It’s a fact that most people are less familiar with their car tyres. Believing that one wheel is just like another, we often end up buying the least expensive but the wrong set. Although there isn’t anything wrong if you’re purchasing inexpensive tyres, it’s the driving experience and habit that factor a lot in overall buying behaviour. Let’s review how you can choose the best car tyre like a pro!
Understand the manufacturer’s requirements as per the car build
The first step is understanding the manufacturer’s requirements as per the vehicle’s build. These are usually found on the tyre poster and the car’s user guide. It’s possible you mightn’t have the instruction manual if the vehicle is a second-hand purchase, but finding one isn’t that difficult, thanks to the internet, or you may visit the nearest car dealer.
Look in the driver’s door, gas tank lid, glove, trunk or center console compartment, and you may be able to find it. Mentioned in the guide are details of car tyre, including size, tyre pressure, load index, seating capacity and speed ratings.
You may like to read tyre care and maintainence
Ask yourself
Now that you’ve the instruction manual, move to the next step, which is asking yourself a few questions, which is the professional’s way.
- What’s the year, manufacturer and model of the vehicle?
- Original tyre size and specifications from the manufacturer
- What’s your mileage requirement: 40,000, 60,000 or 80,000-mile tyres?
- Do you drive off the road frequently? Want a highway or all-terrain wheel, any brand preference?
- Car tyre you’ve now and performance level.
- Do you prefer driving fast and taking sharp turns or at an average speed?
- What’s the budget and seasonal requirement for the wheels?
You may like to read the 7 best car tyres for all seasons
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Find out if your vehicle is equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)! This particular factor won’t have any effect on how you purchase the tyre; it does limit the ability to buy a plus-size tyre. Almost all light trucks and passenger vehicles produced after September 2007 must be TPMS certified for safe driving all the way through!
Research as much as you can
As you call the local car tyre retailers, have a pen and paper ready to take notes on technical as well as pricing details. Also, take help from the internet, discuss with sales persons and share your own requirements as per the vehicle’s build. Some important questions to ask here are;
- Are tyre retailers open to sharing additional information, and do they offer extra amenities such as free rotations or protection from on-road hazards?
- Do they offer tyre repairing services as well, and are there any limitations?
- What’s the pricing strategy?
Purchase
The tire retailer can help you decide whether two sets of wheels are needed or all four. Always consult a reputable tyre service that may come from extensive research, as well as word-of-mouth recommendations.
Conclusion
A literate car tyre retailer is likely to recommend two-wheel alignment after careful inspection of the wear and tear. Follow the above instructions before you invest in a set of wheels.