Tires need to be replaced several times during the life of a vehicle. Even with advances in tire technology, tread life will vary depending on vehicle type, tire type such as AWD and 4X4 tires, driving habits, road conditions, and conditions. meteorological conditions.

If your need for new tires has been determined after a thorough inspection and maintenance of your vehicle, identify the best ones for your vehicle and driving demands. Your local tire dealer can help determine this with you, but there are some tips on choosing that you should always consider.

How to choose new tires

1. Put safety first. Find tires that perform well in tests for braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance. Weather conditions must also be considered to learn about traction and performance on snow and ice so you can keep your passengers safe on the road.

2. Do your research. The internet provides many great resources for researching tire attributes and reviews, but the key to finding the best prices is the comparison shop. Visit local tire stores when comparison shopping to find the best price for your vehicle because prices are not always listed online. Some tire retailers can help you online, over the phone, or even directly in the store to check other stores’ prices on your behalf.

Additionally, independent tire reviews, such as those at ConsumersReports.com, perform tread life tests that show that a manufacturer’s warranty does not always indicate how a tire will wear. These independent tire reviews are excellent sources of unbiased information that can help you make the decision to purchase your next set of tires.

3. Understand what you’re getting and avoid “hidden fees.” Once you’ve researched tire reviews and decided which one is best for you and your vehicle, the technician should itemize all charges associated with fitting. Dealers often do not include installation fees or tire warranty charges in the price quote. Make sure your comparison shopping gets you in the door with more value, service, and protection with every installation.

Here is a list of what to expect with each tire installation:

• Lifetime Alignment Checks – Your car’s alignment is important to prolonging the wear and performance of your tires, and is vital to steering performance.

• Nitrogen Inflation – Nitrogen is a safer and more stable alternative to inflating tires with air because it naturally leaches much more slowly and does not react to changes in outside temperatures.

• Lifetime Tire Rotation – The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more even tread wear on all tires on your vehicle.

• Lifetime Spin Balance – Every time a tire is mounted on a wheel, it must be balanced.

• Flat Repairs for Life: Flat tires happen. If your tire can be fixed, trust a retailer who is there when you need it with free flat repairs.

• 36-Month Prorated Road Hazard Warranty: Tire retailers offer a warranty to replace a damaged tire on your vehicle when an unexpected event occurs, such as running over debris or potholes.

• Tire Mounting – Your tires should be professionally mounted by expert tire installers.

• Tire Disposal – Keep the environment in mind by making sure 100% of your tire is recycled and not landfilled.

• Rubber Valve Stems – The rubber valve stem, while a small part of the tire and wheel assembly, is one of the most important parts.

• Hand Tighten Wheels – Many shops rely only on a pneumatic wrench to mount the tires and wheel, but by hand-tightening each lug nut to ensure the tire and wheel assembly is secure, your safety remains secure. top priority.

4. Understand the type of tire you need. Choose a type and size of tire that suits your vehicle and driving conditions. The largest percentage of consumers will be satisfied with regular and high-performance all-season tires, but models for SUVs and other trucks and 4X4 or AWD vehicles are different than those for cars and minivans.

Researching tire reviews and doing your own comparison will help you get back on the road.