Tires are bound to get worn out after a while. This happens when you start to notice the treads wearing out. Failing to replace them at this point can put you and your vehicle at risk. It is, therefore, necessary that you take care of this as soon as possible. Buying tires can be a difficult process. There is a wide array of tires to choose from, making it very confusing. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice for your vehicle.
Countercheck the Condition of Your Tires
The easiest way to tell whether your tires need replacement is through the treads. Mainly, you should check the depth of the tire treads. Measured in 32nds of an inch, the treads of brand new tires are usually 10/32″ or 11/32″ deep. This depth continues to reduce with time as you use your vehicle. When the tire tread depth reaches 2/32″, it is recommended that you ensure that you replace them. However, it can be hard to measure this. As such, you can use the penny method which is an easier way to go about it. Here, you take a penny and insert it into the tread crevice while ensuring that the President’s head is facing downwards. You know it is time to get your tires replaced when you can view the entire head.
How Many Tires Should You Replace?
When buying new tires, it is important that you know how many of them you need to replace. If all your tires were bought at the same time, then it is likely that they will wear out using the same timeline. Still, the number of tires that you might have to replace will depend on the type of car you drive. For instance, if you have a four-wheel drive, it is advisable that you replace all four tires. However, for front-wheel-drive cars, this may not be necessary. Instead, you can choose to replace only two of them. This is because the front tires tend to wear out faster than the rear ones. You should therefore get ones to replace the front ones ensuring that they match the existing ones.
Consider the Type of Tires that You Need
Once you have confirmed that you need new tires, it is time to consider the type of tires that you need to get. First, you should know the size that will fit your car. After this, you should choose among the various types depending on some factors:
Weather Conditions
One of the main factors that should determine the type of tires that you buy is the weather conditions in which you will be driving. This is important as it affects how well your tires will perform. While considering the common climate conditions your tires are likely to face, do not forget to keep in mind even the most extreme ones.
Type of Roads
Another factor to be considered as you buy tire is the type of roads that will be driving on regularly. Will you be driving on city roads, highways, unpaved roads and so on? This will affect the tire characteristics you need.