Think about something. Your car’s tires are the only part of the vehicle that ever touches the ground… hopefully. That means your tires are all that stands between you and the bumps, potholes, rocks, cracks, glass and other debris that your car drives over regularly. In other words, they’re a pretty important part of your vehicle’s safety equipment. But if you’ve ever been into one of those bargain tire stores, you’ve probably been overwhelmed at the sheer number of tires available from dozens of manufacturers and in hundreds of sizes and styles.
Your friends here at Athens Ford are out to make shopping for quality tires as easy as possible for our valued customers. We have tires to fit practically any vehicle imaginable, and can recommend just the right ones for you. But we also believe that an informed driver makes better decisions, which is why we take the time to share tire tips with our customers who are interested. In that light, here are 5 things to consider when shopping for new tires.
- Understanding the sizes and types of tires. The letters and numbers on the side of your car’s tires tell you exactly what size and type of tire it is. For example, if your tire code is P225/65R17 that means it is meant for a passenger car (P), is 225 millimeters wide, has a sidewall height that is 65% of that width, is a radial tire (R), and fits on a rim that is 17 inches in diameter. Other numbers on the tire will tell you the load or weight capacity of the tires, the speed rating, the traction rating, whether it is specially designed for driving in rain or snow, etc.
- Choose the right tires for your vehicle, driving style and conditions. The numbers and ratings on your tires are specified by the manufacturer for your particular car, truck or SUV, and you should usually follow these recommendations. Sometimes however, there is a reason you might want to choose a tire with slightly different ratings. For example, if you plan to haul heavy loads with your Ford F-250, you might choose tires with a higher load rating like an XL (extra load). Or, if you want tires with a higher speed rating for your Ford Mustang GT, you can choose a W or Y rated tire that is capable of speeds in excess of 170 MPH.
- About tire tread. The tread of a tire makes all the difference in how it performs under certain conditions. A heavy-lugged truck tire for example will perform better in mud than a low-profile performance car tire. Directional tread tires usually have large grooves and a V-shaped pattern that channels water away from the tire for top performance in wet conditions. Symmetrical tread tires have the same pattern across the entire width of the tire, and are longer lasting tires for general use. Asymmetrical tread tires are for high performance cars that need maximum grip in wet and dry conditions.
- Balancing fuel economy and performance. Did you know the type of tire you select can mean a 15 to 20 percent difference in fuel economy? Generally speaking, symmetrical tread tires with low rolling resistance offer the best fuel economy. Performance tires that are wider and have more surface area touching the road will have poorer fuel economy. Whichever type of tire you choose, don’t forget that maintaining proper tire pressure will also give your car the best fuel economy.
- Replace all tires at the same time. We know it can sometimes be tempting to save money by only replacing the tires that are worn the most. However, this can result in lower tire lifespan, poor performance, uneven wear, and possibly suspension or steering component wear. It is far better and ultimately more cost-effective to replace all tires at the same time.
When it comes time to replace your tires, we recommend that you talk to someone that knows your car and understands the driving conditions here in Northeast Georgia. The knowledgeable team here at Athens Ford knows the manufacturer recommended tires for your car, and can make the most informed recommendation for your driving style and conditions.
Here at Athens Ford we’ve also got our Low Price Tire Guarantee. Shop Ford recommended tires right here. If you find the identical tire advertised for less within 30 days of your purchase, we’ll beat the price.
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