How To Buy Tires [A Step-By-Step Structural Guide]
To run safely and smoothly, your car needs good quality tires – but are tires placed in the most expensive category the best solution?
Remember, there are several factors that determine the superiority of a particular tire or brand over others, even though they aren’t necessarily tagged at an exorbitant price.
If it’s time to change your tires, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose the best tires for your car.
Tires Purchase: A Step-By-Step Approach
Set Your Preferences
An ideal way of making up your mind for tire purchase is prioritizing your selection. For instance, you may set certain tire features in your desired order, such as: traction, tread wear, noise, handling and warranty.
New Tires: Does Your Vehicle Really Need Them?
Old, worn-out tires are a clear signal that it’s time to upgrade to new – or used – ones. Whenever you feel difficulty in vehicle maneuvering, exercising accurate control or responsive braking performance, you know it’s time to buy new tires.
For an initial analysis, visual inspection of the tires is essential on a routine basis – check the air pressure, punctures and uneven or worn-out tread.
Know The “Expiration Date” Of Your Tires
Every tire is affixed with its manufacturing date on the sidewall that gives you an idea of its age. As per experts, you should carefully check the condition of your tires after five years’ and replace them after 10 years.
Selecting The Right Tire Type
Your tire selection should depend on your driving style, vehicle’s minimum requirements, weather conditions, the road surface conditions and the frequency of vehicle use.
For instance, if you live in an area with mild weather year round, then opting for all-season tires like the Kumho Solus TA71 or Hankook Kinergy PT is a good idea.
Similarly, if you experience extreme winter conditions like ice, hail and snow, then you should opt for winter tires like: Goodyear Ultra Grip® Ice WRT or Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2.
Selecting The Right Tire Size
For the correct size, do take a note of the User’s Manual or a card affixed at the driver’s door jamb. Getting the right-sized tires will ensure the following:
- They do not rub against your suspension
- The load is evenly distributed on the transmission
- The speedometer displays accurate readings
Additionally, purchasing tires similar to the factory-installed ones are still the safest choice to opt for.
Mode Of Buying
When looking to buy new tires, you have three options:
- Online Purchase
Online buying is highly encouraged these days and with good reason!
You save yourself the hassle of shopping from a physical outlet while utilizing promotions and offers. Moreover, you can specify the desired size and type according to your car make/model, and get them delivered right to your doorstep.
- Local Tire Outlets
Local tire shops, either retailers or manufacturers, are able to offer highly personalized service. Their stocks may be limited, but the exemplary customer service experience is truly worthwhile.
- Vehicle Dealerships
For better convenience at the consumer end, various car dealerships now offer tires sale as well. This saves a lot of your precious time while you look for identical or similar set of tires for your vehicle.
For shifting to an entirely new brand, the dealership may not be an ideal place for you to visit.
Tire Installation
After you have gone through the tough part of selecting and buying tires, installation should not be a problem.
Remember, this process can take anywhere between an hour and a full day to be accomplished. Get installation services from a professional to prevent any sort of damage from occurring to your wheels.
Maintenance Of Your Tires
New tires require your attention and care; even if they are freshly bought and installed, they require routine inspection for air pressure, sidewall damage, uneven tread wear or minor punctures. This practice is sure to go a long way in keeping your new tires in proper shape for years to come.