You’ll need to purchase new tires several times throughout the life of your vehicle. Understanding proper tire care and selection will go a long way toward improving your vehicle’s performance, safety, and fuel economy. Here are some valuable questions to ask when you’re thinking about a new tire purchase. Considering these key points will help you make the best selection for your vehicle and driving habits.
Is It Time for New Tires?
You should replace your tires if the tread is at or below 2/32 of an inch. You can determine your tread depth quickly with a penny. Insert the penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low and it’s time for new tires. Most tires also have tread wear indicators in the grooves. If these horizontal bars sit even with the surrounding tread, you need to replace your tires.
The average driver reaches this point about once every six years. However, if you drive frequently or cover long distances in your vehicle, you may need to replace your tires sooner. Check the tread regularly so you’ll have an accurate idea of how your tires are wearing down.
How Many Tires Should I Replace?
It’s best to replace all four tires at once. You’ll get optimal performance and fuel economy when you’re driving with a matching set of tires that have the same tread depth. However, if you can’t afford to replace all four tires at once, try to change two at a time. Place the new tires on the rear axle of the car where they’ll wear a little slower. This way, you can still get a similar wear pattern if you replace the other two tires within a few months.
You should only purchase a single tire if your set is relatively new and the one tire you’re replacing has suffered a severe puncture or other damage that requires an early replacement.
What Size Tires Should I Get?
You can find the recommended tire size for your vehicle on the inside of the vehicle door or in the owners manual. Our knowledgeable team members at the Huffines Hyundai McKinney service center can also look up this information for you.
Speak with a mechanic about the implications of upsizing or downsizing before you switch to a different tire size. If you go bigger, your speedometer won’t read correctly, and your vehicle will track a lower mileage. If you opt for a smaller tire, you’ll decrease the vehicle’s clearance, which can make a big difference if you tackle rugged terrain or go off-roading.
What Type of Tires Do I Need?
Any well-stocked tire shop will have a wide range of options even after you’ve determined your tire size. All-season tires are preferred by most drivers. They provide solid capability in rainy weather, but they don’t offer as much traction in snow and ice as winter tires will. Some high-end grand touring all-season tires have an “all-weather” designation that indicates improved winter traction. If you’re looking for tires you can keep on all year despite some significant winter weather, this is the best option.
If you encounter a lot of tricky winter weather, you may want to invest in dedicated winter tires. These provide optimal stopping and turning capabilities in ice and snow, and they’re built specifically for cold weather conditions. You’ll need to switch them out when the temperatures warm up because they’re not optimal in other seasons.
Summer tires provide the best performance in temperatures over 40 degrees Fahrenheit. These tires deliver superior cornering traction and steering response on both dry and wet roads when temperatures are warmer. Keep in mind, however, that these tires will deliver severely compromised performance when it gets cold.
You may need specialty tires if you tackle a particular type of driving. For example, off-roading, high-speed driving, or driving on a lot of gravel and mud roads. Talk to your dealer about the best products for these unique needs.
Do I Need Different Tires for Towing?
Yes, you should invest in specialty tires if you use your vehicle for towing. Pulling a trailer, camper, or other gear puts added strain on your tires, so you need a set that’s up to the job. SUVs and trucks require a different type of tire to begin with, which will get you closer to the type of product you need for towing. However, you should still consider the weight of your load and towing frequency when choosing tires.
Do the Tires Come With a Warranty?
Always ask about the tire warranty when purchasing tires. If you’re torn between two options, a solid warranty can make a big difference in your final decision. All eligible tires from Huffines Hyundai McKinney come with 100% coverage for two years or until the tread reaches 2/32 of an inch, whichever comes first. You’ll also get a credit of up to $20 per occurrence for flat tire repairs.
How Can I Extend the Life of My Tires?
Protect your new tire investment by caring for your vehicle properly. Check the air pressure in your tires at least once a month and any time the outside temperature changes significantly. Inflate or deflate your tires as needed to maintain the appropriate pressure. This will improve performance, increase gas mileage, and extend the life of your tires.
You should have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. This will help them wear evenly and result in a longer life span. Have your alignment checked twice a year. If your tires aren’t aligned properly, they’ll suffer from uneven wear, which leads to more frequent tire replacements.
Find the Right Tires for Your Vehicle
If you’re due for a tire replacement, we can help. Check out the extensive selection and current specials at Huffines Hyundai in McKinney, Texas. Our team members can answer all your questions, help you find the right tires, and provide a quick and efficient tire replacement so you’re back on the road in no time.