Is it time to purchase a new set of tires? This can feel like a daunting experience. Not only do you have to set aside a pretty penny, but you want to make sure you purchase a quality set that fits your vehicle.
Investing in the wrong tires may compromise your vehicle’s performance, which can be dangerous while on the road. Therefore, it’s better to be on the safe side and do some research beforehand.
Follow this comprehensive guide to make the best choice.
1. Figure Out the Type of Tires Your Car Needs
There’s more to the shopping process than selecting tires that fit; you also want to figure out the type your vehicle needs.
And several factors contribute to which tires are best for your car, one of which is the weather conditions you’ll drive in.
Let’s say you’re looking for tyres in New Zealand. All-season tires will be best for you since New Zealand experiences intense heat and snow. You can drive anywhere in the country knowing that you’ll have a good wet-weather grip and snow driving capabilities.
However, if you spend most of your time in a climate that’s extremely snowy, you will want to invest in a quality set of winter tires that will provide maximum traction in snow.
Other factors that can affect the best tires for your needs include the:
- Make and model
- Size
- Age
2. Check the Speed Rating
Speed rating indicates how fast a vehicle can go before safety or performance is affected.
High-performance vehicles have a higher speed rating than SUVs and family sedans. Look at the tire’s sidewall to read the rating. You’ll find the speed rating expressed as a letter following the tire size. They range from L to Y covering speeds from 75 to 186 mph.
3. Set a Budget
Everyone has different budgets when it comes to an expense like this one. For this reason, many choose to purchase used tires over new ones. The best choice for you depends on your budget and what you’re looking for.
Here are a few reasons to buy new tires:
- They’ll provide your vehicle with 100% tread.
- They’re brand-new meaning they won’t require any patches or repairs.
- No internal or external damages will exist.
- They’ll include a warranty.
Here are a few reasons to buy used tires:
- You’ll get up to 90% of the tread for half the price.
- It’s likely they’re in great condition.
- You’ll help the environment by purchasing used tires that may end up in landfills.
All tires have traction ratings. You want to purchase a set with an A or AA rating. Also, if you’re on a budget, don’t go with well-known name brands. Yes, they will provide a high level of quality, but some lesser-known manufacturers make excellent products at a fraction of the price.
4. If Possible, Replace All Four
It’s always best to switch out your tires all at the same time. Otherwise, you’re looking at different tread depths and styles, which causes them to spin at different speeds.
If you must replace them in pairs, make sure the new ones are placed on the back. This will help the vehicle retain its stability in the case of an emergency. Having old tires on the back increases the chances of the car spinning out in a hard stop.
Buying New Tires | The Takeaway
There you have it – a complete guide on how to purchase new tires for your vehicle. The size, type, speed rating, and budget make a huge difference in the safety of your vehicle as well as yours. Use the above information to make a wise shopping decision when buying new tires.