The Right & Wrong Way To Buy Tires

When it comes to choosing the right tires for your car, you should know that all tires aren't all created equally. Many consumers believe that a tire is just a tire, but this is not the case. Tires are designed in different sizes for various types of vehicles, terrains and temperatures.

For some tips on tires, as well as a few ways to increase your awareness and get rid of some myths, check out the following:

There Are Different Types

This much you have already figured out, but what exactly is the difference between these types? According to Uniroyal tires, types vary depending on their use. Specifically, touring tires are basic and designed for comfort and stability. They perform on wet and dry pavement.

There are also performance tires for you sports car people out there. These tires have softer rubber and are designed for higher speeds, while remaining still suitable for wet and dry pavements. Light tires are intended for trucks, while commercial light truck tires can be utilized in off-road conditions.

But there are off-road tires that are a bit tougher than commercial light truck tires. True off-road tires have stiffer sidewalls and are built to handle rougher, sharper terrain, which means there is little limit to where these tires can go.

And of course, there are winter tires which are perfect if you live in a snowy climate. Chances are you already have these tires if you deal with snow on a regular basis, but there are many consumers unaware that these tires exist, or how much they could be benefiting from them.

New Tires Go Up Front
There are times when replacing all four of your tires isn't necessary. Perhaps you are just replacing two tires, as the tread is still doing fine on two of them. In these instances, the new tires always go in the front. New tires have better traction, and according to Popular Mechanics, this is crucial for the front of your car. The back tires provide balance and stability, but can make do with less tread. If you have less tread on your front tires, you are more likely to slide on wet surfaces and not grip the road as you should. Regardless if your vehicle has rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the new tires still go on the front.

Additionally, when you are only replacing some of your tires, you want to purchase tires that are the same, or as close as you can get to your current tires. Having different styles of tire on your car is not conducive for smooth driving.

You Don't Have To Buy The Most Expensive
New tires can be expensive, which seems daunting to some people. But you should know that tires last for a long time, and if you plan on driving a great deal, then it might be worth it for you to spend a bit of extra money on tires that will last. Some tires can be about $100 each, according to Tire Rack, while others can be closer to $60. The prices continue in both directions, but when it comes to tires, you don't want to just buy the cheapest.

Think of it like gasoline. Your car can travel so many miles per gallon. How many miles can your new tires travel per cent? Tire Rack noted that $100 tires over the course of 30,000 miles will cost you about 1.3 cents per mile. When considering the cost, think of the future also, not just today.

Get The Right Size For Your Vehicle

Vehicles aren't all the same size, so why would tires be? And while your owner's manual should tell you how big of a wheel size you require, it can be helpful to speak to a professional about selecting the right tires for your car. You know how you drive and what sorts of terrain you are on most frequently, so get the tires that work best.

Tires are the only thing between your car and the road, so skimping on them is not conducive or safe. Spending a bit of extra money to make sure you have the right tires will put you at ease, since you know you have the right equipment for the right terrain.