When Should You Buy New Tires and How to Pick the Right Ones
It can be hard to tell when tires need to be replaced because they wear down slowly. A lot of drivers wait until something goes wrong, but by then, safety is already at risk. The NHTSA says that tire problems caused about 646 deaths on U.S. roads in 2023. Old, worn, or damaged tires make it harder to stop, increase the distance needed to stop, and make blowouts more likely, especially when it’s wet or cold.
You can save money and be safer on the road by knowing when to get new tires and how to pick the right ones. Once you know a few important things to look for and how to choose, buying new tires doesn’t have to be hard. Before making their next purchase, every driver should know the following.
Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Tires
Looking at the tread depth is the best way to tell how worn your tires are. There are small raised bars in the grooves of tires that show how much tread is left. If the tread surface is even with these bars, the tire is no longer safe to use and should be replaced right away.
You can also do the quarter test at home. Put a quarter in the tread with Washington’s head facing you and the other way around. You should start looking for new tires if you can see the top of his head and there is less than 4/32 of an inch of tread left.
In addition to tread wear, keep an eye out for these physical warning signs:
- Cracks or cuts on the side of the wall
- Bumps or blisters on the tire’s surface
- Tread wear that is very bad or uneven across the tire
- Air pressure drops a lot
Any of these signs of structural damage means that the tire needs to be replaced right away, no matter how deep the tread is.
Do Not Ignore Tire Age
Rubber wears out over time, even if your tires look fine. On the sidewall of each tire is a four-digit DOT date code that tells you when it was made. The first two numbers show the week, and the last two show the year. For instance, “1522” means that the tire was made in the 15th week of 2022.
The U.S. Department of Transportation and most tire makers say that tires should be checked every six years. NHTSA says that tires that are ten years old should be replaced no matter how much tread is left or how they look. Over time, heat, sunlight, and how rubber is stored all speed up its breakdown.
How to Pick the Right Tires
Check the tire information placard on the door jamb on the driver’s side first. It tells you the right size, type, and recommended inflation pressure for your car’s tires. You can also find this in the manual that came with your car. When you buy replacements, make sure they always match these specs.
Next, think about the weather and the roads you drive on. Moderate climates with light rain and cool weather every now and then are good for all-season tires. All-weather tires can handle light to moderate snow and can be used all year round. If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, winter tires are the best choice. The type you choose for your environment has a direct effect on safety and how long the tires last.
You should also look at the load index and speed rating, which are both printed on the side of the tire. These should be equal to or higher than the ratings that your car’s manufacturer suggests. Putting on tires that don’t meet the required ratings can change how the car handles, stops, and is overall safe.
Best Time to Buy for the Best Deals
If you buy at the right time, you can save a lot of money. During the months when the seasons change, tire stores usually have sales:
- Winter tire clearance sales happen from March to April.
- October to November is the time to buy summer tires at a discount.
There are also great sales and manufacturer rebates on major holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. If you plan your purchase around these times, you can get better tires at a lower price without sacrificing safety.
Making a Confident Purchase
Two of the easiest ways to stay safe on the road are to change your tires at the right time and pick the right set for your car. To get the best deal, pay attention to the tread depth, check the age of the tires, make sure they fit your needs, and shop during seasonal sales. A little planning before you buy can help keep you and your family safe on the road.
The post When Should You Buy New Tires and How to Pick the Right Ones appeared first on BNO News.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
