It is probable that you spent months, in one way or the other, shopping for a new car (whether it was just new to you, or actually brand new doesn’t matter). Yet how much time is invested into tire shopping? When you consider it, putting any old rubber on the rod is crazy. Your life is literally riding on the tires, so you’ll need to purchase correctly. Here are some factors to keep in mind when buying a tire:
1) Which size tire do you need?
To figure it out, you do not have to be a mechanic, yet you are required to look where mechanics look. You will locate the information in 1 of 5 places:
* The owner’s manual
* Your tire sticker (it is actually called placard) on the door jamb of the driver’s side
* On the glovebox door
* Inside the fuel hatch (where your gas cap is)
* On your current tire’s sidewall
The stuff on a tire sidewall could be gibberish if you do not understand how it is read, yet the owner’s manual should have a list of the specs you could bring with you to the store.
2) What type of tire do you want to buy?
Are you searching for tires which are all-weather? Or winter tires? Or tires which are great on roads that are wet? This is a call of judgment on your part. If you reside in a region which is seasonal, and one of those involves the probability of snow or ice on the road, then all-season tires are usually your safe bet. But if you reside in Alaska, you may be required to have winter tires a majority of the year.
3) Go to the tire store.
Do not be fearful of the salesperson. These people wish for customers who are happy, so they are going to aid you in putting the correct tires onto the vehicle. They will ask you questions. Just be sure to honestly answer them and you will leave with the right tires. For instance, are you more worried about dry road handling than wet road traction? Do you wish for run-flat tires, that allow you to drive on them if they lose pressure? Do you wish for a ride that is smoother, or do you enjoy the feel of the road?
4) If you are purchasing tires, you do not need to understand the details of each tire brand.
Speak with the mechanic and discover what brands he advises and why. Ask him if he sells them. If he doesn’t, ask him where he would purchase them. Go shopping there, answer any of the salesperson’s questions, and you will be good.
- What Size Tires Can I Put On My Truck?
- What are the Best Tires for My Car?
- What Size Tires Does My Car Need?
- How to Dispose of Tires?
- What Are Snow Tires?
