Whether purchasing shoe for you, or “shoes” for your car, there are various types, styles and brands. Some research prior to buying tires will be rewarded with newfound confidence, and, in money saved.
Buy tires before they are worn out. Worn tires lose traction and will affect braking response time. Turn the steering wheel all the way left or right, then look at the face of the tread, using a penny to determine tread life. Place the penny in the groove between treads. If Lincoln’s head is completely revealed, it’s time for new tires.
Uneven wear (visible when assessing the entire tread face) could be caused by alignment issues. Include an alignment if this condition exists.
Most tires have a reasonable life (if kept outdoors) of five years, or until sidewall cracking is noticeable, possibly causing air to seep out. So based on a yearly driving average of less than 12,000 miles, select a tire with a 60,000-mile tread wear-out warranty. If driving more or less frequently, adjust accordingly. Rotate tires as recommended.
If selling or trading a vehicle in within a year or so, a less expensive option will suffice.
All tires sold in the U.S. must adhere to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and should meet the minimum performance standards of the vehicle. If taking the 35mph freeway onramp is just a suggestion to you, then a higher performance rated tire is a must. In order from lowest to highest, the ratings are “S,” “T,” “H,” “V,” and “W,Y or Z.” Always go with the manufacturer’s recommended performance rating, posted on the door pillar.
Most tire companies have interactive websites. Read reviews and cost-compare. A new set of tires on some vehicles might run $1,000 or more. The tire size is on the sidewall (e.g. P215/65R15 91H) and will help when pricing. Inexpensive options may cost more in the long run than purchasing a name-brand tire.
It may cost a bit more to purchase tires from the local repair shop, but if they already service and repair your vehicle, give them a chance. This one-stop shopping means all vehicle services can be performed in one place.
Warehouse stores can offer a lower price, but by the time they’re done, you have spent $300 or more on other things, like another pair of shoes.
