When tire maintenance is neglected, it can lead to unsafe driving conditions. Car tires are the only contact between the vehicle and the road. Pay attention to the signs your tires give you. The leading cause of tire failure is under-inflation. Setting tire pressure to factory specifications will prolong the life of the tire and increase your safety on the road. Under inflated tires are not always noticeable and can increase fuel usage. Check the car's owner’s manual to find out how much pressure your tires need and then check them monthly using an accurate tire pressure gauge.
When to Buy Car Tires
Checking your tread wear will help determine whether or not it’s time to buy tires. One test of tire tread is the penny test. Insert a penny into the tire tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you see Lincoln’s entire head, then it’s time for a tire replacement. Alternatively, check the tread by looking at the wear indicator bar that’s molded into the tire. When the bars are so visible that you can see the adjacent tread ribs, it’s time to buy new tires. Understand more about the signs of tire wear and tear:
Wear in the center: over-inflation
Wear on both edges: under-inflation
Feathered or saw tooth edges: misalignment
Dips or cupping in the tread: worn parts
Buying Passenger Car Tires
There are many options for passenger car tires: new car tires, cheap car tires, used car tires, discount car tires—the list goes on and on. Many people worry whether or not cheap car tires, used car tires or discount car tires are safe. Your tires influence the way your car handles on the road. As long as the tire meets the minimum safety standard, you can pick whatever tire best fits your budget. If you choose to buy cheap car tires, keep in mind that they might need replacing more frequently than expensive brands. It doesn’t mean they are unsafe, just that they have a shorter life span. Correct pressure and regular rotation will promote tire longevity. Buying used car tires isn’t the best option but can provide a quick fix until you can afford a better set. With used car tires it’s harder to tell how much life they have left. Use common sense and caution when purchasing used tires.
Passenger Car Tires: Other Considerations
When buying tires think about how and where you drive. Manufacturers have multiple tire designs to give consumers different results such as durability, sport handling, and traction grades. Your geographical location as well as the car you drive will help determine what you really need. Find a brand you’re happy with and stick with it. Become familiar with your current tire’s width, height and diameter. When searching through passenger car tires, look for the correct numbers, as well as ‘P’, for passenger vehicle and ‘R’ for radial. Match up the numbers and you’re good to go. It’s best to have a tire dealer or mechanic replace your tires. It requires special equipment to slip new tires over the car’s wheels. Having a professional take care of it is a great way to ensure your safety while on the road. Rotate tires regularly to promote even tread wear. Even tire wear means that all four tires will need to be replaced at the same time, so budget accordingly. Take care of your car tires and they’ll take care of you.
