Few of us give much thought to our car’s tires, until we notice worn-down tread or get stuck somewhere with a flat. Additionally, when it’s time to purchase tires, the majority of us conduct very little research before plunking down hundreds of dollars on a new set. Learning a few things about tires can make the buying process less intimidating and even save you money.
Make Sure You Need New Tires
If you notice excessive tread wear, discoloration, bulging or cracking on the sidewalls, it’s probably time for a new set of tires. Because of how rubber deteriorates—especially in hot climates—you’ll want to replace any tires that are six or more years old, regardless of how they look. If the tires show an uneven wear pattern across their width, or if one tire is more worn-out than the rest, there may be a problem with the car’s suspension or alignment. If you put a new set of tires on a car with an unaddressed alignment or suspension problem, the new set will just wear out quickly. It’s best to have a trusted mechanic check for these issues before hitting the tire shop, where technicians may try to upsell you these repairs whether your car actually needs them or not.
Buy the Right Size
Tires are definitely not a one-size-fits-all product, and you can’t always trust that the numbers printed on your current tires are the right ones for your car. Every car has an information placard permanently attached to the door edge, door post, glove compartment or trunk lid. Check an information placard or the owner’s manual to find out what size and type of tires will work best on your vehicle. When customizing a car, don’t deviate far from the manufacturer’s recommendations without seeking the advice of a qualified mechanic.
Buy a Matching Set
It’s tempting to replace tires just one at a time, but modern suspension systems work best with a full set of matching tires. The car will run more smoothly if all four tires are the same age and type. If you simply cannot afford four all-new tires, at least buy them in pairs, such as two new tires in the front or in the back.
Consider Shopping Online
Believe it or not, great deals on new tires can be found online. Some online tire stores partner with local independent shops to offer a pre-negotiated rate on installation and balancing. If not, you will need to add that cost to the online price to see if it really beats local retailers, who usually factor that cost into the overall purchase price. If you are a member of a warehouse club, it’s worth comparing their prices as well.