Tires are one of the most vital parts of your automobile. With all of the tire choices on the market, it can be difficult determining which tire is best suited to your needs. Here are some valuable hacks to point you in the right direction.
Inspect Your Tires
When you see any indication of wear and tear on your tires, it’s time to replace them. It’s also wise to check the date codes on the tires. Tires that are over ten years old should be replaced.
Ensure Your Car Is Well-Maintained
To keep your tires healthy, be on the lookout for uneven wear, which can indicate a problem with your car’s alignment or suspension.
Read the Owner’s Manual
To find out the proper size of tires for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual and information placard. The manufacturer has recommended which tires will work best with your car.
Understand Tire Code
The numbers on the sidewall of a tire are part of a standardized code that identifies tires and enables you to find out what they’re made of and how much air pressure they can hold.
Check the Wheels
The wheels and tires form the same assembly, so if your rims are worn or damaged, replace them when you replace your tires.
Purchase a Full Set
Even though it may be tempting to choose a less expensive set, it’s best to buy a full set of tires when your tires wear out. This is because modern suspensions are designed to work best with a matching set of tires.
Consider Your Spare Tire
If you are using the same make, model, and size tires on your car, ask the person changing your tires to save one of the used tires for you to use as a spare.
Buy Tires Online
Consider ordering your tires over the Internet or by catalog. You’ll likely save some money, as you won’t need to pay the local tire shop a service charge to mount and balance your tires.
Account for Break-In Time
New tires have a built-in release agent, which can degrade grip in wet conditions. Allow new tires 500 miles of break-in before cornering hard or braking hard while driving in wet conditions.
Proper Maintenance
Rotating your tires regularly will ensure that they wear evenly. Be sure to maintain proper air pressure and rotate your tires every time you change your oil.