Before You Buy a Tire
All tires wear out. Even good ones. Some consumers purchase tires quickly without thinking about the different characteristics unique to each type of tire, and then get stuck with tires that aren't the best match for their vehicle and driving habits.
The tires you choose today are a critical factor in the quality of your overall driving experience--and you'll live with that choice for several years. Whatever type of vehicle you drive, tires make a big difference in how your vehicle feels, and how it handles. Tires steer your car and brake your car, affect your comfort and even your fuel economy. Purchasing tires is a decision that should not be made without doing some homework.
Facts to Know Before You Buy
- What is the year, make and model of your vehicle?
This information gives your Superior Tire Advisor an idea of what type of tire will perform best and look the best on your car. - What is the brand, model, size, and type of your current tires?
Just look at the side of your tires. Always consult your owner's manual and with your retailer before purchasing new tire(s). If your current tires did not come with the car when it was new, be sure to check all four tires and make sure they are the same. A previous owner may have been less knowledgeable about tires than you. (For example: Bridgestone Turanza EL41 P205/60r16 91V blackwall) - Do you like your current tires? Do you like the way your tires make your car feel and sound? Or how they make your car look? What would you like to change?
Make a list of the things you like and dislike about your current tires. This will help guide us both to the tire that best meets your needs. - What do you want from your tires when you are driving? Do you want a soft, comfortable ride, or do you want a tire that has been built to harness your sports car's capabilities?
You may want both, but that is difficult to achieve. A tire that is designed for ride comfort will not handle as crisply as a performance tire, and a performance tire will not ride as comfortably as a tire designed for comfort. - What weather conditions do you normally drive in all year round? Are the roads mostly dry, or are they usually wet (all-season tires)? Do you drive in much snow? If so, is it deep or just light snow ? Where do you do your driving? Do you drive mostly around town or on highways? Frequently on gravel, or on dirt roads?
The answer to these questions can point us both to the most appropriate and cost-effective tire for your needs. - How do you want your car to look?
There are several "cosmetic" options for tires: Blackwall tires, whitewalls, raised white letters and outline white letters. - What kind of warranties do you want, or are available?
Many manufacturers offer limited warranties which cover you from faulty workmanship and product defects. Superior Tire & Auto Centres also offer our exclusive Tire Protection Plan for a small additional cost. This warranty covers your tire if a foreign object cuts or punctures it and just about everything else. Any of our Superior Advisors can explain warranty details and limitations on different tires. - How much do you want to spend?
Once you know the answers to these first few questions, you're ready to consider price. We will be able to show you various price options for tires that meet your driving needs. We'll assure you of a competitive price and the best values in service and product. - Know what you're getting for the price. Be sure the price of the tire, tax, disposal fees, mounting and balancing are all included in your estimate before agreeing to purchase the tire(s).
- Do they torque your wheels?
Torquing of each lug nut is vital to proper attachment to the hub or brake disk. Proper torquing is done with a special wrench that exerts just the right tightness to the nuts. By doing this, you can remove them in an emergency, and more important, your brake disks won't distort causing an annoying, if not dangerous, brake "wobble". - Changing brands or types of tires.
All new cars are sold with tires that are specified for the car by its manufacturer. You may hear someone refer to these tires as original equipment or "OE." Although these tires are placed on your car by the manufacturer, it does not mean they are the only tires that will meet your driving needs. In fact, if you own an import car, it may be difficult to find the exact OE tire for your car. Superior Tire & Auto Centres have conversion charts that easily guide you in selecting the appropriate replacement tire. - New Tires to the Rear.
If you are buying only two tires instead of a complete set, it is best to have them mounted on the rear axle of your car. This will help reduce the potential for your vehicle to fishtail or hydroplane in wet conditions. - Don't Mix and Match.
If you have to replace a single tire, make sure it's the same size and construction (radial or bias) as the other tire on that axle. (Tire manufacturers do use different materials and methods of construction, so mixing brands may cause irregular wear and handling problems.
