Making smart tire replacement choices can save you money in the long run
You think you need new tires, but you aren’t sure where to start. Unless you’re a car person, or you’re rich enough to change your car out every 2 years, nearly everyone has been in this situation. Luckily, you don’t have to be a trained mechanic to know when to head to your auto-shop or dealership to change your tires. Just follow some of the advice below, use your common sense and, if your tires are old or worn, don’t hesitate to get them replaced. Your car and your wallet will thank you later!
Ensure that you really need fresh tires before making the choice to buy
In today’s world, getting new tires is a costly endeavor– and with the average set of 4 tires costing $637 to replace, you should make sure you really need them before you open up your wallet. Usually, you can do this with a quick visual check. Make sure to look for signs of damage including cracking, wear, bulges, or discoloration. If any of these can be prominently seen on your tires, it’s probably time for a new set. Additionally, if your tires work well, but are a decade or more old, it’s also a good idea to change them out since the rubber can break down over time, sometimes leading to sudden damage and even accidents.
Make sure that any tire problems aren’t the result of other issues with your car
If you’re considering getting new tires because your current tires have worn unevenly, it could be a sign of a bigger problem with your vehicle. For example, uneven wear on your tires could be the result of alignment or suspension problems. Putting new tires on a car with alignment or suspension issues could be a huge waste of money, as it will often quickly damage the new tires, meaning that you’ll need another set of replacement tires very soon. So, if you think that suspension or drivetrain problems are causing your tires to wear improperly, you should definitely consult a mechanic before making any major choices regarding your vehicle.
Consider also replacing your wheels if they’re worn or damaged
If your wheels are worn or damaged and you’re about to buy new tires, it could be a great time to replace your wheels as well. However, if you do choose to purchase new wheels, it’s a good idea to attempt to find wheels that are nearly identical (or as close as possible) in size to the manufacturer’s originals. Getting wheels that don’t fit your vehicle’s original specifications, especially if you purchase oversize wheels, could negatively affect your car’s handling and even lead to long-term damage in some situations.
If you can afford it, always buy a full, matching set of tires
For car owners on a budget (i.e. most of us) it can be easier, faster, and cheaper to simply purchase and replace the tires that are most worn or damaged, however, this may have long-term consequences for your vehicle. Modern car suspensions usually work best with a matching set of tires– so getting a matching set can improve both long-term safety and handling for your car. Plus, it may be harder to maintain (and to know when to replace) your tires if they’re mismatched.
Make sure to take this opportunity check your spare tire and replace it if needed
Your spare tire is like a life jacket. It’s inexpensive, you almost never think about it, but when you need it, you sometimes wish you had more than one. If you’ve ever successfully used a spare tire, you know just how helpful they can be in a tough roadside situation. So, if you’ve recently used (and haven’t replaced) your spare tire, or you know that your current spare has been sitting in the back seat for more than a few years, you should highly consider getting a new one when you replace your tires. Doing so may add a few dollars to your overall bill, but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.
Do your research before replacing your tires in order to save money and maintain your vehicle
Whether you drive a 2001 Toyota or a 2017 Ferrari, keeping your tires in good condition is an essential part of smart car ownership. Doing so can help you avoid problems like accidents and suspension issues, while increasing your car’s performance and helping to prevent additional wear and tear. Most importantly, however, keeping your tires fresh can keep you stress-free when it comes to your car,knowing that you’ve done everything to keep your ride (and your passengers) safe.
To learn more about smart car ownership and other tips to save you and your family money, contact