When it comes to buying new parts for your vehicle, you may have absolutely no clue where to start — and that’s okay. Buying car parts can be an overwhelming, complicated process, especially when it comes to tires. And because most new cars no longer come with spare tires, due to manufacturers wanting to decrease vehicle weight and only providing a can of compressed air and a patch kit, more people are buying tires than ever. So let’s take a look at a few important things to keep in mind when buying new tires.
Make sure you really need new tires: First things first, it’s important to not buy new tires if you don’t really need them. While it can be nice to have brand new tires, it can be a waste of money if your current ones are just fine. So to ensure you really need new tires, take a look at your current set. If there’s excessive tread wear, cracks or holes, or any level of bulging, you probably need new tires. But if the tread is good and they’re in overall good condition, you may just need to put some air in them and clean them up. So to save yourself some time and money, make sure you’re only buying new tires if you really need them.
Know which type you need: Just like most things in life, one size does not fit all when it comes to tires. While it can be easy enough to figure out what size tire you need, it can be a bit more challenging to figure out the type. There are several types of tires, including all-season tires, performance tires, all-terrain tires, and snow tires. Depending on your vehicle and what kind of terrain you typically drive on, the type of tire you need could vary. So make sure to talk to a technician at an auto repair shop to help you decide which type of tire is best for your driving needs.
Compare your options: Because tire brands can vary in features, it’s important to know all of your options before making a decision. You should compare things like price, durability, warranties, and quality. When you’re looking at different tire brands, make sure you’re fully understanding what each kind of tire should be used for, how long it can be expected to last, and overall what kind of deal you’ll be getting. If you decide to buy the first set of tires you come across, you may end up paying way too much for low-quality tires. So by comparing tire brands as well as individual tires, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Buying new tires may seem complex, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep these few simple tips in mind and work with a reliable auto shop to ensure you’re getting the right tires for your needs.