When buying new tires, there are many choices to make. Finding the best new car tires can improve performance, reliability, and safety. But new tires cost at least a few hundred dollars. Knowing how to buy tires can help make the most of your investment, but you need to know what to look for.
Types of Tires for Your Car
Three general types of tires are on the market. All-season tires are most preferred; they handle all weather conditions and offer year-round peak performance. They grip the road in wet weather and, to some extent, even in snow. You’ll get traction, and more so with high-performance all-season tires. Featuring a lower profile, grand touring all-season tires provide superior snow traction with a lower profile.
Winter tires allow precise stops and turns on snowy or icy roads. However, they don’t handle well in warmer weather. Summer tires are suited for use during the warmer months. They perform well in dry and wet weather. Steering response is sharper while less distance is needed to stop your car. However, summer tires lose their grip at temperatures below 40°F.
Vehicle Model
Ultra-high-performance tires are more suited for luxury vehicles. If you own a standard sedan, regular all-season tires should do. In any case, finding the best tires for your car is important because the wrong ones can waste a lot of money and lead to poor handling. The requirements of each vehicle differ. Your best bet is to match new tires with the ones installed in the factory.
Size
It’s also wise to pick the same size tires your car came with. First, you need to know the vehicle’s tire size, which is listed on the sidewall. A short series of numbers and letter describes the maximum width of the tire, in millimeters. This also indicates the aspect ratio, or how tall the sidewall is compared to the tire width (as a percentage). Higher numbers indicate taller sidewalls. The diameter of the wheel in inches reveals what the tire needs to be mounted to.
Speed Rating
Letter designations, ranging from L to Y, reveal how fast a tire can safely go for long periods of time. Original tires are typically matched to the maximum speed your vehicle can reach. The speed rating also includes a built-in safety margin.
Tread Wear Rating
The tread-wear rating helps estimate how many miles your tires might last. It is also listed on the sidewall. Higher numbers correspond to longer-lasting tires. However, there is much variability since the testing to determine treadwear isn’t that precise. The manufacturer’s tread-life warranty might provide a more accurate picture of expected longevity.
Other factors to look for include run-flat performance, meaning you can drive a short distance even with a punctured tire with no air. Where to buy is another consideration; shopping around at warehouse clubs, local shops, or your dealership can help save, while various online retailers sell automotive tires as well. And always watch out for extra fees (installation and/or disposal fees and taxes), damage during installation, and whether an alignment is needed after installation.
Find Your Next Ride at CarWorld
We hope you find these tire buying tips helpful. At CarWorld, we will help you find a used car that fits all your wants and needs. From personalized assistance to aggressive financing, we can make sure you drive away the same day. Learn more about what our buy here, pay here dealership in Hawthorne can offer by calling 833-219-9951 or visiting us today.