Choose a Tire
Knowing how to choose a tire is important to obtaining the qualities you will need and still stay within your budget. Choosing the right tires is important not only from an economical standpoint but also for safety reasons. The environment you live in may also play a part this decision.
Contents
Steps
- Determine what type of tires your vehicle requires. by checking your driver's manual or by checking the door jamb of the driver's door.
- Decide a price point you want to keep to when buying new tires. This will depend on the type of vehicle you have, the conditions in which you will be driving, and the overall quality of the tire you can afford.
- Understand tire size formatting. For example, a P185/75R14 82S tires The P stands for "passenger." Most people use this type of tire. 185 is the width of the tire, in millimeters. The number, or in this case, "75," the 75 is the aspect ratio of the tire, which is the ratio of height to width. The R means Radial, which almost all tires are, and the 14 following it is the inner dimensions of the tire, measured in inches. 82 is the load rating and S is the speed rating, which is the amount of speed the tires are designed to operate at for a sustained period of time. For instance, S speed rated tires can operate at {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}.
- Utilize reviews of tires, from tire performance enthusiasts online, in order to ensure that you are able to get the best tire for your specific vehicle, for the amount of money you are willing to page. Good resources include:
- Consumer Reports
- TireRack (check the tests and surveys)
- Safer Car.gov
Tips
- Remember that while a salesman may typically try to sell you more than you need, if you are armed with this knowledge, you can combine it with their expertise and ensure that you are buying exactly what you want and need.
- Check your tires' air pressure frequently and maintain the recommended pressure. Doing so will extend the life of your tires, maximize performance, improve gas mileage, and ensure proper safety.
- Realize when it is time to acquire new tires. You can test if your tires are too old by holding the face of a penny upside down and placing it in between the tread of your tires. If the top of Lincoln's head is not covered, your tires are significantly worn and need to be replaced. Many tires also have colored lines which will appear when the tires become too worn. Likewise, replace those types of tires when the colors become present. Failure to replace tires at the proper time invites the opportunity for a blowout to occur, which is very dangerous and can result in accidents.
Warnings
- Choosing the wrong tire for your vehicle can often be dangerous. If you live in an area with certain seasonal, natural, or other conditions please let that impact your choice upon your selection of a reputable tire.
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