Choosing the Right Tires and Making Them Last
It may be tempting to think that all tires are basically the
same, but this is not the case. In fact, choosing a good quality set of tires
that’s right for your car and driving patterns can make a huge difference. For
one, the low-quality tires and tires that aren’t right for you will need to be
replaced far more frequently, leading to potentially huge costs to you in the
long run, even if they are cheaper now. Tire maintenance, tire pressure, and
size all need to be taken into consideration. The right set of tires can be the
difference between getting in an accident and avoiding it. Let’s take a look at
some driving safety tips and how the rubber meets the road.
How to Choose the Right Tire
With all the sizes and options available, choosing tires can
be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With just a little guidance, you
can have the know-how to pick the right tires every time.
Know the Size You Need
The recommended tire measurements for your car can be found
in your owner’s manual or the placard on the jamb of the driver’s side door. It
will look something like this: P215/60R16 94T. This might look complicated, but
don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple. The first part of that long string of
numbers and letters (P215/60R16) tells the tire’s measurements, such as the
width and diameter. The last set of numbers (94) is the load index, which
describes the amount of weight the tire can support. That T at the end refers
to the speed rating, or the tire’s maximum speed in relation to the load index.
When buying tires, it is essential to match the measurements exactly, but you
can choose tires with a higher load index or speed rating if you’d like to.
Determine What Type is Best for You
In addition to the wide variety of sizes, there are also a
number of tire types to choose from:
●
All-season tires offer solid traction and long mileage
for a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. These are a common
choice for SUVs and mainstream cars.
●
Performance all-season tires are a popular choice for
car enthusiasts. These tires tend to have superior cornering grip when compared
to typical all-season tires, but tend to not last as long.
●
Ultra-high-performance all-season and summer tires are
generally used on sports cars and performance sedans. These tires have even
better grip, especially at higher speeds, but again at the cost of shorter
wear.
●
All-season and all-terrain truck tires are ideal for
the hauling and towing needs of light pickups and SUVs. All-terrain tires tend
to have a dramatic tread pattern to help off-road traction.
●
Winter or snow tires feature busy treads to allow for
traction in the ice and snow. These tires often feature a mountain and
snowflake symbol on the sidewall for easy identification.
How to Make Your Tires Last
Now that you’ve picked out a set of tires, you’ll want to
make sure that they stay in the best condition possible for as long as
possible. This makes sure you get the most out of your investment and minimizes
the chances of unpleasant surprises resulting from damaged tires.
Maintain Your Tire Pressure
Proper tire pressure can make your tires last longer, but
can also improve your gas mileage and is essential in ensuring good traction
and handling. Check your tires whenever you stop for gas, looking for bulging
sidewalls that could indicate low pressure. Check your tire pressure about once
a month with a quality pressure gauge. You can use either a digital gauge and
pencil-type gauge. If your vehicle has a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS), a warning light should let you know when your tire pressure is low.
Check wherever you found your tire info for recommended tire pressure levels.
Rotate and Balance Tires
Rotating your tires lengthens their lifespan because the
front tires wear faster than the rear tires. Balancing tires reduces vibration,
which can cause wear on your tires. Have your tires rotated and balanced at
every other oil change. This can often be done for no cost at the tire shop
where you purchased your tires.
Avoid Road Hazards
Many of the same things that can lead to accidents, like not
maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, driving too fast, and driving on
rough or damaged roads, can also lead to tire damage. Hitting a pothole even at
speeds as slow as 20 mph can damage tires beyond repair. If you can’t avoid a
pothole, it is safer to go straight through it rather than over the edge. This
is one of the few driving safety tips that most drivers do not adhere to. You
should also try to slow down as much as you safely can. Finally, properly
inflated tires are less likely to sustain damage, so this is just one more
reason to check your tire pressure.
Car Insurance from Allstate
Even if you choose the best tires available, bad things can
still happen. That’s where Allstate auto insurance comes in. Our
dedicated agents can provide you with the guidance and driving safety tips you need to make sure
that you’re covered when you need it most. Browse our automotive insurance policy options, then contact
your local Allstate agent to make sure that
you’re in good hands for whatever life throws at you.
