If you want your car to stay safe and handle well, you need to choose the right tires. This is an important step, but it can also be overwhelming.
Today, there are hundreds of different tires on the market. They come in all different types and price ranges, and choosing between them can feel stressful and confusing.
Fortunately, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll help you choose the right tires for your car – no matter what kind of driving you do.
How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Car: 5 Smart Tips
Whether you drive a car, truck, or SUV, your tires are your car’s primary point of contact with the road. Because of that, choosing safe, durable, high-quality tires is critical.
Here are our five top tips for selecting the right tires for your daily driver:
1. Consider the type and size of the vehicle
As you shop for tires, your first consideration should be the size. Tires have their sizes printed on the sidewall, and choosing a tire that’s the right size for your car or truck is essential. Tire size impacts the tire’s handling and makes your car safer and more enjoyable to drive.
Most cars and trucks have several possible tire sizes. Larger tire sizes tend to provide more road grip since they increase contact with the pavement. Larger tires are also more expensive, though, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
If you’re not sure what size tire you need, check the owner’s manual or the driver’s side door jamb. You can also work with an expert mechanic who can recommend the correct tire size.
2. Think about your preferred driving conditions
Now that you know which tire size your car or truck needs, think about what kind of driving you do most frequently. For example, do you drive in the city or on rural country roads? Do you ever encounter snow or ice?
How frequently do you drive on wet roads? Modern tires are designed for many different driving conditions, and choosing a tire that suits your environment and driving habits is essential.
For example, if you only drive in town, you might be a good candidate for a performance tire designed for everyday driving. If you frequently drive on rough country roads, on the other hand, you should invest in durable, heavy-duty all-terrain or all-season tires, which can conquer gravel and dirt easily.
3. Consider the price of various brands
Once you’ve decided on the size and type of tire you need, we recommend comparing prices for different brands. Tires can be expensive, and choosing the brand that suits your budget is essential. While buying good-quality tires is necessary, you don’t want to break the budget.
At DeBroux Automotive, we primarily sell Cooper Tires since we believe they’re the most affordable and the best quality for most drivers.
However, we also sell other brands like Michelin, BF Goodrich, Falken, General, Hankook, Nitto, and Toyo, among others. Each of these tires has a unique price point, so we can work with you to find one that suits your budget.
4. Tread depth
Most new tires have an average tread depth of about 8-9 millimeters. However, certain types of tires, like all-terrain tires, may have deeper starting tread depth. This allows the tires to handle dirt, uneven roads, and rocks easily.
Talk to a local mechanic if you’re unsure what kind of tread depth is best for your car and ideal driving conditions. They’ll be able to help you choose the correct tread depth for your vehicle and understand how to recognize when the tread depth is wearing down.
5. Consider the reputation of the tire brand you’re choosing
Lastly, make sure you’re buying tires from a reputable, high-quality brand.
Today, it’s easy to purchase cheap tires from cheap brands, but these won’t hold up to wear and tear or provide the same safety rating as higher-quality tires.
Remember that you get what you pay for – especially regarding tires!
How to Know When You Need New Tires
Do you need new tires or not?
Here are a few wear indicators our Pensacola auto repair experts recommend watching out for:
- Worn tread. Tires that are safe to drive should have a tire tread depth of at least 2/32”. You can check your tire tread depth with a tread depth gauge or look at the wear indicators that most tire brands build into their tires (they look like bars across the tire tread).
- Uneven wear. If your tire tread has worn unevenly, it could mean that your tires are improperly aligned or balanced or that your car has a problem with its suspension or steering. Over time, the uneven wear could lead to bulging, blow-out risk, poor handling, or reduced tire life.
- Vibration. If your car vibrates while you drive, it could indicate that your tires are out of balance or nearing the end of their life. Any vibration while driving is a surefire sign that you should visit your mechanic immediately.
- Age. Tires usually last about 4 to 6 years, but some environmental conditions (or lots of driving) can shorten that lifespan. If your tires are nearing six years old, it’s probably time to replace your tires.
- Hydroplaning. If your car is hydroplaning on wet roads, it could be a sign that the tire tread is worn out. When the tread decreases, the tires won’t channel water away from the road surface any longer, and you need new tires immediately.
DeBroux Automotive: Your Source for New Tires in Pensacola
Shopping for tires and trying to figure out where to start? The team here at DeBroux Automotive can help you choose the right tires for your driving needs.
We carry various tires from reputable brands, such as Cooper and Hankook. We’ll help you find the best options for your needs.
Ready to learn more? Contact our tire sales and service department to talk with our techs. Or visit us today to start your tire-buying journey!