comes from a terrific company called C6 Outdoor.  They provided us with a versatile, heavy duty, lightweight 2-person roof-top tent called the Rev Tent. Weighing only 25lbs, setting up, tearing down and maneuvering the Rev Tent was very easy. 

Ready For Fun

That brings us current with the modifications on our shop RAV4. If you’re deciding whether or not to join the RAV4 life, we encourage you to take the leap. Our experience in building up the RAV4, taking it on adventures and displaying it at shows has brought us closer to the community and has allowed us to build positive relationships in the softroad, offroad and CUV communities.  Come check us out at the Overland Expos to see the build and stay tuned to REIKA Vehicle Solutions as we look for new products for the next adventure.

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Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, Subaru, Off-roading, Overlanding, cuv,

Choosing the Subaru That Fits You: Crosstrek vs. Outback vs. Forester

Choosing the Subaru That Fits You: Crosstrek vs. Outback vs. Forester

In today’s automotive world with so many options, choosing the perfect vehicle can be a daunting task.  However, when you find the right one that fits your lifestyle, it makes all the difference, especially if your goal is to hit the great outdoors. Subaru has done a terrific job of focusing on this outdoor market and providing features and benefits that adventure  enthusiasts desire.  Further customization of Subarus with wheels, lift kits, roof racks, swing out bars, lights, among many other accessories, allows for advantages on and off the beaten path.


We regularly share stories and photos from our friends and customers displaying their passion for Subaru, but what specifically makes them so enthusiastic about this brand? Sure, Subaru ranks high in safety and features, but we wanted to dig deeper into the reasons why Subaru is a fan favorite and why people choose their particular model. We asked a few of our fellow adventurists to share their thoughts on their Outback, Forester and Crosstrek.



Suzie C. (@tank_trek on Instagram) – Subaru Outback owner

Why Subaru? 

We live in the Pacific NorthWest so the AWD is a must have. I’ve been a Jeep owner for over a decade, still am, but we needed reliable vehicles that could be used for commuting/road-tripping/etc. I bought an ’04 Impreza Sport in the beginning of the pandemic as something to rebuild and familiarize myself with Subaru. Long story short, I fell in love. After getting that one all done, we bought the 2021 Outback Premium and then a few months later, picked up a 2019 Crosstrek Sport. Now I can’t imagine wanting to own anything else.

 

What made you purchase the model you chose vs the other options? 

We chose the Outback for the space. My partner really wanted a vehicle we could use to camp in during the winter months and be able to fit comfortably. We have 2 dogs that are on the larger side, so a rooftop tent just doesn’t work for us right now.

Does your Subaru compliment your lifestyle? 

It’s perfect for us. I work in the outdoor industry and my partner is a pretty avid hiker. Subarus can get you pretty much anywhere you want to go. It’s a nice combination of explorer vehicle and luxury.

What’s your favorite feature of the model you drive? 

Hands down it is probably the heated seats. You never truly realize how handy that feature is until it’s freezing outside and you’re underdressed. The AWD is of course also really important.

What vehicle upgrades are in your future? 

We’ve already done the 17″ Reika Tetons with Falken AT Trail tires and a Prinsu roof rack. The future will definitely include some underbody protection, most likely the LP Aventure Large Bumper Guard and Rock Sliders and an exhaust. Maybe a little lift at some point as well. There are so many options out there that I’m sure we’ll come up with more things as time progresses.



Travis R. (@bugout_fozzy on Instagram) – Subaru Forester owner

Why Subaru?

Honestly, I was in need of some adventure in life. Most of the people within the Subaru community like to get out there and that intrigued me enough to go check them out. I liked what I saw.

What made you purchase the model you chose vs the other options (Ascent, Crosstrek, Outback)?

I chose the Forester over the other models due to two things mainly: cargo space and weight. Although I do think they failed with the NA engine instead of turbocharged.

Does your Subaru compliment your lifestyle?

For the most part, yes. I do like to push vehicles to see what they are capable of and it is perhaps slightly underpowered for my driving lifestyle. It typically gets me where I want to go. It can accommodate a lot of aftermarket features and accessories to make life easier while you’re on the trail or camping, and space is never an issue. 

What’s your favorite feature of the model you drive? 

This might sound funny, but the cruise control feature on Subaru is one of the best I have used. With the rev matching CVT and the auto speed match for vehicles in front of you, paired with the phenomenal handling, it makes mountain passes extremely enjoyable. As for the Forester in particular, I found it to be a nice balance between comfort and capabilities.

What vehicle upgrades are in your future?

Well, if anyone feels like making a supercharger for the 2.5, a stronger CVT, a 4” lift and upgraded axle components, I’m in. Beyond that, maybe some rock sliders and onboard air. Been looking seriously at steel and aluminum bumpers as well.



Kevin S. (@gotrekyoself on Instagram) – Subaru Crosstrek owner
Why Subaru? 

Subaru provided me with the best of both worlds. A reliable, safe and good looking everyday vehicle as well as a fun, durable, AWD offroad beast!

What made you purchase the model you chose vs the other options (Ascent, Crosstrek, Outback)? 

The Crosstrek just really fit my needs. But I could definitely see myself in an Outback when my family gets bigger.

Does your Subaru compliment your lifestyle? 

Absolutely! I love being out in nature and going on roadtrips with my friends and family.

What’s your favorite feature of the model you drive?   

 I’d have to say the safety features. It definitely comes in handy.

What vehicle upgrades are in your future? 

Lights, full audio upgrade, an awning and more lights!


REIKA Vehicle Solutions has been fortunate to connect and engage with many Subaru owners because we offer wheel and lift kit options that enhance their driving experience. Along the way, we’ve gotten to know many Subaru enthusiasts who come from all walks of life with the same goal – to explore. If you are a solo adventurist requiring minimal space, a couple traveling with your animals or road tripping with a vehicle full of family and friends, Subaru has the option for you. 

The pursuit of adventure begins with you. REIKA is what gets you there.

 

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SEMA 2021: The Growing Overland Trend on Display

SEMA 2021: The Growing Overland Trend on Display

The SEMA Show 

The annual SEMA show was back and all geared up this year after the world was faced with a pandemic of great proportions. For those new to the world of SEMA, the association was established in 1963 and kicked off as a small group of manufacturers who provided performance parts and equipment to the hot rod community. Over the years, SEMA evolved into one of the largest leading trade show events in the automotive industry, providing a week-long social gathering for hot rods, trucks, tuners, classic cars, sports cars, rare builds, off-road rigs and some of the latest and greatest parts and equipment to hit the market.

A Time and Place

Each November, for one week, the event is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show’s popularity has gained tons of exposure resulting in larger crowds year after year. The enormous growth of trade shows in general, advanced the need for the construction of massive arena sized halls in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. For SEMA, this allowed for hundreds more exhibitors to display vehicles and products and thousands more auto enthusiasts to enjoy the show.

Off-roading and Overlanding at SEMA 

The overlanding and off-roading communities have swiftly come into the spotlight within the United States and are gaining considerable attention in the automotive market. This is clearly evident within the halls of SEMA, as the space committed to this type of vehicle has grown tremendously. With the explosion of remote travel and exploration, businesses have used their own outdoor experiences to develop new products and solutions that enhance the experience for all. The SEMA show provides the opportunity for small and newer businesses to not only be discovered, but to expand their network and introduce helpful and innovative products to the market.

REIKA Vehicle Solutions 

This year, REIKA Vehicle Solutions was able to display in the exhibitors hall, showcasing our newly established CUV wheel and lift kit line. SEMA was the perfect place to connect with existing customers and establish new relationships with future customers. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and developing new relationships, as well as bringing awareness of our brand to the marketplace. In the midst of this ever growing off-road and overlanding community, we couldn’t be more excited to provide unique solutions for vehicles that are not always targeted in this market.

Event Highlights 

Roaming around SEMA, we had the chance to discover some of the brands that support the off-road and overlanding communities. The newly constructed West Hall held many companies and brands associated with the community. The ever-popular Overland Expo was in attendance at the back of the hall in the Overland Experience. Here, owners displayed their rigs and conversed with showgoers about the planning and effort that went into building their rigs, providing advice to those who inquired.  Overland Expo also hosted education sessions ⁠with industry experts who discussed market trends, responsible recreation, protecting public land for OHV use, and much more.

Onward 

We had a blast this year at the 2021 SEMA Show. REIKA Vehicle Solutions will be looking forward to attending for many years to come giving us the opportunity to connect with a great group of travelers, hobbyists and fellow auto enthusiasts. We are committed to the overlanding community and promise to provide the highest quality product and customer service to our partners and customers alike. We hope you enjoyed the show and can’t wait to see you all next year. Until then, go out and explore!

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Overland Expo: Exploring the Nature of Off-roading

Overland Expo: Exploring the Nature of Off-roading

What is overlanding?

The term “overlanding” is a combination of remote travel, off-roading and camping, relying heavily on self-sufficiency and can be traced as far back to the Australian Outback, when farmers moved their cattle across long distances as the seasons changed. In more recent years, however, overland travel has evolved with modern technology and has grown in popularity in the United States with people wanting to take a break from the constant goings of our everyday lives, to challenge themselves away from the noise and most importantly, to venture out and explore. With this in mind, Co-founders Roseann and Jonathan Hanson struck up a wonderful idea to bring both new and experienced overlanders together in one place. Thus was born the Overland Expo.

What is Overland Expo?

Overland Expo is North America’s largest professional trade show for overlanders and travel enthusiasts. The expo introduces innovative equipment for the camping life and vehicles and offers classes taught by experienced travelers from around the world. Co-founded in Prescott, Arizona in 2009 by ecologist and writer Roseann Hanson, her husband and journalist, Jonathan Hanson, among a few others, with the purpose of inspiring people to explore and giving them expert instructions in driving and riding. As the popularity in overland travel has increased over the last decade, the attendee list has grown exponentially. Sold to Lodestone in 2018; a professional event production company, Roseann and Jonathan are still heavily involved with the event and are still inspiring others every day to go out and explore the beauty of the earth.

The Purpose

To Inspire people to explore, to give expert instructions in driving and riding and to bring all overlanders from around the world to one place to learn skills, gain knowledge of off-roading and overlanding, travel advice, as well as being a place to purchase equipment, all while discovering new ways and ideas to enhance your overlanding experience. With many classes available at the Overland Expo, you can expect to learn a few things by taking a few minutes to stop and listen. The classes, demonstrations, roundtable discussions and conversations to be had, can be very helpful not only for your safety, but offer extensive know-hows and to-do’s that will be beneficial going forward and ensures your knowledge of safety and survival on your journey.

Attendees

Thousands of visitors from all around the world visit each of the three locations held by Overland Expo each year. Originally starting off in Arizona, the event has now expanded to Colorado and as far east as Arrington, Virginia, covering the span of the United States. The event sees an influx of overlanders, from novice to expert level, during the run time of the expo. Travel advice, skill training, instruction, entertainment and much more are all offered at the expo. With a combined total 57,000 attendees between all three shows, you can understand how popular this lifestyle has become and without a doubt, will continue to grow.

Vendors

Hundreds of vendors set up shop at each location. Companies selling wheels, tires, rooftop tents, compact generators, clothing, lights, accessories, swing-out racks, roof racks, winches, food storage solutions, gadgets and a ton more, are ready to outfit your journey with their products. It’s likely that if you come here with a problem or an idea, that  you’ll leave with knowledge and a solution. Adventure and expertise lies within any of the booths you’re walking past during your visit.

Builds and Rigs

The diversity of builds at the show varies from person to person. Some people sell their houses, hit the road, invest in expensive rigs and travel the land for years, while others may be satisfied camping in the back of their vehicles for a weekend. From one million dollar rigs to simple tents and blankets, we’ve learned that there is no wrong way to be a part of the overlanding movement. The journey becomes what you experience in your travels, whether you have a destination in mind or not. The overlanding expo is a great place to meet and make new friends, plan future adventures, discover incredible ideas and to learn from one another.

Camping

Another captivating attraction about the Overland Expo, is the ability to set up camp alongside hundreds of fellow overlanders for the entire span of the event. A great opportunity to make and meet new friends from around the globe, you’re able to enjoy and create new experiences with one another. From a price range of $160-$190 a person, you can reserve your space with a vehicle or trailer from Thursday through Sunday and enjoy all the general activities the event has to offer (demos, evening films, slideshows, roundtables).

Entertainment

Entertainment at the Expo comes in many forms. Ride alongs, training courses, skill based learning, contests, giveaways, evening film festival shows and much more are offered for anyone willing to sign up. If you ever find yourself in need of relaxation time, you can enjoy some live music, have a few drinks and grab something to eat at the Oasis bar and lounge.

Event Statistics

The event statistics show an increase in not only attendees over the years, but also in vendors, presenters and media outlets. The event had attendees present from Brazil, Japan, Chile and Portugal this year. Overland Expo West, being the original, sees the most people, in all aspects of the shows. With 28,000+ attendees this year, it beats out MTN West at 17,000+ attendees and doubles the attendance of East who had about 14,000+ attendees. The media outlets, exhibitor list, presenters and number of classes follow suit as far as attendance goes. Each show is set up with a great layout and you wouldn’t be missing out if you chose to attend any of the 1 of the 3 in the line-up.

Our Journey

The REIKA team was able to join the many vendors who participated in each of the three Expo shows this year. We met new friends and caught up with old ones, all while learning much more about the overlanding experience. Our goal is to provide safe, lightweight and durable wheels and lift kits that will enhance your vehicle for any of your adventures for years to come. We are committed to providing both product and knowledge to the overlanding community and look forward to growing our relationship. We thank you all for stopping by our booth and being a part of our experience. Hope to see you all at next year’s Overland Expo!

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 Overland Expo: Why We Roam