When you are a car owner, purchasing new tires is crucial, as they are one of the most critical safety features on the vehicle. After the intimidating experience of buying a car, replacing your car’s tires is the last thing you want to repeat. Due to my mechanic father, I know how essential good tires are. It’s the only thing standing between you and the road. A good set of tires is needed for you and your family’s safety. Also, the proper inflation of tires reduces fuel consumption. Tread that is worn out can cause accidents. You may disagree, but I think buying a set of tires is as exciting as visiting the dentist. Making an appointment is the last thing you want to do. Despite knowing you need to make the purchase, you postpone it until the last minute.
Let’s remove the stress of buying new car tires by looking at what should be prioritized when buying new car tires.
Be Sure To Replace Your Tires At The Right Time
Being safe doesn’t require you to be an expert mechanic. Make sure you pay attention to your tires – all five of them! Yes, it’s essential to check your spare too. Are they damaged or worn? Can they pass the penny test? Put a coin into the tread of the tire with the head pointing toward the center. When the tire does not partially cover its head, you should replace it. Also, you should have your tires checked by a professional if you’re unsure of your results.
How To Decipher The Tire Codes
A common mistake made by consumers is not choosing the right tire. To do this, all you have to do is look at the code on your tire sidewall. It’sIt’s a combination of letters and numbers. They describe the tire’s dimensions, type, and performance.
The first three digits of the size refer to the tire width. For instance, my 2014 Ford Escape’s tire size is 235/45 R19 tire, measured from sidewall to sidewall it is 235 millimeters wide. A tire’s aspect ratio is the ratio of its height to its width.
A tire size’s aspect ratio is the two-digit number following the slash mark. If a tire has a length of 235/45 R19, the 45 indicates that the tire’s height is 45 percent of its width—the greater the aspect ratio, the larger the tire’s sidewall.
R in tire sizing refers to Radial, which means the layers run in radial motion across the tire. The wheel diameter is between one end and the other. In this case, the wheel being used is the size in which the tire is designed to fit. The 235/45 R19 tire is designed for wheels with a 19′′ diameter.
Even though it may sound a bit geeky, tire codes are essential when pricing your new tires since they are unique descriptors.
Which size do you need?
Ensure you check your owner’s manual or the placard on your driver’s side door jamb for recommended tire measurements. An example of the label will be as follows: P215/60R16 94T.
Its first part, P215/60R16, refers to the tire’s various measurements, such as its width and diameter. The 94 represents the load index, which measures how much weight each tire can support. Furthermore, the T is the tire’s speed rating, which relates to its maximum speed about the load index.
Although it’s recommended to match the tire’s size measurements, you have some flexibility with the load index and speed rating.
