Having the right tires on your vehicle is more important than most
may think. Although they are a vital component of car safety, their importance
is often overlooked. They are the only four things that connect your car to the
road and, without them, life-saving technologies like antilock brakes and
electronic stability control cannot do their jobs. Your safety and driving
enjoyment over the next few thousands of miles will be determined by the type
of tires you choose.
While tires are a crucial component of any vehicle, many
shoppers do not research before buying them. To help you in the process, we've
examined four of the most common questions regarding tires and provided our
professional feedback to help you.
1. What kind of tires
should I look for?
This will greatly depend on the type of vehicle you have and
driving conditions. A tire's first requirement is that it should be able to
carry the weight of your vehicle. Therefore, you want to make certain that your
new tire is designed for the type of car, truck or SUV you have. Also, any type
of replacement tires should meet the specifications of the original tires,
matching what is noted in your owner's manual.
2. Does the age of
the tires matter?
The age of the tires does matter, even if they are new. Tires
deteriorate naturally over time, and faster in hot climates. You should check
the age code of tires to ensure that you're not buying old ones. The age of
tires is noted as a four-digit number following a letter sequence beginning
with DOT, indicating the week and year it was manufactured. For example, 4009
means the 40th week of 2009.
3. Do I need summer
tires, winter tires, all-season tires?
This will depend greatly on the type of climate you live in
and the weather conditions that are common. Do you typically experience sunny
weather or colder weather? Do you drive only in sunshine or through rain and
snow as well? Do you drive your vehicle off the road on dirt? Each of these
driving conditions requires a different type of tire. If you experience a lot
of fluctuation in weather and/or temperature, getting multiple tires is
probably smart.
4. When should I
replace my tires?
According to most state laws, tires are considered legally
worn out when they have decreased to 2/32" of the remaining tread depth.
You can check if you need new tires by performing the "Penny Test."
Place a penny into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln's
head is covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32" of tread depth
remaining. Also, it's recommended that you replace your tires after six years,
regardless of their condition.
If you're shopping for new tires, check out our wide
selection at Tires By Web. While you're at it, check your rims and, if they
need replacing,
invest in
new American Racing Wheels products for sale today. If you have questions
about tires, feel free to contact us at:
800-576-1009.
Labels: New American Racing Wheels