Selecting the Right Tires for You and Your Car

Selecting the Right Tires for You and Your Car

Tires are one of the most important features of your car. They provide your car with traction, stability, a barrier from debris, and a smooth, safe ride. So, when it’s time to buy new tires for your car, it’s important that you get a product that not only fits your wheels, but also fits your driving habits and your budget. There are so many different tires, tire brands and features that it can be a daunting task to buy new tires. For our Fraser aree customers, we want to provide some thoughts on what you need to look for when buying tires for your car.

When Should I Replace My Tires?

Let’s start with this basic question because many people don’t know when it’s time for new tires. The first thing to consider is the depth of the tread. Tread depth directly impacts your ability to stop quickly and helps you avoid sliding on ice or hydroplaning when roads are wet. Tires should always be replaced when there is 2/32nds of an inch of tread remaining. This is the smallest amount of tread remaining on the tire that will provide you with any sort of traction. Research indicates, however, that it’s even better to replace your tires when the tread depth is at 4/32nds of an inch. This ensures that you will always have adequate stopping and slip protection.

Now, most of us will never reach this point, but tires should always be replaced and taken out of service if they reach ten years of age, regardless of tire wear. The materials that are used to make tires, do age and change in stability, so older tires are more prone to being damaged or blowing out while on the road.

What Does Your Vehicle Require?

This is really important, and if you aren’t sure how to determine what kind of tires are best for your vehicle, you should either consult your owner’s manual or your mechanic. Today’s vehicles have load and speed rating requirements for their tires. Making sure that you select tires that match these requirements will ensure that your tires are safe and will not impact the function of your vehicle. Selecting tires outside of these parameters can affect your vehicle’s handling capabilities, and also change the feel of the ride and gas mileage.

What Are Your Driving Habits?

For each size of tire on the market there are a range of tires designed for all sorts of driving needs. A tire sized for your standard sedan may come in everything from all-season treads, a high performance tread, or a winter weather tread. Knowing how you drive is important to selecting the right tire for your car. If you are a moderate driver, and spend most of your days on city streets, an all-season tire might be best. If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle that you like to take off road, we would suggest a more substantial tire for your vehicle.

Weather Conditions

This is a really important safety consideration when you are purchasing tires. All-season tires are just fine for the person who drives on city streets and generally won’t venture out when there is a lot of snow. If you have to get out on the roads when the weather is bad, or you have to drive on country roads, you may benefit from winter weather tires. These will provide you with more traction and allow you to move through deep snow and ice easier. Just remember though, winter weather tires should be changed out in the summer to a less aggressive tread to improve vehicle handling and gas mileage.

Budget

Of course your budget is a consideration when buying tires. There are plenty of low-cost tire brands on the market, and if you are on a budget, your Fraser tire expert can help you find a tire that fits your car and your budget. However, if you can spend the extra money, a higher quality tire is often a better value. Higher quality tires will last longer, and provide a better ride than many of the low cost options.

Looking for the Best Prices for Tires in the Fraser area?

Tires are a critical feature for your vehicle. They keep you, your family and your vehicle safe when on the road. If you are looking for new tires, but aren’t sure what you need, visit Car Guys Auto Center.  Our auto repair experts in Fraser can help you select the right tires for you, your car and your budget. Stop by our Fraser auto repair shop or call us today at (586) 285-4444.