If you’ve never bought a new tire before, it can be a daunting experience. It’s not your fault, though, because there are so many specifications and tire types to consider that it’s easy for anyone to become overwhelmed. You must still make that decision because getting a new set of tires is critical for your safety on the road. To make things a little easier, we’ll go over some key points to remember when shopping for new tires.

When Should You Replace Your Tires?

To begin, you must understand when to change your vehicle’s tires. We frequently believe that replacing tires is only necessary when they begin to wear out, but this is not the only factor that contributes to the need for replacement. Here are some things to look for to determine if your tires need to be replaced:

• Treads are disappearing.

Treads are what give your car traction and are essential for keeping the car under your control. There are various types of tread tracks, but they must all have a specific depth measurement. With time and use, these treads begin to wear down, and the depth between the tracks begins to decrease, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation. If your tread is worn down enough, you don’t want to wait too long to get your tires changed.

A quarter or a penny is the most commonly used method of determining whether you are in the safe zone. Tire experts recommend putting a penny or a quarter between the tread tracks. Check to see if Abe’s head is fully visible from the side if you’re using a penny. If this is the case, it is time to go tire shopping. Similarly, look at Washington’s head when using a quarter; if you can see all of it, your tires are too worn to use.

• Sidewalls are already cracked.

Cracked sidewalls on your tire are the most obvious signs that you need to replace it. If it’s cracking, it’ll blow up any day, so don’t risk it. Furthermore, these cracks may cause your tire to leak, requiring you to check for air more frequently.

• Deformations are visible.

A bad tire or a tire that has been subjected to heavy use will frequently exhibit deformations in the form of bulges on the outer surface, most commonly on the sidewalls. This indicates that the tire has deteriorated and should be replaced as soon as possible.

• Tires are wobbling.

If you notice your car wobbling while driving, it’s time to inspect your tires for deformities and leaks. You’ll need to have your tires checked, and the mechanic will tell you what the problem is. If you don’t find any physical problems with the tire or if you’ve recently changed it, make sure it’s properly installed.

• Consider the tire’s age.

Tires have a set life span, and whether or not you use them to their full potential, you must not use them after their recommended life. The compounds used to make a tire change over time, regardless of wear and tear or usage. And after a certain period of time, they are no longer safe to drive.

The date of manufacture is printed on the sidewalls, and tire industry experts recommend that you replace your tires every six years.

Selecting The Correct Tires

Before you start thinking about which tires to buy, you should assess your needs. You should keep details like your mileage, the type of roads you’re driving on, the weather, and other general questions about your driving routine in mind. This will assist you in determining the best fit for your vehicle.

• Seasons

Weather and seasons have a significant impact on the performance of your tires. In terms of season, tires are divided into three categories which are summer tires, winter tires, and all-season tires.

• Summer Tires

Summer tires are designed to perform best on hotter days. Their rubbers are extremely resistant to weather-related expansion and, as a result, provide excellent response and traction. They are also designed to handle wet roads just as well as dry roads. They do, however, have one drawback: they become a hazard when the temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The name summer tire implies that they are not intended for use in winter or cold climates, but temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit may be common in your area even in the summer. The dangerous level at which these tires lose control makes driving impossible.

• Winter Tires

These tires, as the name implies, have unrivaled performance in cold and icy conditions. These tires are designed to handle the slick conditions found in cold climates, particularly when there is ice. However, unlike summer tires, these tires are not suitable for driving in hot weather. When the weather warms up, these tires will begin to wear quickly and, as a result, their performance will suffer.

• All-Season Tires

If you live in a state where you can enjoy all four seasons, these are your best bet. These tires are made in such a way that they can withstand a wide range of weather conditions. They are, however, further classified, but the general idea behind these tires is to provide a safe drive regardless of the weather. They do not match the performance of tires designed specifically for a specific season, but they also do not pose any danger.

Specifications of Tires

There are some tire specifications that you should be aware of in order to get the best fit for your vehicle. If you are replacing the tires on a car that has been in your possession since it was manufactured, you may do so with an identical tire set. We recommend this because those specifications are designed to maximize vehicle performance. However, depending on whether or not you drive, you may want to consider other tires.

• Size

To get a different size than your current tire, you may need to upgrade your wheel as well as your vehicle. When replacing a tire, most people get the same size as their current tires. This is the safest option and will save you a lot of trouble.

• Speed Rating

A speed rating indicates how fast you can go without endangering your safety. After a certain speed, the tire may begin to lose traction and become uncontrollable. If you are aware of your speed limits, you must request a tire that is designed to accommodate them.

• No Flat Tires

While having a spare tire on hand is always a good idea, No-Flat or Run-Flat tires can help you with a short commute even after they have been punctured. You won’t have a completely flat tire, and you’ll be able to reach a safer or more comfortable location to change the wheel without having to change the tire. This is also a safe option because a flat tire at high speed can be dangerous.

• Safety Code

Finally, make certain that the tires you are about to purchase meet all US Department of Transportation requirements and are certified for safety.

Conclusion:

Tires play an important role in your driving safety, and in order to stay safe, you must ensure regular maintenance and replacement check-ups on your tires.

Book an appointment with us now here at HEART Auto Care so we can check on your tires!