What to Look for in Tires

Everyone should know how to buy tires for their vehicle.  Unless you change vehicles on a yearly basis you will probably be faced with the task of buying tires at some point in your life.  The task can be overwhelming due to the different sizes and types.  These steps will help you to make an informed decision and know what to look for in tires.

• Know your tire size - This can be found on the driver's door of your vehicle.  Here you will find your recommended tire size, your proper inflation and tire load limits.  Ensure that you maintain your tires at the proper inflation levels to get the best mileage out of your tires.


• Know what tires are recommended for your particular vehicle - Most tire stores can give you this information by looking into the computer.  Consider what type of tire that the manufacturer installed on the vehicle initially.


• Check your tires manufacture date - Rubber deteriorates as it gets older, causing it to dry out, crack and split.  By understanding and checking your tire manufacturing date you can ensure that the tires that are being mounted have not been sitting in a warehouse for years.  This is a required DOT code that can be found on the side of the tire. It should be a four digit number with the first two digits representing the week and the last two digits representing the year.  An example of this would be 8BP1209.  8BP would be the shift code for the factory that they were made at, but the 1209 would tell you that they were made during the twelfth week of 2009.  


• Understand the types of tire tread - The type of tire tread has a lot to do with how and where you drive.  Certain tread patterns funnel water better off the road, while others do better in snow. You may see these advertised as a rain tire or a snow tire.  This does not mean that they cannot be driven in other weather, it means that they should have a safer ride under these conditions.  If you do not have extended periods of extreme weather, consider an all-weather tire.


• Understand there is a fee to have your tires mounted and balanced - When pricing tires this number has to be calculated in the total price as this varies from dealer to dealer.  Always ask for a quote that will get you out of the door.  If you are going to buy your tires online or from a wholesaler that does not mount tires, first call and see what it will cost to have them mounted and calculate that in your final price.