When it comes to choosing tires for your car, most people think, “the car has four wheels, and I will just buy four tires” and call it a day. The time to get new tires is not when there is not enough tread to pass the inspection. or the steel belts are showing. A good time to get new tires is when the life of the tire is about at its end, before the steel belts begin to show. Before choosing tires for your car, there are a few things to consider.
The Right Tire Size is Important
The most important factor is sizing when choosing tires for your car. Vehicles are built to function with specific sized tires. Tires that are too small or too large will compromise the ability of the vehicle to function properly. If the tire size is unknown, there is a plate commonly found in the front driver or passenger side door frame. That plate has all the minimum required tire information as provided by the car manufacturer. The tire information is also printed on the side of the tire and tire dealers have a data base of appropriate tire sizes for all make and models.
If the tires are too large, they will hinder driving and turning ability. If the tires are too small, they will be carrying a greater load than designed. The miles per gallon will suffer as will the safety of the vehicle.
Choosing Tires Based on Mileage Driven and Driving Habits
Anticipate how much driving you do when choosing tires for your car. Tires have different life expectancies ranging from about 40,000 miles to about 80,000 miles. If low-mileage driving is anticipated, a 40,000 mile tire will work. If considerable driving is anticipated, a high-mileage tire should be considered.
Analyze your driving habits when choosing tires for your car. If you have the tendency to drive fast and take corners hard, or if significant highway driving is anticipated, purchase a high-performance tire. Consider an all terrain tire if off-road driving is anticipated. When you are choosing tires for your car, ask if a road hazard plan is included or available for an extra cost. Will the tire retailer fix or replace damaged tires? If two tires are purchased be sure the new tires are put on the rear, and the existing tires are put on the front. Ask if the retailer will rotate the tires at certain intervals for the life of the tires if four tires are purchased. Most tires today are all weather tires, or commonly known as “mud and snow” tires.
Choosing Tires Based on Cost
The number one concern for most when choosing tires for your car is cost. It is not necessary to purchase the most expensive tires on the market, when choosing tires for your car, but it is essential to get value from your tires. Tires have a certain life expectancy based on use and care. It is helpful and economically beneficial if the vehicle use and driving habits of the driver are taken into consideration when choosing tires for your car.
Unless you have a tire dealer in mind when purchasing tires, shop around and compare prices. Be sure to ask about service time, whether you have to make an appointment or if you can drop in at any time to purchase new tires. If you bring your car to a tire dealer to ask whether new tires are warranted, make sure they explain in detail why 2 or 4 tires are necessary. You do not want to be spending money on tires if you do not have to.