Things to know before buying tires

Things to know before buying tires

Kai Brown

Every car owner knows how tough it is to choose a new set of tires. There are different brands that offer tires in various types and sizes. And the cost of the tires depends on the brand and model of the vehicle. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the need of the vehicle before you pick a particular set of tires. Additionally, you can look for exciting tire deals to save some money. This article will cover all the essential factors that will help you pick the right tire for your vehicle.

There are three different types of tires available in the market:

Types of tires

  • All-season tires
    The majority of vehicles come with all-season tires, as they are designed to provide the best performance in every weather condition throughout the year. There are two main categories of all-season tires- high-performance tires and grand touring tires. The high-performance tires provide better handling compared to standard all-season tires. They have a good grip on the road and feel sportier but at the cost of some winter traction. These tires are made for people who have an aggressive driving style. Whereas grand touring tires ride better but at the expanse of handling ability.
  • Summer tires
    This type of tire is designed to provide better handling in moderate or warm weather. They improve cornering traction, stops the vehicle at less distance, and have sharpened steering response. These tires work best at temperatures of about 40 degrees Celsius. During the rain or winter season, one should change the tires. Many drivers who are unaware of the temperature sensitivity of their tires have lost control and crashed their vehicles on a cold day.
  • Winter tires
    Winter tires provide max traction in snowy conditions. The traction provided by these tires is unmatched by any other category of tires. Even all-wheel-drive vehicles with all-season tires cannot match the turning or stopping capability of a vehicle equipped with all four winter tires. Similar to summer tires, winter tires don’t handle well as soon as the weather warms up. This is why they should be considered as a second set of tires if you live in a place where it snows annually.

Should you replace or upgrade your tires?
When it comes to changing tires, you have two options- replace or upgrade:

  • Replacing tires
    Replacing your tires with something equivalent is easy. You can find great tire deals in both online and local tire stores. However, when you buy tires from an online store, you get exactly what you need. Plus, you get the option to choose from a wide range of brands and prices. This level of freedom allows you to make a better choice.

  • Upgrading your tires
    This process is more complicated than replacing your tires. You can either choose a high-performance all-season tire of the same size or you can pick a wider and lower profile summer tire. There is one safety issue with upgrading your tires. If you are new or don’t know whether the tire will fit without rubbing on the suspension, it can create some safety issues. Before you upgrade your vehicle’s tire, it is best to consult with an expert and see whether the tire will fit properly or not.

Top tire companies
Following are the top manufacturers of all types of tires in the country:

  • Bridgestone
  • Cooper Tires
  • Continental
  • General
  • Goodyear
  • Michelin

Buying new tires is a daunting experience, especially if you are new to the process. However, if you know what type of tire your vehicle needs, the process becomes a lot easier. So, next time when you go out shopping or find tire deals, make sure to use the points mentioned above.

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