Tires are one of the most important safety features of a car. It is important that your car has good tires so that they have good contact with the road surface. The ABS system also depends on the tires. When you start driving with worn tires or with too low tire pressure, you are putting the safety of yourself and your passengers at risk. This article contains 5 things every driver should know about buying tires.
Band code
Each tire has a code on the sidewall, for example P195 / 60 R16 63H M + S. P stands for the tire type, the number after P for the tread in millimeters, the second number (60) stands for the facet ratio of the sidewall to width. R stands for the radial construction of the tire. 16 stands for the rim diameter in inches. 63H is the tire load and the speed symbol, M and S means that the tire is suitable for all seasons.
Where to buy tires?
Where should you buy your tires now? It is advisable to buy tires from a local tire center, which can offer you tires at a reasonably competitive price. A tire center can also help you choose the right tire that meets your needs. It is also possible to buy tires online, the disadvantage is that you do not have any help for mounting and balancing the tires. You still have to visit the local tire center afterwards for mounting and balancing.
Buy new or used tires?
It is well known that a second-hand tire is much cheaper than a new one. The disadvantage of a used tire is that some may not be safe, after all you never know what has already happened to it. Used tires can have tread defects and wear. For your own safety it is best to go for new tires, they always have a certain warranty period.
Buy tires with a larger diameter
Many people buy larger diameter wheels to enhance the look of the car. These larger wheels also improve handling and steering. If you want to mount larger wheels on your car, you should check whether these wheels have the same load capacity as the original ones, larger wheels can also cause problems for the annual vehicle inspection. Before purchasing other wheels, you should therefore inquire whether it is legal to mount them on your car.
Economic tires save fuel
There are various eco-tires (economic tires) available on the market. These types of tires ensure a lower rolling resistance, so that your car will use less. Fuel consumption can easily be reduced by up to 15 percent with these special tires. Fuel consumption is also related to tire pressure, so check it regularly. The exact tire pressure of your car can always be found in the instruction booklet of the car.
These 5 tips can help you make informed decisions when buying new tires.