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Highlights:
- How to select the right time to buy new tires
- 7 important steps to consider before purchasing new tires
- How and where to get the best new tires
The tire market is full of different tire brands and versatile performing models, which makes it difficult to choose the right tire for your vehicle. When the time comes to choose new tires, you can find a wide selection of various tires, but how to choose the right one and which one is the best option for you?
In this ultimate guide, we will help you understand how to pick the right tire for your car by answering the following questions:
- When is the right time to buy new tires?
- What should you keep in mind when choosing new tires?
- Which size is going to fit your vehicle?
- How to get the best tires?
When Is The Right Time To Buy New Tires?
Purchasing tires at the right time can be a little bit tricky. We cannot control when we need to replace old tires with new ones. However, if we regularly maintain and check our tires, we can see the first signs that show we will need new tires soon. If you know when your old set of tires will give out, you can easily plan and research the tire market for a replacement set.
Let us discuss the best time to buy new tires for different seasons. If you’re looking for summer or winter tires, the best time to purchase them is before the season actually starts. It means that the tire manufacturers and retailers mostly give special summer or winter sales ahead of the season. Therefore, the best time to buy summer tires is around April, while October is an optimal month for winter models. At the same time, all season and all weather tires do not have a specific season, which means that you can buy them whenever you want; they have regular discounts and sales throughout the year, so just wait for the sale that works for you.
What You Should Keep In Mind When Choosing New Tires?
Considering your driving needs is of utmost importance when buying new tires. Even if you are purchasing expensive or high-quality tires, they might not fit you. So, it is important to get tires that not just fit the size, but also provide the right performance. When the time comes to look for new car tires, choose the correct tire size, the right speed rating, and the suitable load index for your vehicle. Also, if it is possible, buy tires in sets of four to maintain the vehicle’s optimal performance, stability, and safety.
Tire Size
The tire size includes the width, the aspect ratio, and the rim diameter. When choosing the right tire, it is very important to get the correct tire size to ensure the vehicle’s secure performance. They are the most crucial numbers when buying new tires. The first 3-digit number presents the tire’s width from shoulder to shoulder measured in millimeters. The second number is the ratio between the sidewall height and the tire width, expressed as a percentage. The third number is the rim diameter, which is the width of the rims in inches.
Load and Speed Ratings
The numbers and letters of load and speed ratings can be found after the tire size on the sidewall, and they indicate the maximum load and speed durability of the specific tire. The load index is a number that shows the tire’s maximum load capacity, which starts from 1 and goes up to 150. On the other hand, the speed rating is a letter that presents the maximum speed durability of the tire. They are alphabetically arranged from A1 to ZR, and they are determined based on the tire’s performance capability.
Tire Type
There are too many types of tires to choose from, so we will discuss a few important types that should be mentioned before purchasing a new tire.
All season tires
These tires are mostly the first choice for every driver. They are very popular on the tire market and come at a good price. All season tires are designed to handle dry, wet, and light winter conditions, featuring a rubber compound that maintains the rubber flexibility in warm and cold temperatures. They also prevent hydroplaning in wet situations. As such, all season tires are ideal for areas that do not have severe winter conditions.
All weather tires
All weather tires are true year-round models. These tires are something between a winter and all season tire. They manage to easily perform throughout the year and feature a 3PMS symbol, which indicates that they can handle harsh and freezing winter weather as well. Such tires can be a very good option if you want to drive all year long with peace of mind.
Summer tires
Most summer tires provide exceptional performance in dry and wet conditions. They feature a rubber compound that prevents heat build-up along the tread area in warm temperatures. Hydroplaning prevention is also one of the characteristics of these tires. Their overall design makes them perfect for sporty cars, but they are also good for everyday summer use.
Winter tires
Winter tires can be difficult to choose because they can also be divided into three types: studless, studdable, and studded tires. You should choose them based on the area with different winter weather conditions. Most winter tires feature a detailed tread pattern that can easily handle ice- and snow-covered roads. These tires avoid hydroplaning and ensure a secure winter-weather grip. The only problem with winter tires is that they do not perform well in warmer temperatures.
All terrain tires
These tire types are mostly for all terrain and off-road drivers. There are various types of off-road tires, such as all terrain, rugged terrain, mud terrain, and extreme terrain models. They have a more aggressive tread pattern, which provides stronger traction to conquer soft, loose, and uneven terrains with ease. These tires are durable and damage-resistant, so off-road enthusiasts can enjoy a safe performance on various surfaces.
Driving Style And Road Types
It is also important to choose tires based on the driving style. Your driving style, the road type that you travel on, and the purpose of your vehicle also play a role in determining the best tires for you. For sports cars and performance-oriented vehicles, performance and high performance tires would be the best choice. These tires are focused on better handling, maneuvering, speed, and braking during the performance. On the other hand, for long-distance drivers, touring and highway tires are an ideal option as they ensure a longer-lasting tread life. Highway tires boost durability while touring models secure high comfort levels. All these factors should also be considered when buying new tires.
Tread life and Warranty
When choosing tires, it’s important to look for ones with a longer-lasting tread life, as this contributes to safer performance over time. Optimized tread patterns and wear-resistant compounds help prevent irregular and premature wear, ensuring the tires last longer. Additionally, many tires come with warranty options that offer peace of mind against defects or early wear.
Noise levels
Road and tread noise levels can vary between different tire models. If you want a quiet and comfortable driving experience, choose tires designed with noise reduction specifications. In the tire market, you can find both budget-friendly and premium options that minimize the noise and provide a smoother ride.
Fuel economy
Some tire models are designed to ensure a fuel-efficient performance. Their tread pattern and the rubber compound manage to reduce the rolling resistance, which decreases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. So, check for the low rolling resistance models if you’re looking to save on gas.
How To Get The Best Tire?
There are various options for buying tires, whether you choose to shop in-store or online. Online shopping has become more popular now, but besides that, multiple details need to be considered when buying new tires. To find the best tires for your vehicle, doing some research can help you choose the right ones. Checking reviews to identify pros and cons is a good thing and will help you a lot to be sure that the model is for you.
Comparing different tires when you cannot decide between two brands is easier online, since tire retailers have optimized websites that show all the details you need to get the best tire for your vehicle. At Priority Tire, you can compare two or more models to make a more informed decision. Also consider your own budget while choosing tires. Some budget-friendly options can offer good value for the price, but premium brands deliver excellent performance and longevity for a higher price.
Conclusion
The best tires for your vehicles depend on many factors mentioned here. Driving habits, price tags, and weather conditions are as equally important as the tire size and the rest of the model’s specifications. Whether you prioritize safety, comfort, performance, or longevity, the tire market offers a wide range of options to meet your needs.
It’s important not to compromise on quality when purchasing tires, as doing so can lead to higher costs in the long run. Since tires are the only contact between your vehicle and the road, they should be durable, longer-lasting, and made from high-quality materials. Always take the time to research and read reviews before choosing the best tires for your needs.
