How To Shop For Car Tires

It is a terrible truth that we do not really care for our car tires. The experts at Paul Conte Chevrolet often lament how the carelessness about tires causes more accidents than anything else! Moreover, they also point out how for pre-owned cars, the price goes down just because the tires are messed up and thus it is a sure sign of the engine has gone through more ruin and stress than it should have.

Good tires mean greater safety, better fuel economy, good handling and better ride quality, comfort, and negotiation of road conditions.

Here is how to shop for car tires:

• First complete an inspection in terms of checking of excessive tread wear, cracked sidewalls, discoloration or bulging.
• Secondly, inspect if your alignment or suspension related issues may have created any sort of tire issues. Some sure shot signs are more wear and tear on either the inside or outside of the tire than the even pattern across the width which is generally the case.
• Thirdly, now go to a tire center for a check. An opinion from an independent mechanic would be good too.
• Fourthly, from your owners manual, understand the recommended size and type of tires. You will also find this information on the information placard. You would ideally find this attached to the edge of your door, glove compartment or inside the trunk lid. You could even look up the manufacturers’ website for this piece of information.
• Fifthly, figure out the tire code. This is an important step, and generally, your tire center shall do it for you. But it is still worthwhile to know. On the sidewall of the tire mean are numbers. To understand the right fit for your car, understand that each of the elements in this code refer to the purpose of the tire (passenger or light truck), tire’s width in millimetres, its’ aspect ration – the ratio of height to width, radial construction, diameter of the wheel, load index number, speed rating and whether it is fit for mud or snow. Each tire code also reflects its date and place of manufacture, the maximum inflation pressure to use, maximum load rating, its composition, treadwear, traction and temperature grades. Ideally, the new tire must check positively against all the codes of the one installed by the manufacturer.
• Sixthly, shop as per the weather. You could also get all-weather tires if you do not want to go in for the entire seasonal cycle of changing to winter tires.

The above six tips should definitely help you shop for car tires. Good tires determine a safer drive and a better performing car.