Shopping for Car Tires

Tips for Shopping for Tires There are many factors to consider when choosing new tires for your vehicle, and because they are usually a major expense, you don’t want to get any wrong decisions. If you are purchasing tires at a store with a staff that can assist you, it will be easier, but if you prefer to save costs by getting them from an outlet that doesn’t offer service, you have to know your stuff. Here’s a basic lesson on buying new car tires and what you can expect. 

If you have a blowout or tear a hole in a single tire, of course that will need to be replaced immediately. But if you are considering a whole new set, take a look at the amount of tread left on the tires. State laws usually require replacement when there is 2/32 an inch of tread remaining. Try using the penny test: Place a penny upside-down between the grooves of a tire. If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered by tread, you still have time. Once his hair clears the rubber, get your vehicle to a store that sells car tires. 

If an accident forces you to buy a single tire, make sure to buy the same one as the other three, even if it’s more expensive. If you have two tires that are still in relatively good shape, you can replace just those, and the new ones should be mounted on the rear. Again, these should match what’s already on the car. The best choice is to replace all four at once so that you can get exactly what you want. If you’d like to switch to low-profile or all-weather tires, now is your chance. 

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will indicate the factory specifications for tire size. Or, you can check out what size tires you have already. If you are happy with those and they carry the weight of your car efficiently, there is no real reason to change. However, some people prefer a larger size tire than factory specs. If that is you, be sure to consult with the staff at the tire store to figure out how large you can safely go. Larger tires can affect the way your car’s computer monitors speed. 

Think of the most challenging road conditions you are likely to face and target your purchase to that consideration. If you live in a place that has snow for several months at a time, you’ll likely want a separate set of traction tires. However, if you get infrequent snow but also rain and high temperatures, all-season tires probably would work well. 

Once you figure out what tires you want, shop around to see who offers the best prices. Be prepared to pay for the best quality your budget allows. A new set of tires can be a large expenditure, but when you think of all your tires do for you for thousands of miles, it’s worth the cash outlay.