Tires are an important topic for CarPro Show host Jerry Reynolds who considers them the most important safety feature on your car. He shares some on how to keep them in good condition here.
When it comes to buying new ones, there are many different things to consider. These Better Business Bureau tips will help guide you through the tire buying process here - including how to determine when you need new ones.
Tips For Buying A New Tires
1. Assess your current set of tires.
First, determine whether you need new tires. If you're not sure, put them to the “Lincoln Test”. Place a penny upside down into the tread of your tires.
- If you can see the top of Abe’s head, your tires should be replaced immediately.
- If the tread falls somewhere on his forehead, you should plan to buy new tires in the next few months. Even if the tread is thick enough, uneven wear, flaking, cracks, bulges, or other damage can all indicate you need new tires.
HOW OLD ARE YOUR TIRES?
Are your tires six years old or older? Replace them.
The Better Business Bureau says if your tires are more than six years old, vehicle manufacturers recommend you replace them, no matter their condition.
How To Check Tire Age
On the side of the tire, look for DOT (Department of Transportation) and a four-digit number. This number is the date the tire was made. For example, if you see "DOT 1916", it means the tire was produced in the 19th week of 2016.
2. Get to know tire types.
There are five types of tires, and the ones you need will depend on the weather conditions you drive in and how you use your vehicle.
- All-season tires: All-season tires are the ones most people have. They're designed to work reasonably well in most weather conditions and can handle some mud, snow, and slush.
- Winter tires: Winter tires are ones to consider if you live in a climate with frequent snow and ice. They are more effective in deep snow.
- Summer tires: Summer tires are best for warm weather climates and they should not be driven temperatures dip below freezing.
- All-terrain tires: These are used mainly for four-wheel drive vehicles. They are great for off-roading, but not meant for extended highway driving.
- High-performance tires: These are designed with high-speed handling in mind, but be forewarned, they wear out faster than “regular” tires. So they may be ideal for a sports car, but not your every day run to the store.
3. Check out tread wear warranties.
To find out how long a tire is supposed to last, check treadwear ratings on a tire’s sidewall. The BBB says the higher the number, the longer the tire is supposed to last. Most tires have manufacturing quality and defect warranties, but some have a tread life warranty. The BBB says that in most cases, if your tires wear out before your reach the mileage number, you can get a credit towards a new set of the same tires.
4. Shop around.
So where should you to buy your tires? A lot of it comes down to what kind of tire you need and personal preference. Choices include warehouse clubs, online sellers, tire dealers, car dealerships and local shops all of which has their pros and cons. The BBB says to consider cost, convenience, and customer service when choosing where to buy them. If you’re looking for something specialized and unique, the BBB says a local tire shop might be your best option, though you'll probably pay more. Warehouse clubs and online sellers may offer more competitive prices, but their selections might be limited. Car dealerships provide convenience, but they aren’t the cheapest option, and typically you have no choice but to buy original equipment tires.
5. Only purchase tires from a reputable seller.
Only do business with a tire vendor with a good reputation and plenty of positive reviews. You can visit BBB.org to see business ratings and read customer reviews. The BBB says a little research goes a long way in finding out if a company is trustworthy or if they employ questionable business practices. It's also good idea to talk with someone on the phone or in person and ask plenty of questions about tire selections, installation, and warranties. It will also give you an idea of the customer service you'll receive during tire installation and post-sale.
6. Keep an eye on the fees.
Don't be surprised to see some extra fees on top of the cost of the tires. The BBB says extra fees are likely and could include installation charges, disposal fees for your old tires, and taxes. There are also some vendors who may ask you to pay for new tire stems and resetting the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Add-on services may also be offered, like filling the tires with nitrogen and road hazard warranties. Make sure you read and understand all the charges (tire price, fees and any add-ons) before you sign on the dotted line.
7. Inspect new tires upon installation.
The installation is done, but it's not time to hit the road just yet. Take a good look at your new tires before you leave the shop. You're looking for any signs of damage and also to make sure the directional tread is facing the same way on all four tires. Then after you’ve driven a few miles on the new tires, check the tire pressure for each tire to make sure it matches the numbers indicated in the car’s door jamb. The BBB says if the tires aren't within the suggested range, take the vehicle back to the shop for inspection.
8. Maintain your new tires to extend their life.
As CarPro Show host Jerry Reynolds explains in his article here, checking and maintaining and your tires is key to keeping them in good shape and safe for the road. Tips include checking your tire pressure regularly, inspecting the tires for signs of uneven wear and damage, and get regular tire rotations.
For more tire tips, click here.
Photo Credit: Goodluz/Shutterstock.com.