Tire manufacturing is a huge industry. There are approximately 400 tire factories around the world that produce 1 billion tires a year. If you own an automobile, you’ve had to deal with replacing tires.
So what are some vital things you need to know about tires? Here are answers to frequently asked tire questions we get at I-86 Truck & Auto Repair.
Which tire is best for your vehicle?
Make sure you use the size recommended by the car maker. Unless you want to do some major modifications.
As far as the type of tire to use, you are safe if you follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The three main types of tires are all-season, winter, and summer. Of course, there are other circumstances that will affect your choice of tire.
Consider the type of driving that you do. Driving a truck off-road is a lot different than driving a passenger car on pavement every day. Consider the climate you live in.
You get what you pay for. Don't choose the lowest priced. It will have to be replaced sooner. Consider how many miles a tire is supposed to last. Find out if the tires have a warranty and the details.
Also, consider whether you want to put snow tires on your vehicle every fall. If you must drive on ice and snow several months out of the year, snow tires will be the safest choice for winter. But if winters are mild where you live, all-seasons will save you the trouble and expense of switching tires twice a year. A service advisor at I-86 Truck & Auto Repair can give you valuable guidance.
Why would I want performance tires?
If you want more speed, better handling, better steering, and better braking. If your car came with performance tires, it will handle differently if you switch to all-season tires. Drivers who swear by performance tires would argue that it will handle a lot worse. So there is always a trade-off when deciding between all-seasons and performance tires.
Which tire will last the longest?
If you want your tires to last, stay away from high-performance tires. Performance tires are very soft compared to other tires. They simply come apart easier and faster.
Keep your tires properly inflated. A I-86 Truck & Auto Repair service specialist can tell you the recommended pressure for your tires. This will also ensure that you get the best possible fuel economy.
Winter tires are not just for the snow.
Winter tires are great if you live in a cold place. They have a softer tread and are designed to push slush and water away from the tires while driving. They will also last 3-4 seasons depending on how often you drive; hopefully not too much in those conditions.
How do you know when you need winter tires? Easy! If you can see your breath, get winter tires.
What if you drive in all different types of conditions?
Get the best bang for your buck by choosing all-season tires. They perform in wet and dry conditions.
If you are selling a used automobile, remember that the condition of your tires can greatly impact the overall value. The better the tires, the more your automobile is worth. Tires are a big-ticket item regardless of the age of your car. Buyers considering an older, less expensive automobile may put more importance on tire condition. This makes sense. If you are buying a used car and can't spend more than $5,000, the cost of new tires represents a significant portion of your budget.
On the flipside, what if you are shopping for a used automobile? Make sure you identify the condition of the tires. Since they are such a big-ticket item, a car with new tires saves you money right up front. If you are interested in a used vehicle that has bald tires, ask the seller to deduct the replacement cost from the asking price.
Don't worry about remembering all this information. A tire specialist at I-86 Truck & Auto Repair can guide you in choosing tires for your vehicle. We can be reached at 716-665-2501.