The Complete Tire Guide

 

 
Tire maintenance is a crucial part of any car owner’s list of responsibilities, but it is certainly no fun. There are a lot of different things to consider, and if you are not an expert, it can be tough to know where to start. To help you out, here are some of the questions that you might have regarding your tires.

What Kind of Tires are Right for My Car?

It can be difficult to figure out the exact tire size that is right for your car, but luckily you probably won’t have to. You can usually find the information that you need in your owner’s manual, or through a quick online search, but the easiest option is to simply go to a trusted tire provider and they will tell you what your options are.

are winter tires worth the investment?

There are different tires and different treads that are adjusted for each vehicle and each driver’s needs. Do you need winter tires? It really depends on where you live and how often you drive your car. If you are a commuter and you live in a place with snow in the winter, they are definitely worth the investment. Ask yourself what the absolute worst weather you will have to drive in is, and choose accordingly. For a lot of mild climates, all weather tires are just fine.

how important is tire pressure?

How important is tire pressure? Very important. Proper tire inflation will not only save you money, but it will save you a lot of problems. Underinflated tires will reduce a tire’s tread life, and overinflated tires could be more susceptible to damage. Tires will lose about 1 psi of air every month, and can fluctuate even more with temperature. Checking your tire pressure every few months will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

How often should i rotate my tires?

Some people don’t realize the importance of rotating the tires on your car. While it’s true that failing to rotate them will probably not actively harm your vehicle, your tires will last significantly longer if you have your them rotated on a regular basis. About every 10,000 miles is the recommended frequency.

when should i buy new tires?

Knowing when to buy new tires is dependant on how often you drive and the quality of the tires that you have on your vehicle. However, you usually need new tires once every few years. One way to get an idea of whether you might need new tires is to do the “penny test.” Put a penny in one of the grooves in the tire tread, upside down, and if you can still see the top of Lincoln’s head, you probably need new tires.

what should i do when i get a flat tire?

A lot of insurance companies will offer roadside assistance for only a little extra on your premium. But if you don’t currently have this kind of coverage, it is actually not too difficult to change it yourself. You can use this step by step guide–perhaps even bookmark it on your phone–to help you through each stage.