Attention Southern Maryland: 10 Things You Need To Know When Buying Tires

Fitting a new set of tires is perhaps not high on many vehicle owners list of fun things to do, but at some point, be it due to damage or just because your tires’ lifespan is up, it will need to be done and most importantly, it needs to be done right.
That said, here follow 10 things you should know when next buying tires.

1. When replacing your vehicle’s tires, it is important you choose the right size and type. Refer to your owner manual for specifications of the tire size and type recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle model.
2. Choose the correct tire for your road and / or weather conditions. Many vehicles are sold with all-season tires; they are designed to handle all weather conditions but are not optimized for extremes. If you live in a snowy region, you need snow tires which offer high traction for safely driving in such conditions. While summer tires offer better grip in wet or dry conditions but no traction in the snow.
3. If you can afford to, it is best to replace all four of your vehicle’s tires at once. If this is pushing your budget, then go for a pair of new tires and have them fitted on the rear of your vehicle; this will help maintain your vehicle’s stability and predictability should you suddenly brake or swerve.
4. Buy tires that suit your driving style and / or needs. Tires that give a quieter, more comfortable ride may not handle corners as well while high performance tires tend to wear out faster. Don’t be afraid to consult your trusted tire dealer about the potential trade-offs of the tires you are considering.
5. Make sure the new tire’s load rating is at least as high as that of the tire you are replacing. Don’t purchase a passenger car tire if the loads your vehicle is carrying demand a light truck tire.
6. Check your vehicle’s wheels and / or rims when replacing your tires. If they are worn or damaged, it may be wise to consider replacing them at the same time.
7. While it may be tempting to save money by buying used tires, it is ill advised. Even if the tread of the used tires still looks good, they may have defects that are not apparent until it is too late, and your life depends on them.
8. Remember to have your newly fitted tires balanced and while you’re at it, have your trusted tire dealer check your vehicle’s alignment too.
9. While you’re about the business of buying new tires, it’s a good idea to have your spare tire checked too and replaced if need be. Or have your tire dealer save the best of your old tires for a spare.
10. Be gentle when breaking in your new tires. It will take approximately 500 miles to break in your new tires, during which time it is wise to anticipate longer than usual braking distances and take it easy when cornering, just to be safe.