When you start your search for new tires for your car or truck, it’s easy to quickly get overwhelmed by all the makes and models. From low-profile tires to all-season models and everything in between, there are more than enough options. But what kind of tires does your vehicle really need? The answers might surprise you.
How to choose the type of tire you need
This first tip is definitely one of the most important. You should think about what kind of tires you really need, rather than what would actually look good. By “type” I mean an all season radio, touring or high performance brand. I know it’s easy to watch all the TV commercials for high performance tires and get caught up in all the hype and excitement and go out and spend $ 800 for a set of 4. But are they really what you need?
For most drivers, getting a high-performance tread for your everyday car isn’t what you need. You must be wondering if you are really going to drive over 130 mph with your new tread. Unless you are a weekend runner on the track, the answer is no. Why not save some money and get a good set of all-season or touring tires?
Of course, if you own an expensive sports car, it makes sense to replace it with a high-performance one. The other thing to consider is the weather and the weather conditions where you live. If you live in an area that receives a lot of annual rain, then you obviously want to look for a tire that handles well on rain-soaked roads.
What about branded tires?
While opting for names like Firestone, Cooper, Toyo, and Michelin, among many other big names, will give you an excellent footprint, have you thought about lesser-known brands? In many cases, not only will you get a tire comparable to the brands I just mentioned, but you can also save a ton of money in the process.
Look for a solid guarantee
Having a good warranty on the set of new tires you buy is extremely important. I have had friends who overlooked this part and then 6 months later they got burned. A tire breaks down and they get stuck paying for a new one. They never considered the guarantee. All good tire manufacturers will have at least a 40,000-mile warranty, but the ones that come with a 60,000 or 80,000-mile warranty are even a better option. It gives you the assurance that even if something goes wrong with the tire, it is covered for replacements.
Use these tips when selecting your next set of new tires and you’ll be surprised how much they help you save money, while also getting the best ones for your particular vehicle.