Your tires are one of the most important aspects of road safety. With so many tires on the market and various factors to consider, it’s no wonder so many people have become confused and struggle to find that perfect fit for their vehicle. The good news is that you need only take it one step at a time, and you, too, can enjoy the benefits of the best tires for your car.
Do you need new tires?
Firstly, you should inspect your tires thoroughly and make sure that you need new tires and not a simple rotation. Look for deterioration as well as wear and tear. Cracks, damage, bulging, and discoloration are all good indicators that your tires need to be replaced.
Inspect your car
Your tires don’t only experience wear and tear due to the road and weather conditions. The condition of your vehicle can also play a significant role. For example, suspension and wheel alignment issues can cause uneven wear. If you replace your tires without addressing these issues, it will result in your brand new tires experiencing the same kind of uneven wear and damage. Just like getting a routine check-up at your doctor, your car can also use a routine check. Even if there are no problems, an expert can let you know about parts that will need to be replaced in the near future so that you are not caught off-guard.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions
Every vehicle is different, and different cars require different tires. This information is usually located in the owner’s manual and/or on the inside of the driver’s door. Not only will you find out the best size for your car, but it will also indicate the appropriate tire pressure for proper wear and safety. If you’re unsure, a tire change expert will be able to assist you in choosing the right tires.
Consider new rims
Since you are already replacing your tires, it’s worth considering changing your rims, too. Just as with the tires, you need to make sure that the wheels you choose are suitable for your vehicle. Again, you can refer to the owner’s manual or ask a tire and rim expert. You will also need to make sure that you buy tires that will fit these new rims perfectly. Remember, the bigger the wheel, the lower the aspect ratio which means that the size of the sidewall will decrease. Low profile tires might look great, but they do not get you as much mileage, so keep this in mind when selecting rims and tires.
Buy a full set
It might be tempting to just replace a couple of tires at a time, but this can result in handling issues. Not to mention the fact that you will have to replace the other two sometime anyway. By replacing all four tires at once, you are limiting the inconvenience and can have your car properly inspected at the same time. Wheel alignment, balancing, and everything else can be taken care of without you having to return for another couple of tires.
Don’t forget the spare
The roads always pose a risk to tires – both old and new. Which is why it’s so important to have a reliable spare. You should check your spare regularly and don’t forget to have it replaced when it starts looking worse for wear. Even if you don’t use it, the rubber gets old and brittle over time, which makes an old spare tire unreliable.
Take it easy at first
Now that you have a set of beautiful, brand new tires, you might be tempted to drive at higher speeds, brake more abruptly, and so on. When tires are made, there is a release agent used. It can leave a residue on the tire tread and this can make them feel a bit slick. It’s best to wear your tires in gently and allow any residue to wear off before attempting higher speeds. The average break-in time for a new set of tires is 500 miles. Make sure that you always keep a safe braking distance when traveling, even more so when your tires are new.
Proper maintenance
Don’t forget to take care of your new tires. Inspect them regularly for damage and wear. Look for any uneven wear and check the tire pressure, too.
With these tips in mind, always remember to put quality first. Call our team at (647) 745-0930 for expert tire and rim assistance that will help keep you safe on the road!