(Family Features) Many drivers struggle with choosing the best tires for their vehicle and driving needs. For many, choosing a tire starts with the size and then they jump on what’s in stock or on sale. But when you need new tires for your car, truck or SUV, there are many factors to consider. Buying tires is an investment, so it’s important to make the right decision.
You might be surprised to learn that determining the best tires for you is as much about the driver as it is the vehicle. To choose the right tires, you need to consider where you drive, how you drive, and what you drive. You can explore these factors and more with Treadwell’s tire buying recommendation tool, based on 10 years of data and real-world testing results.
The tire recommendation tool combines tire safety checks and millions of data points from Discount Tire’s own test tracks, where exhaustive testing is performed on tires from all major manufacturers, as well as the driver’s location, vehicle and driving habits to generate a personalized tire recommendation selection from a range of brands.
With over 20,000 tire models available for the daily driver, it’s no wonder that buying tires can be a complicated process. But tools like these help drivers make informed choices while having access to the same information and expertise that tire technicians use in the store. The end result is that drivers are equipped with information and options tailored to their needs.
If you think it’s time to replace your tires, start with the Treadwell tool and consider these five expert tips from your local Discount Tire technicians to simplify the process.
Driving Style
The type of driver, the ride experience you desire, and how long you expect your tires to last all play a factor in choosing the right tires for you. For example, a thrill-seeking driver may prefer tires with more grip and responsiveness, while a driver who enjoys long-distance driving would be better off with tires that last longer and provide a smoother ride.
Weather conditions
The locations and weather you typically encounter while driving will affect the type of tires you need. For example, drivers in the Upper Midwest need tires that perform well in extremely cold and wintry weather, while drivers in humid climates like the Southeast need tires that can perform well in rainy weather.
budget
Buying tires is an investment. Drivers should consider the long-term cost of tires, not the upfront cost. In the long run, it may be more cost-effective to buy higher quality tires based on a variety of factors, including increased safety, improved handling and ride comfort, and cost per mile driven.
Vehicle Specifications
Tyre specifications vary depending on the type of car you own. For electric vehicles or vehicles that carry heavy loads, it is very important to know the weight your tyres can safely support. Only fit tyres that meet or exceed the load requirements for your ride.
Wear and aging
The two most important considerations when replacing tires are tread depth and tire lifespan.
The tread depth of your tires directly affects your vehicle’s stopping ability. A tire is at the end of its life when it has 4/32″ of tread left. However, even if there is still tread remaining, your tire’s performance may decrease, especially in rainy or inclement weather.
When replacing tires, you should also take into account their age: experts recommend replacing tires that are more than six years old from their manufacturing date, as the materials used degrade over time.
To access the tool and complete the online survey to determine which tires are best for you, visit DiscountTire.com/Treadwell.
sauce:
Discount Tires
