Replacing Tires: What You Should Know
New tires aren't at the top of anybody's shopping list
, but it's something that everybody needs to do at some point with their vehicle. Local tire retailers have dozens of different new tires made by dozens of different brands. How do you know what to look for? What size is the correct one? Does it matter if they're different? Fall is right around the corner, do I need to start thinking of snow tires?
All good questions, here is a quick guide to get you ready to head to the nearest tire retailer for new tires...
The first thing to do when you're contemplating new tires is check the tires to see if they actually need to be replaced. Outside of a puncture or flat, there are two easy and quick ways to determine if you need new tires.
Try the quarter test. To see if the tread is worn out on any of the car's tires you take a quarter and put it into the shallowest groove on the tread with Washington's head down. If the top of the former President's wig is visible then the tire should be replaced.
A different way to test out the tires is to look for wear bars. These are narrow bands that appear in the grooves of the tire (between the tire tread). They are raised patches of rubber and if they are flush with the tread then the tire isn't worn out just yet, if they are raised higher than the tread then the tire needs replacing.
After you've inspected your car's tire wear you'll know just how many new tires your vehicle needs. This information is important because it changes what you'll be looking for at a retail tire store. If you only need one tire then you are going to want to get the same exact tire to replace it. Getting the same brand, same load capacity, speed rating to match the other three is important. If one tire is different than the other three on the vehicle it can cause the vehicle's handling and control to suffer.
When replacing two tires on your car, you have two different options - you can either match the tires to the ones you have or you can just get two matching tires that are at least equal in quality. If you are getting two new tires, you want to make sure they are both put in the rear of the vehicle, new tires have deeper treads and when roads are wet you'll be able to take advantage of their improved hydroplaning resistance in the back.
If you're in need of a full new set of tire, then your options are open. You can get the size and quality you want to fit your vehicle, driving style and area's weather conditions.
Some other helpful information to have, or at least be aware of you, when you are thinking of buying new tires is located on your tire's sidewall. Written on the sidewall is information like the tire's actual size (width, height and diameter), the ratings for load-carrying capacity and for speed handling ability. This information can help guide you when shopping so you can either look for tires that match your current set or exceed it in those categories.
If you are interested in increasing your car's load index (the amount of weight your tires can carry) then you get the number off the sidewall (usually located right before the speed rating) and ask a friendly technician at a local tire store or look online for the load index chart to see how much weight the car can carry. For example, a car with a load index of 95 can safely handle 1,521 pounds. Multiplying that by four gets you your vehicle's maximum load capacity. The higher the load index number, the more weight your car can handle. One note - never replace your tires with a lower load index number.
The letter after load index is the tire's speed rating. It will be a letter from Q to Z (best) and that will determine how well the tire reaches and maintains a specific speed, the higher the rating the better the handling. Car owner's again don't want to replace old tires with new ones that have a lower speed rating cause that will hurt the car's overall handling and responsiveness.
Armed with all this information makes shopping for new tires can be a pretty harmless process. Qualified sales associates at tire retailers can walk you through any questions or concerns you have, but understanding what you're looking will help them
provide the perfect fit for your vehicle.
by: Steve Julius
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