What to Know When Buying Tires Online

Tires are one of the most frequently replaced parts on a car, but dealing with a pushy tire salesperson can often be a dreadful experience. As a result, purchasing online tires has become a more convenient option for consumers.

But when buying tires online there are several things you need to know so that you can make the right decision for yourself.

·        When to buy

The amount of tread that is left on your current tires will generally determine whether or not you need to buy new ones.  Your future tire strategy can also be a factor. If your tires have more than 4/32nds of an inch of tread left, those tires may be fine to still use. If the tires are worn down to 2/32nds of an inch and you notice degraded grip and poor ride quality, you’ll want to change your tires as soon as possible. An old trick is to measure the depth of your tire tread by using a penny. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it is time to start searching for new tires.

·        Quantity of tires needing replacement

While it is widely recommended that you change all four of your tires at the same time, this is not always financially possible. If you haven’t rotated your tires, the front ones might be more worn than the rear ones. If you need to only replace half of your tires, doing so with an exact match of tire brand and style as the other two could be your best option.

·        Type of tires

The climate of where you live can drastically affect the type of tires you want to buy for your vehicle. In southern states that tend to deal with wet, hot roads in the summer, purchasing summer tires will typically give you the best handling. In northern states with more seasonal weather, consumers will have to choose between all-season and winter tires, which should be based on the winter temperature range in your area. If the temperature regularly falls below 40 degrees, winter tires will provide better handling.

·        Tire size

Tire size is more than just the dimensions of the tire. Speed rating and load range are both factors, as well. Many times these measurements are printed in the rubber on the side of the tire. You always want to make sure that the speed rating and loading range of the tires you’re purchasing are equal to that of the tires you’re replacing.

·        Your budget

The price of purchasing online tires can vary drastically. Depending on your needs, a single tire can cost as much as $700 or as little as $50. Factors that affect a tire’s price are brand name, features, benefits, and the country it was manufactured in.