7 Things to Know Before Going To The Tire Shop

Tires are one of the most important parts of your car, truck, or SUV. Connecting your car to the road, tires play a key role in how well your vehicle rides and performs. Choosing the right tires is important for safety, performance, and getting the best out of your car in any weather and road condition. When it comes time to shop for tires, your local tire shop, like McCluskey Chevy, will be able to guide you in your shopping. Before you head to your local tire shop, here are seven things you should know about buying the right tires for your car, truck, or SUV.

#1. Size

One of the biggest mistakes drivers make when they buy tires is that they purchase the wrong size tires for their car, truck, or SUV. Depending on what kind of vehicle you have and considering its make and model, you will need to choose the appropriate size tire according to these points. Some online tire shops will have a size selection tool where you can enter the details of your vehicle, such as make, model, trim, ect., and the tool can tell you what size tire is the best for your vehicle. Other drivers may choose to head over to their local tire shop and talk in person with one of the shop’s customer service professionals who can check out all of the vehicle’s stats and choose the right size tires.

#2. Performance Ratings

Tires receive ratings for different aspects. There is a rating for the maximum speed that is recommended for that particular tire. This is very important for all drivers, but especially for those who frequently deal with highway miles where a vehicle is often traveling at a higher rate of speed, rather than city driving where you’ll be stopping and going more frequently. There is also a rating for the load carrying ability a tire has. This is key for consumers who drive trucks that are intended to tow and haul heavy loads. A tire that does not have a high enough load-carrying rating will not perform properly when overburdened with onboard cargo or towing cargo. Drivers should take careful note of the tire ratings when they are shopping for new tires, but a dependable dealership like McCluskey Chevy will aid you in this part of the process.

# 3. Traction

Above all the ratings and sizes of tires, a tire’s traction is the most applicable and relevant to the safety of the car, truck, or SUV. Drivers must look at and ask about their tire’s traction if they want to get the most safety advantages out of their tires. Your local tire shop will be able to tell you the traction rating of a particular tire that you may be interested in purchasing. Drivers who live in colder or northern climates may want to consider buying a separate set of Winter tires for driving in snowy and icy conditions. If weather concerns of this nature are not a concern where you live, you can most likely get away with a great quality set of all-season tires.

#4. When to Buy

Believe it or not, there is a good and bad time of the year to buy tires. The science behind this idea is that as the tires age, different types of traction increase and decrease over time. When tires wear, they will not operate as they do in dry weather and become less effective in wet and snowy conditions. So when is the best season or time of the year to buy tires? Experts say it is most advantageous to purchase tires in the Fall rather than in the Spring to get the most out of a tire purchase. Drivers will often find sales at their local tire shop in Spring and Fall, as drivers prepare for Summer traveling and Winter season snowy and icy weather driving. Drivers can take advantage of better pricing and buy at the best time of year when they see themselves ready to purchase new tires in the Fall.

#5. Fuel Economy

Every driver wants to get the most out of their vehicle’s gas tank. Fuel efficiency is of huge importance in today’s economy with outrageous gas prices. Some people might not realize that one of the biggest contributors to a vehicle getting a better fuel economy are the tires you choose. How do tires affect fuel economy? For starters, the easiest thing drivers can do is to make sure that their tires are inflated to the proper pressure. Low tire pressure can decrease any vehicles fuel economy. Gas mileage is such a major concern now that many tires now come with a fuel economy rating on them. Rolling resistance is the most prominent way that tires affect gas mileage of a vehicle and regulating and maintaining the correct tire pressure is key to this.

#6. Vehicle Function

There Are so many different ways that we use our cars, trucks, and SUVs. Each type of vehicle and usage requires a specific kind of tire to make it run smoothly. If you use your vehicle mostly for commuting there are tires that will allow you to make the most out of your ride to work every day by giving you a smooth ride as well as the best possible fuel economy. Large trucks and SUV’s will require larger tires. These tires will often give your vehicle a more aggressive look, something most drivers of these types of vehicles will appreciate. Those who off-road will want to look into dual-purpose tires that can handle tough, off-road conditions, like mud, steep hills, bumps, and rugged gravel, as well as on-road conditions. Your local tire shop can help you choose the tire that is right for you. You may also want to consider a special tire for your vehicle if it is custom or a vintage model. Getting a tire that fits its customization, or its vintage year will keep your vehicle in great resale condition.

#7. Consider Savings

Of course all drivers want to save money when they are purchasing tires. Drivers who buy a full set of tires will often be pleasantly surprised to know that many manufacturers will offer a discount to those drivers who buy a full set of four tires. Shops will also help you feel great about the value and sustained quality of your tire purchase by offering free tire rotation and balancing. Check with your local tire shop and check on what sales and incentives they may have on tires.

Visit Your Local Tire Shop at McCluskey Chevy Today!

Buying the right tires can save you on gas by increasing the fuel economy of your vehicle, make your vehicle safer, and give you the very best handling in any weather conditions. Tires are an investment but with the help of a reputable and affordable tire shop like McCluskey Chevy, finding the right tires at the best price is easy. When you are ready to buy new tires for your car, truck, or SUV head over to McCluskey Chevy to get the best info and the best deal on the perfect tires, no matter what your tire needs may be.