Your tires are an important factor in the safety of your vehicle. The treading on your tires grips the road and helps you maintain control in all weather – rain or shine. Common safety concerns for auto tires are hairline cracks and leaks, which can seep air and lead to a flat tire, as well as air bubbles, which can cause a buildup of pressure in the tire, resulting in it “blowing.”
Even though you may not experience such wear and tear, you still need to replace your tires when the tread wears down. Follow this guide on buying new car tires:
Is it time to replace your tires?
You need to replace your tires when the treading is worn, typically at 40,000 miles. That doesn’t mean they won’t wear out before then or last a little longer. You can lengthen the life of your tires by having them rotated with every tune up. Rotating the tires ensures they wear evenly and improves road handling and tire performance.
Tire experts recommend trying this simple test to determine whether the tread on your tires is still in good condition. Take a penny and insert it into a tread groove on the surface of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing upside down. If his head is completely visible, the treading on your tire is too thin, and it’s time to replace it. Repeat this test every 3,000 miles.
Tips on buying new tires for your car
Once you’ve decided it’s time to replace your tires, consider these helpful information:
1. Terrain and weather considerations
• Snow – If your car already has four wheel drive, you may not need snow tires. However, tires specifically designed for snow and ice have thicker tread and increased grip, which can significantly improve control, maneuverability and performance during the winter. If you live in an area susceptible to heavy snowfall or ice storms, it may be worth the added investment to have the peace of mind knowing your tires can handle tough conditions.
• Rain – Rain can be dangerous because it makes the surface of the road slippery and unpredictable. This is especially dangerous when it has first begun to drizzle, and the rain has not yet had a chance to wash the oil off the road. Choose a tire designed for aqua performance, with wide center grooves to repel water. This can improve your handling during the wet season and can decrease your risk of hydroplaning.
• Terrain – If you live in a mountainous or rural area, road conditions can be a little tougher. Rocky roads, dirt roads and gravel can cause premature wear on your tires. Look for a thicker tread that can absorb the added pressure of rough handling when buying new car tires.
2. Replacing one or more tires at a time. Your tires operate most safely and efficiently if all four are the same size, brand, make and in the same condition. However, it’s unrealistic to expect to replace all four tires if you have one flat tire. When replacing one or two tires at a time, be sure to buy the same brand, model and size as the others when possible. If the tire you need is no longer in production, ask a sales representative from the manufacturer for the closest model.
Now that you have a few helpful guidelines to follow when replacing your tires, you should feel more confident knowing what to look for when buying new car tires. Further increase your safety with these car and driving safety tips. Also, always stay prepared for the unexpected with comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Receive an online auto insurance quote from an insurance company like Nationwide Insurance today.
Author Resource:
Adrienne is a writer and content specialist at Rosetta, http://www.rosetta.com/ , one of the top interactive marketing agencies in the nation. In addition to article writing, Adrienne enjoys yoga, reading, music and satire. A longtime sufferer of wanderlust, Adrienne is passionate about traveling.
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