How To Choose Tires - Buyers' Guide |
|---|
|
Mon Bennigton
30 January 2013
Tires seem to look alike from afar. But if you look real close, you'll find that there are stark differences among tires mounted on different types of vehicles. You'll notice a difference in size. You may also notice a difference in tread. Then there are those critical distinctions-from performance to fuel economy-when you finally get to take your car out for a spin in its new set of tires. How do you make sure you buy the right ones? Here's a quick and simple guide to choosing the appropriate tires that some shops offer.
Choose the right tire size for your car, truck, or SUV. You'll know the size by looking on the sidewall of your old tire. Here you'll find information, in the form of a code, about the width of the tire across the tread, the aspect ratio of the sidewall in comparison to the width, the radial construction, and diameter of the rim. Naturally, you'll want to make sure that all the tires you replace have the same size.
The code also gives you information about the type of tire you need to replace and its capabilities. A tire code that begins with "LT" means it's intended for light trucks and SUVs. When it starts with "P" it's intended for passenger vehicles. Also indicated is the speed rating, the most common of which are "T" (for 118 miles per hour), "H" (for 130 miles per hour), and "S" (for 112 miles per hour); load index, which determines how much weight that tire can carry at maximum inflation pressure, and conditions, which indicates whether or not the tires that auto shops sell are good for all-season driving.
The next thing you want to consider when buying your tires is the type of driving you'll be doing. Are you looking to do mostly city driving or will be you driving over mud, rocks, and dirt? City drivers may only need all-season, passenger-car tires while all-terrain drivers will require off-road tires. Drivers who want to enhance the look of their car as well as increase cornering response and traction may also go with plus sizing. This is when bigger wheels and tires are mounted onto a car. When you're not really looking to do all that and all you'll be doing is relaxed, urban driving around the Palm Beach area, then save a few dollars and just get what you need.
Don't neglect to factor in the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. Changing your tire size could affect your speedometer. When you change your tire size, then the time it takes for that new tire to make one full revolution will increase. Changing your tire size will also affect your fuel mileage if you happen to have electronic automatic transmission.
Finally, should you consider the used tires auto shops sell? You should, if-and only if-they are slightly worn and thoroughly inspected for defects, tread-wear, and punctures. You don't want to take chances when it comes to your safety on the road, so when in doubt, get the new ones.