Tire Buying Guide

Tire shopping may not seem that exciting, but once you’re driving on new tires, you’ll notice a difference. Here are some tips for how to prepare and what to expect while shopping for new tires.

First, find the make and model of your vehicle. Your version/option might also be required, which is sometimes called your package level. In the example, Honda Accord EX V6, EX V6 is the version/option. Please check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for your version.
You can also use your tire size. Your tire size should be on your tire’s sidewall. It could also be listed on the placard inside your driver’s side door, or in your owner’s manual.
Factors like whether you drive around town, take frequent long trips, or drive on- or off-road should influence your decision, as tires are designed to serve a variety of functions, like street performance, long, comfortable rides, enduring threadweare, and enhanced grip.
Ask what’s included in the tire price, such as balancing, valve stem replacement, installation, Tire Pressure Monitor System service, and wheel alignment, which could be necessary if the previous tires wore unevenly.
Selecting optional Road Hazard Coverage will protect your tires from scrap metal or other items that could puncture them.
If you still end up with more than one choice our sales professionals can discuss the features and benefits of each tire with you, so you can make a confident decision.

Why Buy Winter Tires?

Also known as snow tires, winter tires help provide enhanced traction in some of the most severe winter weather conditions including ice, slush, and snow when the temperature drops below 45° F/7.2° C. Other reasons edit my english paper essaywritingservicehelp co uk help me edit my paper proofread my paper onlineto consider winter tires include:

Design – Most winter tires feature specialized tread compounds and advanced tread designs that help provide superior traction.

Performance – Your vehicle’s starting, stopping, and turning abilities ultimately come down to the amount of traction your tires can offer on snow-covered, or icy road surfaces.

Security – Even if you have traction control or four-wheel drive on your vehicle, these features can offer a false sense of security in winter conditions.

Winter Tires Fact – Four winter tires should always be installed for equal traction. Installing only two winter tires can upset the balance of traction and handling of your vehicle.

The Sign of Confidence – The Mountain Snowflake Symbol located on the sidewall of a tire indicates that the tire meets specific winter traction performance requirements, and is well-suited for severe winter driving conditions

How to Find Your Tire Size

Are premium tires worth the price? That depends on your expectations and lifestyle. Tires are designed to adapt and excel to a variety of conditions, but because there are so many variables, how much you invest is proportional to the tire’s performance.

No matter what kind of car you drive, it’s your tires that ultimately connect with the road and influence how well your vehicle starts, stops, and turns. Based on these realities, you can decide whether you should consider premium tires.

Metric or tire type – defines the proper use of the tire. For example, a “P” designation means that it is a passenger car tire. An “LT” designation is for a light truck.

Tire Width – is the width of the tire measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. This tire width is 8.46 in./215 mm.

Rim Diameter – is the width of the wheel from one end to the other. The diameter of this wheel is 16 in./406 mm. Always replace a tire on a rim with another tire of exactly the same rim diameter designation and suffix letters.

Speed Rating – specifies the maximum speed that a tire can handle. Speed ratings aren’t, however, a recommendation to exceed speed limits, and don’t indicate how well a tire handles or corners.

Aspect Ratio – is the ratio of the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width. In our example, 60 means that the height is equal to 60% of the tire’s width.

Construction – tells you how the layers of the tire were put together. The “R” stands for Radial, which means the layers run radially across the tire. A “B” stands for bias construction which means that the layers run diagonally.

Load Index – is an assigned number that corresponds with the load-carrying capacity of a tire. Most passenger car tire load indexes range from 75 to 100, but a few carry more. You’ll also find the maximum load elsewhere on the tire sidewall, both in pounds and kilograms

When Should You Think About New Tires?

For the most enjoyable driving experience it’s important to replace worn tires. Optimum traction helps provide responsive handling for a smooth, reliable ride. To determine when you should start shopping, follow these simple steps.

First, test the tread. Pinch a penny between your thumb and forefinger, so that the top of the Lincoln’s/Queen’s head is showing.
Place the top of the Lincoln’s/Queen’s head into one of the tire tread grooves – try to measure at the deepest point within the tread.
If any part of the Lincoln’s/Queen’s head is obscured by the tread, your tires have enough tread. However, if you can see above Lincoln’s/the Queen’s head, you’re ready for a new tire.
You should always check your tires in several tread locations. Be sure to check the inner, outer, and middle grooves of each tire, as tires can wear differently on each side, due to improper wheel alignment and/or low inflation.

What’s the Difference Between and All-Season Tire and Winter Tires?

The key to good traction is friction, but this can be elusive depending on the weather. Winter tires are designed to stay soft and pliable at low temperatures, so they will deform and reconform to all the micro-irregularities of icy surfaces, resulting in grip.

All-season tires are designed to help provide traction in wet and snowy conditions. Their reinforced sidewalls keep the tire shoulders on the road, while microgrooves help provide biting edges that lock together, enabling better grip when turning on wet roads.