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Learn What to Look for When Choosing Tires

The tires of your car are the only element that has contact with the road. Given their importance, Dwight Smith in Ann Arbor, MI shares tips on choosing tires for your vehicle in this post.

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Start Prioritizing Your Car's Tires

Everything in the vehicle relies on the four tires. They can do little for the car's movement if you don't have the right set or they are in poor condition. Modern vehicles' technology and safety elements won't help you get by if your tires are unfit for the road.

In this article, Dwight Smith offers several tips to help you choose the right tires to tackle the road. It all starts with knowing your needs and determining which tires suit them the best.

Assess Your Driving Needs and Demands

First, you should know that there is no such thing as the best tire. When choosing tires, the following factors will help you narrow your options to get to the right choice:

Everything will depend on your needs
The condition of the roads you drive on
The characteristics of your vehicle
Your driving style

The Tire Characteristics to Keep In Mind

Width
Height
Manufacturing type (Radial or Diagonal)
Tire radius
Load Index
Speed index
Maximum pressure

Determine Which Tires Fit the Car

The owner's manual includes the tire measurements and specs recommended for your vehicle. But, if you don't have this on hand, you can find these details on a label located on the driver's door frame or even in the fuel tank cap.

Let's discuss each tire's features so you can choose the right set.

Width

The width of the rim is measured over the rim's tread and expressed in millimeters. In general, the wider the tire, the greater comfort when driving. This width absorbs the road's irregularities, which makes them great for family vehicles.

The disadvantage of wide tires is that fuel consumption and the turning range will increase. That means you'll struggle to maneuver more with the steering wheel.

Height

All cars indeed support a specific height range. Tire height is measured at the rim's circumference, expressed as a width percentage. But there shouldn't be much of a difference from the manufacturer's specifics. In that case, you could go for one or two centimeters wider or half or one centimeter higher when choosing tires.

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Radial or Diagonal Tires

This factor expresses the way the tire is built. In short, radials are made with the inner wires running from the center of the tire out. So, the diagonals are made with internal wires perpendicular to each other.

If your vehicle was devised to move around urban areas, you might need radial tires. This design provides more durability in cars that carry small loads and don't speed up often. So, always go for radials if their composition fits your commute and lifestyle.

Tire Radius

The tire's radius relates to the rim's dimensions where it will rest. Therefore, you should always choose the measure recommended by the manufacturer. Don't forget that a tire with a larger radius can get out of the rim.

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The Load Index

The tires' carrying capacity is expressed through different metrics. So, when choosing tires, you must look into your vehicle's requirements on the subject. However, one standard tip when choosing tires for your car is to go for those with a higher load index. Remember that this suggestion will only work if you don't go above two higher indexes.

What is not recommended in this scenario is to choose tires with a load index lower than the one stated by the manufacturer.

Speed Index

Not all tires can withstand the same conditions. Driving at high speeds and extreme temperatures will take a toll on the tire set. That's what makes the speed index such an important consideration.

In the same way, you can choose one or two indexes above the manufacturer's recommendation. Though never opt for one with less resistance, especially if you usually drive on the road.

The Maximum Pressure Levels

Finally, this subject refers to the pressure the tires need to be inflated. It's best to place the tire pressure at 85% of the maximum indicated if you change tires due to any of the factors above.