Home - Shopping - 3 Important Factors To Consider Before Buying New Tires
3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

New all-season tires last for about six to seven years with minimal use and about three to five years if you drive about 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that worn-out tires cause 11,000 accidents every year. To ensure your safety and others on the road, you must change your tires as and when required. Before you buy them, keep the following points in mind:

Know to read the tire codes
Learn about the tire code to know the right tire for your automobile. If you look carefully, you will notice a code with letters and numbers on the sidewall of your tire. Knowing the tire codes is important to buy similar or better tires that fit your wheel. Some of the relevant codes you need to know when you buy a new tire are:

Tire type – the first alphabets indicate the tire type

  • P for passenger cars
  • LT for light truck tires
  • ST stands for special trailer tires
  • T for temporary or spare tires

Tread width
The three-digit number represents the tread width, the distance between sidewall edges in millimeters, followed by a slash and a ratio.

Aspect ratio
A two-digit number follows the slash and indicates the tire height from bead to tread. It is a percentage that shows how much of the tire you can see outside the rim flange in comparison to its actual width.

Internal construction – R, D, or B letters follow the two-digit aspect ratio

  • R for radial tires (common type)
  • D for bias-ply construction (ideal for trailers, farm machinery, and construction equipment)
  • B for belted tire (rare to find)

Wheel diameter
It is a two-digit number after the construction alphabet, which indicates the wheel size in inches from one end to the other.

Load index
A two-digit number indicates how much load or weight the tire can support while inflated. This information can help prevent drivers from loading weight that is more than the load index.

Speed rating
There are 14-speed rating symbols and corresponding speed limits. If you drive faster than the speed limit, the tire wears out more quickly.

Expiration date
Yes, tires also have an expiry date that is six years from their manufacturing date. Note the date and ensure you change the tire.

The need for new tires
Though the average life of a tire can be between three to five years, it is important not to delay installing new ones even if they are in decent condition. Here are some tips to see if you need new tires:

  • Check for the expiration date mentioned on the side wall of your tire. Do not use the tire way beyond the date; it may pose a threat to the driver.
  • Place a coin headfirst across several tire treads. If you see two-thirds of Lincoln’s head, the tires are safe enough to be used for some time. But if you see his entire head, it is time to replace them.
  • Tires have tread wear indicators that lead to a jarring sound. It is time to change the tires if you hear the noise. Also, your tread might be in good condition in some parts of the tire and worn out in others. You must consider replacing them too. And generally, it is advisable to remove the tires if you notice visible damage like cuts, cracks, bulges, or blisters.
  • If you feel frequent vibrations from the steering wheel while driving, it can indicate that your tires are old and defective.

Know the type of tire
Automobile manufacturers recommend using the best tire suited for the car’s optimal function and opting for the same tires that came with your car while buying. If you want a new brand of tires, choose one that meets your requirements based on your driving style, road type, and climate. While soft rubber tires are ideal for winters, giving extra grip on slippery roads, hard rubber tires last longer in summers. You can also choose all-weather and all season-tires that are ideally suited for most driving situations. Make sure you do not opt for substandard options as they might not be durable. 

Now, let’s look at some brands that offer the best quality tires. 

Bridgestone
Bridgestone is one of the world’s largest tire companies producing passenger and motorcycle tires. They make tires for sports, luxury, and all-terrain vehicles and for every type of automobile. They also make tires that improve fuel efficiency. They are popular as the tires offer a well-balanced performance, keep drivers safe, and protect the vehicle. You can choose from an extensive range of tires based on your vehicle model, tire size, and type.

Firestone
Bridgestone acquired Firestone Tires in 1988. While Bridgestone tires are expensive, Firestone tires are comparatively cheaper. They make tires for all vehicles, including large trucks and trailers. You can choose from summer, winter, and all-weather tires. The tires are dependable and provide all-around performance.

Michelin
Michelin produces tires in 69 locations worldwide and provides tires to 170 countries. It is a global leader in making low-energy tires. They manufacture tires for bicycles, automobiles, heavy equipment, space shuttles, and aircraft.

Latest Articles

8 effective remedies for nasal polyps
Health

8 effective remedies for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are tiny tear-shaped growths in the nose and sinuses, usually brought on by asthma, infection, allergies, or other kinds of inflammation. These polyps are usually painless and non-cancerous, however, they can be big enough to cause itchiness, breathing difficulties, sneezing, and running nose. Doctors usually prescribe nasal sprays that can relieve the symptoms and get rid of the polyps. However, one can also try a few natural remedies to deal with the condition: Neti pot (or nasal irrigation) Neti pot is a popular and convenient nasal irrigation device. All one has to do is fill this container with saline solution or add 1–2 tsp salt to distilled water or boiled (and then cooled) tap water. Then, one would have to lean over a washbasin or a sink and tilt their head sideways so that the liquid does not flow back into the mouth. One would have to breathe through the mouth, insert the spout into the upper nostril and allow the fluid to drain from the lower nostril. Then the nostrils will have to be cleaned by blowing the nose to remove mucus and dirt. This process should be repeated through the other nostril. The goal is to loosen and clear the mucus and debris like dust or pollen from the nasal cavity. Using a neti pot twice a day can help improve symptoms of nasal polyps. The container and hands have to be clean and dry to prevent infection. Steam inhalation In the absence of a nasal irrigation device, one can use steam to relieve nasal congestion, headaches, and other symptoms. People can boil some water in a pot or dish, place it on a counter or the dining table right in front of them as they sit in a comfortable position, and inhale the steam for a while.
4 foods that are surprisingly bad foods for diabetics
Health

4 foods that are surprisingly bad foods for diabetics

Many foods are portrayed to be the best for diabetics, but it would be surprising to know that even wholesome foods could cause a spike in sugar levels if the portion size is not moderated. Food choices truly matter when a person has diabetes. Under normal circumstances, one would think that these foods aid in better health and maintain sugar levels, but they don’t. Here are four surprisingly bad foods for those with diabetes: Brown rice While brown rice certainly has more fiber than white rice, a single cup of brown rice contains nearly 50 grams of carbohydrates. This can easily be broken into glucose which could spike the sugar levels. The alternative would be to cut down on rice and add more green leafy vegetables. Fresh fruit juice It does not matter if one opts for seasonal juice or those that claim that they have no extra sugar added. If we take an orange as fruit and look at its nutrient content, it has about 15 grams of carbohydrates, vitamins, and fiber. An orange juice, on the contrary, has 45 grams of carbohydrates and less of other nutrients. Therefore, drinking juice is not the same thing as eating fruit.   Dried fruits If one thinks having a raisin is healthier than a chocolate cookie, think again. Raisins contain 1 gram of carb more than what is available in a chocolate cookie. That said, they are undoubtedly wholesome compared to a cookie. However, both of them would result in a spike in blood sugar. The same holds good for cranberries and apricots. Yogurt Yogurt offers a plethora of health benefits, including probiotics for gut health. However, they are heavily processed and contain a wallop of 30 grams of sugar, even in the best of the brands. Ensure to read the ingredient before buying one.
5 headache symptoms to be wary of
Health

5 headache symptoms to be wary of

Headache is one of the most common health conditions, with nearly half of adults experiencing it approximately once a year. Although headaches may not be a cause of concern, it is necessary to be aware of some warning signs, as they may be associated with a serious underlying condition. Some signs can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that can make even most daily tasks difficult. Here are the following signs of a headache: Sensitivity to light and sound It is one of the most common alarming signs of headache that can cause a throbbing sensation, usually on one side of the head, when exposed to light or loud sounds. Although it is not life-threatening, it can severely impact daily tasks. It is also one of the most common warning signs experienced by people worldwide. People suffering from migraine also typically experience this symptom. Other factors that can increase the risk of headaches due to sensitivity to light and sound include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, depression, and stressful life events. Hence, it is crucial to follow a healthy lifestyle to keep such health conditions at bay. Temporary vision problems Some people may experience temporary blindness or flashing lights in one eye. The symptoms associated with visual disturbance can be a result of headaches, migraine, and even spasms in the retina. It is important to note that people suffering from ocular migraines are more prone to vision loss. Apart from this, people suffering from classic migraines or migraines with aura can also have blind spots and floating lights in both eyes. Fever with a stiff neck Fever with a stiff neck is a warning sign of a headache. However, it is also an indication of meningitis or encephalitis, which are signs of inflammation of the brain and membrane surrounding it. The symptom is alarming since it is a result of a fatal infection.