When it comes to parts that are important on your vehicle, it’s hard to find something that is more important than your tires. Good tires make a massive difference, not just in bad weather, but even good weather too. They can prevent accidents from occurring, help with fuel efficiency, make for a smoother ride, and give you more traction.
Unfortunately, for many people buying good quality tires is a bit of an intimidating experience. There seems to be so many brands out there, all with their own list of features. Add to the fact there are tires meant for summer driving, winter driving, and an all-season option. One can feel a little overloaded with the options. While there is no one-size fits all solution to the good quality tires question, there are some common factors to consider.
Here are some tips to consider when purchasing your new tires:
Size and type: Determine the size of your tires, which can be found in your owner’s manual. This is very important to determine before you even start the shopping experience. You will need to know what type of tire you need (P), the radial construction (R), the aspect ratio, the diameter of the rim, the width of the tire, the tire's load rating, and the tire's speed rating.
Driving conditions: Determine what kind of road conditions you're driving in, so that you can choose the best tires. Are you looking for winter tires, summer tires, or a combination all-season tire?
Budget: Determine your budget. Tires can get pretty expensive, but the most expensive aren’t always the best option for you.
Compare deals: You may be surprised to find that there are often deals on buying full sets of tires. You may get one tire for free, you may get a percentage discount, or other offers. Shopping around can definitely save you money. There’s also no harm in asking a tire specialty shop, retailer, or auto shop if they have any upcoming sales. Sometimes they may even have models they are clearing out.
Tire lifespan: Be clear on the lifespan of the tire that you purchase. The one that seems like an incredible deal could be because the tire isn’t meant to last long. The more information you have, the better you’ll do.
