There’s no doubting the fact that the tires on your car are some of the most important parts on the vehicle. At the end of the day, your tires are the only components that actually connect the vehicle to the ground. Consequently, it’s absolutely crucial that you purchase the right tires and use them effectively.
Many vehicle owners, however, make some common tire buying mistakes. If you want to avoid those same mistakes and ensure that your car’s connection to the earth is rock solid, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the key mistakes buyers make in this market.
1. Not Getting the Right Size
The different tire sizes aren’t the easiest thing in the world to understand. But you need to take the time and effort to understand them in order to get the sizing right, or you’ll have to take the tires back and get new ones that fit better.
The first thing to consider is whether or not your car is currently on stock wheels. If the wheels are not stock, then they may require aftermarket dimensions — take a look at what wheels you have and know what tire size they require.
Most tire sizes are in the format of A/B C where all the letters represent numbers. A is the width of the tire from one side the other in millimeters. B represents the aspect ratio (the width of the sidewall to the width of the tire). Finally, C is the wheel diameter, in inches.
2. Discounting Aesthetics
Tires can play a big role in the aesthetics of your car. Getting the cheapest tires without accounting for the color of the sidewalls and such can result in an ugly combination that may disgust you every time you look at your automobile.
3. Buying from the First Store You Find
Because of the cost of logistics, different stores are able to supply tires at different costs. That’s why it’s important that you shop around when buying tires — don’t just purchase them from the first store where you find the right fit.
4. Buying All-Seasons in Harsh Climates
If you live in a moderate climate, then all-season tires are probably your best bet. But if you live in a climate with very harsh winters, then you’ll want dedicated winter tires to ensure that you have sufficient grip. Running all-seasons will be a mistake as you won’t get the amount of grip you need when roads are iced over.
5. Forgetting to Budget
Last but not least, one common tire buying mistake is forgetting to budget for tires in car maintenance. Tires are a wear item and generally need to be replaced every 20,000-50,000 miles. Make sure you budget for that.
Tire Buying Mistakes You Need to Avoid
There you have it. With knowledge of these tire buying mistakes, you know all the pitfalls to avoid the next time you’re in the market for rubber for your car!
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