Drive yourself to excellence.
It goes without saying that tires are one of the single most important parts of your vehicle, whatever type it may be… be it a car, a bicycle, a motorbike, or SUV. Simply put, without them, you couldn’t drive on any terrain of any description, be it urban or otherwise.
Changing Tires
Being that tires are the only component of your vehicle that have physical contact with the road, most people tend to forget about them and pretty much take them for granted… until one or more needs changing, due to a puncture, general wear and tear, etc. So other than obvious instances, when do you know the best and right time to change your tires?
It’s highly recommended that you regularly check your tires before setting off on a journey. Experts point out certain ‘red flags’ to look out for in terms of tyres approaching their ‘best before’ date and thereby needing replaced. One of the most common symptoms of tyre wear is shallow treads, the wearing down of the tire due to usage, giving it a ‘bald’ look that means substantially less traction on the road and increased potential for an accident should you have to brake suddenly or veer a sharp bend in the road.
Additionally, sometimes you can feel when a tire is worn while driving, something not quite right with how the vehicle is maneuvering. In such a case, it is imperative you get your tires checked by a professional immediately.
What Should I Look For In New Tires?
In the event of needing new tires, what should you look out for in order to secure the very best quality so your vehicle can operate at a premium standard? For this article, we’ve compiled 5 tips on how best to get the tires that are right for YOU.
Sit down, buckle up, and let ‘er rip…
1. Weather Conditions
Where you live, and the general climate therein, is an important factor when considering new tires. If you live in an environment with consistent rainfall, its recommended you choose tires specifically designed to handle wet roads. Many tires are now designed to evacuate excess water from the wheel as quickly as possible, and if you live in a region prone to heavy rainfall, this is a factor you need to consider.
2. Economy
The price of fuel is high enough these days and it’s not getting any cheaper. Many people don’t realize that tire quality and fuel consumption are directly linked. The less rolling resistance your tire has vis-a-vis contact with the road, the less effort the car needs for sustained momentum and thus less fuel consumption.
3. Noise Reduction
To paraphrase the U.S. Declaration of Independence, not all tires are created equal. Different designs, different treads, for different environments, all result in different reactions to asphalt and thus some are quieter than others. The noise level of the tires and what you prefer is entirely up to you. If you prefer quiet cruising while listening to music, then ask a professional which tire suits you best.
4. Puncture Protection
One of the most important and advanced technological breakthroughs in modern tire technology is the introduction of so-called flat-run tires. These are tires that have a stiffened internal sidewall that, upon a puncture, will adequately support the car’s weight for up to 50 miles at a recommended equal maximum speed to (hopefully) get you in safety to a professional tire repair shop.
5. Cost
Always a factor in anything you purchase, and tires are no exception. Some people try to cut costs by purchasing used tires, and while it is legal, it is nonetheless not entirely recommended by professionals. Perhaps for budgetary reasons, you need to buy used tires, in such cases, go to a licensed professional tire dealer and inquire about their used stock, which many have.
Tires are important as is your safety… so drive secure.
