Whether you are about to go on a road trip or you are ready to start driving your vehicle on new tires, there are certain things that you should educate yourself about before you get new tires. Read below to find out all you need to know about selecting tires before hitting the road.
Understanding Tire Types
Like vehicles, tires come in all different types. The four main categories of tires are all-terrain tires, all-season tires, winter tires, and summer tires. Depending on how dedicated you are to the use of your car, you may have different sets of tires for different times of the year. This is especially true for places with all four seasons and driving conditions throughout the year.
Additionally, if you like to go off-roading in your vehicle or live on a dirt road, tires that are heavier duty, like all-terrain tires, are probably your best option for longevity. Finding the right type of tires for your vehicle will help you have a lesser chance of damaging your car and prevent you from having to replace your tires often.
Evaluating Your Environment
The environment in which you live makes a big difference in the type of tires you need to put on your vehicle. When choosing the right tires for your pickup truck, you have to consider where you live and all of the seasons that you and your truck experience throughout the year. If you live in a colder climate where you have to navigate blizzards and ice storms, then you will need to get tires that will be able to handle these extreme weather events.
Tire Size
Depending on the size of your vehicle and the ways you will be using it, the size of the tires is something to consider. Not all tires fit all vehicles, so you need to make sure that the tires that you purchase will fit yours. You can do this by either reading the owner’s manual to find out the specific size your tires need to be or going to an expert who will measure your vehicle and tell you what tires will fit your size.
Once you know the specific dimensions that will fit your car, you need to also figure out the load index of each type of tire you are looking to buy. The load index is the number that indicates how much weight the tires can bear before they pop. Think about how often your truck is going to be carrying heavy things and how much those things weigh on average. Once you have a good idea of what kind of weight you need your vehicle to be able to carry, then you should pick a tire that matches or exceeds that load index.
Tire Age and Maintenance
Even if you walk into a shop and see new tires on the wall, you should still take a moment to look at the date on which they were manufactured. Tires that look new but have been hanging in a shop for months or even years are not going to last as long as brand-new ones. The material that tires are made of will degrade over time, even if the tires are not being used.
Once your new tires are installed on your vehicle, remember to check them regularly for wear and tear. This will help you catch issues sooner rather than later. Things like small leaks or cracks can cause flat tires and even lead to accidents on the road if they are not taken care of.
Tread Patterns and Wear
The tread on each type of tire is different, so you need to consider the type of pattern you need for the use of your vehicle. Tires with deep grooves are better for gripping the road. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain or you often drive on rough terrain, then the deeper the grooves, the better.
Different tread patterns should also be considered, as they are designed to do different things. Some tread patterns are designed to make travel on the road less noisy, while others aid in better handling and performance. If you want more control and balance on the road, then asymmetrical patterns are a good choice, while specific directional patterns are better in wet conditions.
Final Words
No matter where you choose to take your vehicle, know that you will be safe with tires that are perfect for your vehicle and what you use it for. Whether you’re preparing for a long trip or just daily driving, investing time in choosing the appropriate tires will lead to a smoother, safer journey.
