Choosing a tire can be a daunting task with so many available options -- it is essential to understand a little about why you need to pick out a good tire for your car. Your tires should ensure your safety, increase your fuel economy, give you a comfortable ride and have the ability to handle all kinds of weather conditions. It is not a feasible option to be scared of driving your car when it is raining or snowing because you have bad tires. Here are some points that you should learn about before going out to buy replacements for your tires.
Buy the tires you had before - If you were satisfied with the comfort and safety of the tires the car came with, you should stick to them. The tire and car company that assembled your car spent thousands of dollars in coming up with the right kind of tires for a certain car model, in order to enhance the performance of the vehicle.
Understand what the tires say - The code written along the sidewalls of the tires means everything. Here’s your key to understand the codes:
1st letter - type of tire
3 digits - width of tire in mm
2 digits - aspect ratio (height: width)
Letter R - radial construction
Digit(s) - diameter in inches
2 digits - load rating
Letter - speed rating
Letters like, M+S - suitable for all season driving
Where should you buy it from? - For original equipment tires, which will be expensive, you can go to the dealership. For an average driver, the best option is to go to the local tire shop, where the service manager can help you find the right tires for your car. Prices will vary from shop to shop, so always look around for the best prices available.
Is your car in good shape? - Sometimes due to suspension issues or alignment problems of your car, your tires may show uneven wear, prompting you to change them. Getting your car fixed first, will save you money in the long run. Putting new tires on a misaligned car will only repeat the process of uneven wearing again, thus rendering your tire investment a waste.
Do you actually need new tires? - Before going off to buy a new set of tires, be 100% sure that you absolutely need to make that investment. Check your tires thoroughly for signs of tread wear and cracked sidewalls. There also shouldn't be any odd bulging or discoloration. Since the condition of rubber deteriorates over time, you should replace your tires if they are 10 years older or more.
How many should you buy? - Tempted you might be to be tight with money and buy a replacement tire for only the ones you need, you should curb that impulse and buy a full matching set of tires and replace all of them at the same time. The suspension technology of tires works better with a matching set of tires. It also makes it easier for you to maintain them better. Having a matching set of tires also looks better.
Take good care of your new tires - Once you have made the purchase, it is time to maintain the tires so that they last as long as possible. Check regularly and maintain proper air pressure and rotate your tires when you change your oil.