If you’re like most drivers, your knowledge about vehicle tires is limited. However, when it comes time to replace the tires on your car or truck, knowledge is power. Before you go tire shopping, take time to evaluate your driving habits, the environmental conditions your tires likely will be subjected to and your budget. The adage, “you get what you pay for,” certainly applies to tires. Sure, even the cheapest tires will suffice to get you from point A to point B, but skimping on quality will affect your ride quality and, more importantly, your ability to adeptly handle your vehicle.
Since choosing the right tire improves the ride and handling of your car, it’s in your best interest to select wisely. Before you tire shop, you’ll need to know the basic tire specifications for your vehicle, such as tire type, size, speed rating and load capacity, for example. (Consult our blog posts, “How to Tire Shop - Steps 1 and 2” for specifics.) Beyond these basics, know which of the following tires best suit your driving habits.
Your ideal tires will depend on your percentage of highway driving versus more aggressive driving conditions. If your priority is to achieve outstanding comfort and handling, touring tires may be your best option. If you drive a sports car and wish to maximize performance, high-performance tires fit the bill. If you drive an SUV, begin your search in the SUV tire section. Many drivers who have trucks, prefer all terrain tires for better traction in different driving conditions.
One of the most puzzling predicaments many tire shoppers face is whether they need snow or winter tires. Contrary to popular belief, there is a difference between snow tires and winter tires. That difference has to do with traction. Winter tires feature a knobby exterior tread designed to power through slushy mud and snow. Snow tires (you’ll see a snowflake symbol on a tire’s sidewall) have been certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials to achieve superior scores on traction tests. (Snow tires’ traction scores are 110-plus as compared to 100 scores for all-purpose tires.) This extra traction is especially beneficial when driving in severe winter weather characterized by slick, packed snow. Do you need snow tires or winter tires? That depends on how much snow falls in your area and how long it stays on the ground. It is all determined by how cold it gets where you live.
If you’re located in Sussex County and will be buying new tires soon, contact us at DeBoer’s Auto. We’ll help you select the ideal tires for your car and driving habits, and sell them to you at the lowest available price. We also have Road Hazard Protection available.