Buying tires is one of those necessary evils car owners simply have to deal with. Sooner or later your current set will get worn down, and you’ll need to replace them. Before you just grab a set and put them on your car, though, here are some simple tire buying tips to help you avoid problems while getting good value for your money.
Tip #1: Check Your Owner’s Manual
While we trust the men and women who work in our auto parts stores, they’re only human and they do make mistakes. Rather than relying on someone else to tell you what sort of tires you need, you should check your owner’s manual along with the placard inside your driver’s side door. The recommended tire will be listed right there, telling you exactly what you need to get before you even walk in the door.
Tip #2: Replace One, Replace Them All
While it’s an expensive proposition, it’s a much better idea to get a complete set of tires than to just replace a few. The reason is because as you drive your tires will wear, and if you just replace one tire then you have one new tire with three others that have all worn at the same rate. This can lead to uneven wear, and other problems with your car, which is why it’s a better idea to start out with a clean slate on your rubber.
Tip #3: Don’t Be Afraid to Shop Online
Everything is cheaper online it seems, and tires are no exception. Once you know what kind of tires you need you can price compare online. Often you can find new tires for a fraction of the cost you would pay in person, though the downside is that someone still has to put them on if you aren’t going into a shop.
Tip #4: Don’t Forget Your Spare
Spare tires don’t get enough love from drivers, and this often leads to them being out of commission when you need them most. If you’re going to buy a new set of tires it’s important not to overlook the spare. If it still has tread on it, and it’s in generally good condition, then there’s no reason to replace it. On the other hand if you’ve left it under your car, sight unseen, for five or six years it might be a good idea to replace it with a more reliable tire.
