Tires 101 What You Need to Know

Tires…they get you where you need to go, but they don’t last forever! Naturally, you need to know as much about them as you can before it’s time to choose new ones. You don’t want to be at the shop already when you realize you don’t really know anything about tires! We are here to help clear up some of the misinformation about tires and give you the vital information you need.

The general consensus is that tires should be replaced about every six years, but that calculation assumes that you drive an average of 10,000 to 12,500 miles per year. It is better to decide to purchase new tires based on the actual number of miles you have driven on your old tires. Most experts recommend 60,000 to 75,000 maximum miles before replacing your tires.

Tires take a lot of wear and tear and should always be treated with respect, regardless of the type you choose for your vehicle. Remember, your tires have an impact on your driving performance and how well the automobile drives. When you first got your present tires, they were probably “standard” tires. These are well-balanced tires that can adequately handle a wide variety of road conditions. In most cases, these are the type of tires that drivers will need.

In some areas of the country, drivers require “snow” tires. These tires have a more significant tread and provide optimum grip during slippery road conditions. If you live in an area where you have to drive on ice and snow, then snow tires are for you. Snow tires are not necessarily a year-round situation, so you would need standard tires, as well.

By Linda Sutherland

Remember that tire pressure changes. In the winter, cold temperatures can lower air pressure. In the summer, warm weather increases tire pressure. Checking tire pressure is simple—your mechanic can show you how.

Experts recommend that you rotate your tires every 5,000 miles to extend their life expectancy. You should have your wheels balanced when you have them rotated. Tire balancing ensures that all the tires are supporting a vehicle’s weight equally. Experts also recommend having your tires aligned every six months.

Buying tires is not as complicated as it sounds, but attention must be paid to making sure you purchase quality tires.

If you happen to be a sports car fan, you probably are familiar with “summer” tires. These tires are hyper-sensitive to temperature and are not recommended for use when temperatures are likely to fall below forty degrees.

I have always wondered if you need to replace all four tires—or can you get by with just changing out one or two? According to vehicle manufacturers, you should replace all four tires at the same time. There is a reason for this…tires at different stages of wear do not spin at the same rate. This is especially important if your automobile has all-wheel drive. Realistically, cars with front-wheel drive can have two replaced at a time. However, make sure that the new tires are placed on the rear wheels and the older tires go in the front.

What measures can you take to extend the life of your tires? Most importantly, check your tire pressure monthly. Incorrect air pressure can cause sluggish handling, increase stopping distance, and increase wear and tear in general.

If a newer tire is damaged, it may be possible to repair it. Let’s say you get a sudden puncture wound from a nail. If the tire puncture is in the tread area, the tire can probably be repaired. However, if the puncture is in the sidewall or shoulder of the tire, you need to replace the tire. Just a reminder: sealants for a tire are only meant for a temporary fix, not a permanent fix. Sealants should never be used for long-term repair. Sometimes, you just have to accept that you need new tires. You can use an official tread depth indicator to determine when your tires need to be replaced. You can find these devices at automotive stores or even hardware stores.

What are the pros and cons of inflating tires with nitrogen? Nitrogen escapes from a tire more slowly than air. It can keep your tire pressure more consistent and can actually reduce wear and tear on the tire. However, it is more expensive than air. You cannot put normal air in your tires once you start using nitrogen, so maintaining nitrogen-filled tires can take a little more work or professional help.

Buying tires is not as complicated as it sounds, but attention must be paid to making sure you purchase quality tires. Safety, of course, is the first quality of good tires. Do not ignore the maintenance and upkeep of your tires! They need attention to stay in tip-top shape.

Sources for this article included: drivingline.com, nerdwallet.com, and quora.com.