Get The Best Deals on New Tires

When do you need to buy new tires, and what type of tires do you need? Find out all you need to know about new tire shopping.

There are multiple factors that go into operating a vehicle. Safety is certainly a top priority for any driver. According to several sources, including the popular publication Reader's Digest, it is vital for safety that any vehicle has good tires. Tires are to your vehicle what a foundation is to a house. Without that foundation, the vehicle cannot possibly function with any degree of efficiency or safety. After all, no vehicle can maneuver well over different types of terrain or in different weather conditions with bald, flat, or otherwise damaged tires. Using the wrong type of tires is also problematic, even if the tires you are using are in relatively good condition.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes that selecting the proper tires when you need new ones is essential. However, new tires are often expensive. There are also many different tire types and sizes on today's market. Determining the exact tires you need is sometimes difficult. Similarly, finding the best deals on new tires is a challenge. Often, they are quite expensive. Here are some tips for tire selection and buying the tires you need without breaking your budget.

Purchasing New Tires for Scheduled Reasons

In the tire industry, there are known standards for tire replacement. The typical professional recommendation is that you at least replace your tires 10 years after the production date. However, tire replacement is preferred after no longer than six years from that date. You can find a production date marked on any tire. Often, that date is so specific that it even includes the week of production. 

Another scheduled reason to replace tires is the changing of the seasons. It is important to have season-appropriate tires, particularly if you live in a geographic location with drastic weather changes at different times of year. For example, New England drivers often require winter tires for driving in snowy weather. However, in that instance you do not need to get rid of the old tires. You can store them away until the season changes again.

Purchasing New Tires for Other Reasons

The changing of seasons and passing of years are not the only reasons you may need to purchase new tires. There are several situations that may arise requiring you to replace the tires you have. Here are some examples:

• Tread wear is a leading reason to replace tires. The best way to test your tire tread is with a quarter or a penny. If too much of the quarter is showing when it is stuck into the tread  of a tire, start looking for new tires soon. Too much of a penny showing means the tire is already unsafe.

• Obvious damage is another reason to replace a tire. If  your tire is always losing air pressure or is totally flat, get a new one.

• Difficulty braking can sometimes indicate your tires do not have enough tread to safely grip the roadway. Therefore, it can be a sign that the tires need replacement.

• Another reason to buy a new tire is if you are already buying another new tire. Generally, it is a bad idea to replace one tire at a time. Replacing tires in pairs or replacing all four at once is recommended for safety.

Types of Tires

Tires come in many brands and sizes. Yet, they all fall in one of several basic categories. Understanding those categories can help you determine which new tires you need. They are: 

• Winter Tires – Winter tires are designed for traveling in heavy snow. Therefore, you only need them if you live in or plan to drive through areas with cold, snowy weather.

• Summer Tires – Summer tires are generally cheaper than winter tires, but they are also not as resilient and durable. They are best used in warmer climates on clear roads.'

• All-Season Tires – All-season tires perform moderately well in all seasons and are also useful for driving in moderately muddy conditions.

• All-Terrain Tires – All-terrain tires are best for off-road travel. 

Purchasing the Same Versus Different Tires

Tires produced by different companies vary in strengths, weaknesses, and general composition. According to U.S. News and World Report, before you buy new tires, you must determine if you liked the old tires. You may have found the old tires too loud, not as responsive as you wanted, or otherwise lacking. If so try purchasing a different brand. If your old tires were ideal when they were new, replace them with the same brand for easy tire shopping.

How to Tell What Tire Size You Need

Proper tire size is essential for any vehicle. The tires help to distribute the weight load evenly as you drive. Tires that are the wrong size can negatively impact the vehicle's efficiency. They can also rub on other parts of the car, causing excess wear and additional safety hazards. 

You cannot assume the size of the tires you are replacing is the size of the tires you need. There are many reasons not to trust the size of the existing tires as a guide. For example, if you buy a used vehicle you cannot know if the tires already on it are the right size. You may also opt to upgrade the size of the wheels on your vehicle, in which case you need a different tire size. Depending on the situation, you may need to check the tire information listed in the vehicle's manual or consult the experts at the location where you want to purchase new tires.

How to Save Money on Your New Tires

When you are ready to buy new tires, shopping around for tires at regular price is not always useful. Often, the regular price of a certain tire remains fairly constant, regardless of which retailer sells it. However, you can save money on new tires by looking for sales offered by retailers, manufacturer's discounts, and other promotional deals. If you can wait to buy new tires until Black Friday, you may also find exceptional tire discounts. Just Tires is one that offers up to $200 off on select tires and PepBoys offers a buy two tires get two deal. Additionally, much of the cost of new tires comes from the installation fee. Reduce that fee by getting your tires installed at a location that offers the service for a low rate. Walmart is one of the least expensive locations offering new tire installation. You can even have tires installed there without actually purchasing them from Walmart.