A GUIDE TO BUYING NEW TIRES

Chloe's Automotive Repair • September 4, 2023

A GUIDE TO BUYING NEW TIRES

Chloe's Automotive Repair • September 4, 2023

A Guide to Buying New Tires

Let’s face it—buying new tires can be an overwhelming experience, especially if it’s your first time. With the wide array of brands, sizes, and tire types to choose from, navigating the tire buying process can be confusing. Luckily, the auto repair experts at Chloe's Auto Repair and Tire have put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this often complicated process.


Know When It’s Time To Replace Your Tires

Before you start shopping for new tires, it's important to determine if your current tires need replacing. Look for signs of wear, such as uneven tread, cracks, or bulges on the sidewall. A general rule of thumb is to consider replacement when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch or if you've been using them for six years or more, regardless of their visible condition. You can perform a simple penny test to determine if it’s time to replace your tires. Take the penny and insert it into one of the tire's tread grooves with Lincoln's head facing down and pointing into the groove. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tire tread is worn down to or below 2/32 of an inch, indicating that it's time to replace the tire. This level of wear is unsafe and may result in reduced traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. If you’re not sure if it’s time to buy new tires, consult with a reputable auto repair service.


Size Does Matter

Tire size matters significantly, and it's not just about fitting your vehicle's wheels. The right tire size ensures proper handling, safety, and fuel efficiency. You can find your vehicle's tire size in the owner's manual or on the sidewall of your current tires. It's typically expressed as a combination of numbers and letters, like P215/65R15. Make sure the new tires match this size.


Understand The Tire Codes And What They Mean

Tire sidewalls feature a series of codes and symbols that convey important information about a tire’s size, load capacity, speed rating, construction type, and more. Understanding these codes is vital in choosing tires that suit your driving needs and habits. Let’s look at an example of a tire code P215/65R15 95H and what each component means.


P - Tire Type

The P indicates that this tire is intended for passenger vehicles. Other possible letters include "LT" for light truck tires or no letter for European metric tires.


215 - Tire Width

This number, 215 in this example, represents the tire's width in millimeters.


65 - Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio is the ratio of the tire's sidewall height to its width. In this example, the aspect ratio is 65, meaning that the sidewall height is 65% of the tire's width.


15 - Rim Diameter

This number indicates the diameter of the wheel rim, in inches, that the tire is designed to fit. In this case, the tire fits a 15-inch wheel.


95 - Load Index

The load index represents the tire's maximum load-carrying capacity. In this example, a load index of 95 means the tire can support up to 1,521 pounds when properly inflated.


H - Speed Rating

The speed rating indicates the maximum safe speed at which the tire can carry a load. In this example, an H speed rating means the tire is rated for speeds up to 130 mph (209 km/h).


Decide What To Spend

Tires come in a wide price range, depending on factors like brand, quality, and intended use. While it's tempting to opt for the cheapest option, consider your driving requirements. If you frequently drive long distances or in challenging weather conditions, investing in high-quality tires with better traction and durability can be a wise decision in the long run.


Chloe's Auto Repair and Tire: Your Trusted Auto Repair Shop for quality tires and auto repair services

If you’re looking for quality tires that are built to stand the test of time, look no further than Chloe's Auto Repair and Tire. We also offer a comprehensive range of services, including:

Contact Chloe's Auto Repair and Tire today for all of your auto repair and tire service needs.

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Understanding Your Car’s TPMS System: Why It Matters for Safety and Fuel Economy The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an essential feature in modern vehicles, designed to keep you safe and optimize your vehicle's performance. This system helps monitor air pressure in your tires and alerts you if they become underinflated, ensuring proper tire health, better fuel economy, and peace of mind on the road. What Does TPMS Mean? TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, a technology that tracks your tire pressures in real time. If one or more tires have low air pressure, the TPMS light or a warning light will illuminate on your dashboard. This feature plays a critical role in maintaining proper tire health, which directly affects your vehicle's performance and safety. Why Is Checking Tire Pressure Important? Properly inflated tires are key to: Fuel Economy: Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, causing your car to use more fuel. By maintaining the correct air pressure, you can maximize your vehicle’s efficiency and save on gas. Safety: Underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear, reduced traction, and increased risk of blowouts. Tire Longevity: Proper air pressure ensures even wear and extends the life of your tires. How Does TPMS Work? There are two main types of TPMS: Direct TPMS: Sensors in each tire monitor air pressure and send data to your vehicle’s system. Indirect TPMS: This system uses wheel speed sensors to estimate air pressure based on tire rotation. Both types ensure that if your tire pressure drops below the recommended level, you’ll be alerted by the TPMS light or service tire monitor system message. What Should You Do When the TPMS Warning Light Comes On? Check Your Tire Pressures: Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to measure the air pressure in all tires. Compare these readings to the recommended levels in your vehicle’s owner manual or the sticker inside your driver-side door. Inflate Your Tires: Adjust the pressure to the recommended level for optimal performance. Inspect for Damage : Look for signs of punctures, leaks, or other damage. Visit a Professional: If the warning light remains on, bring your car to a certified technician. At Chloe’s Auto Repair and Tire, we can inspect your service tire monitor system, replace faulty sensors, and reset the system to ensure accurate monitoring. How Does Proper Tire Pressure Impact Fuel Economy? Even a small drop in tire pressure can lead to increased rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder to move your vehicle. This not only burns more fuel but also contributes to unnecessary wear and tear on your tires. Keeping your tires at the proper air pressure can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 3%, saving you money at the pump. The Role of TPMS in Preventive Maintenance A functioning TPMS system is your first line of defense against underinflated tires. Regularly maintaining your tires and monitoring the TPMS warning light helps you avoid costly repairs, enhances safety, and contributes to a smoother driving experience. Trust Chloe’s Auto Repair and Tire for All Your TPMS Needs At Chloe’s Auto Repair and Tire, we understand the importance of tire maintenance and vehicle safety. If your TPMS light is on or you need help checking your service tire monitor system, our team of expert technicians is here to help. We’ll ensure your tires are properly inflated, inspect for any issues, and reset your system to get you back on the road safely.
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