Tires are one of the most crucial investments for automobile owners since they are a car’s most vital component. Even if you have functional brakes, they may not do much with worn-down tires.
Let’s face it—replacing your car’s tires is the last thing you want to undergo following the often stressful process of buying a car. However, it may be necessary for your safety and driving experience.
This article lists some crucial tire purchasing tips to help you have a better tire shopping experience.
Know Your Tires
Yes, different tires may have the same appearance. They’re spherical, made of rubber, and have treads. However, they are not the same.
Similar to shoes, different businesses produce tires, including Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin, Hercules, Dunlop, Yokohama, and others. Like picking luxury shoes, the proper tire brand relies on various factors about your car and driving style.
Choosing the Size
You might need to select a tire size based on your automobile’s year, make, and model. You can choose smaller, less costly tires or larger, well-filling tires.
Whatever option you choose, be sure the tires can manage your car up to a certain peak speed and support the weight of your vehicle (load rating) plus passengers and gear.
Open your owner’s handbook or look for these numbers on the sidewalls of your tires.
Understanding Tire Codes
Choosing the incorrect tire is arguably the most significant error that people make. However, it is straightforward to determine the size of your tire.
Look for the tire code, which is a mix of characters and numbers, on the sidewall of your tire. These describe the tire’s performance, kind, and size.
The tire width is indicated by the first three digits of the tire size. For instance, the tire size for a 2014 Ford Escape is 235/45 R19, and its width is 235 millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. A tire’s cross-section height to width ratio is known as the aspect ratio.
The aspect ratio is the two-digit figure that follows the slash in tire size. For instance, 235/45 R19 signifies that the tire’s height is equivalent to 45 percent of its width. The sidewall of the tire grows in size as the aspect ratio increases.
When a tire size begins with the letter “R,” it signifies that the layers run radially across the tire.
Wheel diameter is the measurement of the wheel’s width from end to end. The wheel size that the tire is designed to fit is this. A wheel with a 19′′ diameter requires a tire that is 235/45 R19 in size.
Take Note of When You Should Replace Them
Being safe doesn’t need you to be an expert vehicle technician. Spend some time examining your tires—all five of them. Yes, it’s crucial to investigate your backup as well. Do they appear damaged or worn? Do they still pass the penny test?
If you’re not quite sure, you can always get it checked by a professional.
Improving Your Experience
You’ve probably been operating the vehicle for a while. Consider your past driving experiences. Is something lacking in quality? Do you want a more comfortable ride? Additional steering control less clamor? more wear?
When purchasing tires, ask your tire specialist about your alternatives because the tires that come standard with a new car are often one size fits all.
Conclusion
As a car owner, it is always best to know about the basics of a car. This allows you to understand more about the tires and make wise decisions when buying tires for your vehicle. With these tips, you can have a fun and more relaxed experience buying new tires for your car.
Are you looking for tires in Hoover, AL? Hoover Automotive can help you make smart decisions about your automotive needs. Give us a call to learn more!