What are the main things you should know when choosing a car tire? Very few people think beyond the size when they are buying their car tires. Most people often seem to overlook tires as a part of a car. What most people never realize is the function of the tires is as important as that of the engine. With worn out tires, one cannot control the car easily, which is very dangerous. Car tires therefore deserve to be bought keenly if you are looking forward to a great road experience.
A worn tire could earn you a traffic fine or an accident
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire
Here are some tips to help you through the process
Look for reviews
Just as it is with everything else today, you should never buy car tires without reading a few reviews. If your previous tires didn’t impress you that much, then you need to try a new brand name. People who have had experience with different kind of tires will give you all the information that you need to know. This can be from people with cars, magazines and websites. If you find too many negative reviews about a tire model or brand, do not buy. Reviews will also tell you the price, the lifespan and many more things.
Do you prefer your previous tires?
Did you like your last set of tires? Did they serve you nicely? Then you need to get the exact model. If that model is not available, you can consider the suggestions from the tire store, if you like, or go on to look for your favorites in another store. Sometimes, you will find that you have been missing a lot by not trying a few new brand names.
Buying a good set of tires will save you money as it will take some time before you replace
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodyear_Tire_and_Rubber_Company
Ensure you get the right size of tires
It is very important that you get the right tire size. How can you know the size? It is simple. Just know how to read the tire size markings. For example, any car tire size readings that start with the letter P means that the tires were made for use in the passenger vehicles and cars are passenger vehicles. If the tire number starts with T, then it means it is a temporary-use tire, a spare tire to be used only until the permanent tire can be fixed. The numbers following the letters are the width sizes from sidewall to sidewall, and they are usually interpreted in millimeters. This will be followed by another number, which is the aspect ratio of the height against the width of the tire. Then there will be the letter R denoting the radial (layer that radially runs across the tire) followed by a number like 14, 15 and so on. This number means the diameter of the wheel where you will fit the tire. This will be followed by another number that denotes the recommended speed for the tire and then the letter H, which means that the tire is rated for maximum speed of 210km/h or more or less depending on the country of origin. Now, you can interpret rightly what a tire number like P215/65R14 95H.
Check out the age of the tires
Do tires have an expiry date? Who knows? But then, there is no reason why you should buy tires that have stayed too long on the shelf as then you would not know why people have not been buying them. Tires are hot commodities and therefore they should fly off the shelves. If you buy tires that have been on the shelf for far too long, then you could be changing them a short time after buying them.
A good car deserves a good set of tires
Image source: en.wikipedia.org
Be cautious about warranties
Before you buy a tire based on the warranty offered, you must understand that once the tire is damaged prematurely, you might not get a free tire for replacement after all. The company might need proof that you took real good care of the tire and often after careful inspection you are highly likely not to get the free tire. But all the same, buy a tire that is covered by a warranty.
