Here’s what you need to know before you buy new tires
When it comes to being an adult, tires are one of those things that you just need to be able to know how to do. It’s unpleasant because they’re expensive and you have to pay someone to put them on, and you have to take off of work to get it done, but it’s necessary for the longevity of your vehicle and your safety on the roads. However, it’s imperative that you educate yourself before trying to buy tires. There are a lot of low-quality tires out there and a lot of bad tire dealers looking to make a buck off of you. With that in mind, we’ve taken the time to put together a few tips for buying tires that all people should know!
Size
This goes without saying, but you have to know the size of your tires before you try to buy them. Regardless of if you buy tires online or in-store, the first question you’re going to have to answer is about the size of your tires. Luckily, finding your tire size is easy, and you don’t really even have to understand what it means. It’s usually imprinted somewhere on the side of the tire. And it’s expressed in the following format:
225/50R16
As I said, you don’t need to understand where this designation comes from; you just need tires with this on them.
Season
The next thing that you should think about is the season in which you’re buying tires. For some, this may not be much of a choice, if you majority live in a hot or cold climate, you should opt for summer or winter tires that most closely fit your needs. In transitional climates, we get a little bit of everything, meaning it’s probably more economical to buy all-season tires. Technically, you should have two sets of tires, and have them changed when the season changes. But, this is more than an average car owner can be tasked with.
Basic Tire Facts
To buy your first set of tires, there are just a few things that you need to know, but they’re vital. We’ve already covered one of them, but here are the most important facts that you need to know when you got to buy your first tires:
- Tire Sizes
- Tires should be rotated regularly
- Tire pressure should be checked regularly
- The manufacturer’s specifications for tire pressure can be found on a sticker on the driver-side door frame – not on the tire.
Tire Dealers
Consider tire dealers when going to buy new tires. It may be your first inclination to go with the flashy commercial for low low prices. However, take your time and call around for a few quotes. Ask about pricing, after-sale service, warranties, and more. You may find that you’re more comfortable with the person who didn’t offer the lowest price or the cheapest tire!
