As high school students, driving becomes part of our lives. With that comes taking care of a vehicle and making sure the parts on it work properly. All vehicles need tires, and they need to be changed every now and then. This will tell you how to purchase new tires and the whole process.
When do I need new tires?
First, you need to determine if you really need new tires. But how can you tell if you need them or not? Well, tires usually last about six years before needing to be replaced. If you need another quick and easy way to tell, try the penny test. Grab a penny and hold it on your tire between the threads with Abraham Lincoln’s head toward the tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head sticks out, your tires are worn down and you need new ones.
What kind of tires do I get?
Next, you need to find the right type of tire you need. There’s more to selecting the right tires than finding some that fit and slapping them on your car. You need to look at your vehicle’s minimum requirements, how you drive, your expectations for tire life, the weather where you do most of your driving and the surfaces you travel on.
Where do I get tires?
After you find the kind of tires you need, it’s time to start shopping. Tons of auto shops and other stores sell tires, and each comes with positives and negatives. The most important factors are finding a shop you can trust that will give you a good deal in a timely manner without cutting corners.
Then, you want to watch the extras. When buying tires, some costly extras can add up to an unwelcome surprise. Some necessary; some not. You’ll have to pay installation charges, disposal fees for your old tires, taxes and the cost of new tire stems.
How do I get my new tires installed?
Almost done, now you need to install your new tires. Getting your tires installed is the easy part, you’ll just have to give up some time to get it done. If you have an appointment, you might be able to have them installed in less than an hour. If the shop’s busy, you may need to leave your vehicle all day.
How do I keep them strong?
Finally, you just have to maintain your tires. That means watching your tire pressures and occasionally inspecting them for uneven wear, sidewall damage or punctures that can develop into leaks and leave you stranded. If you don’t know what any of those mean, you can always go to a local shop and they can check it out for you. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or another, it can be a sign of misaligned wheels, and you’ll want to get it checked before it wears your tread unevenly.
