How to Shop for New Car Tires the Right Way

 Oh tires. A lot less fun than buying new shoes for yourself, but kind of the same concept applied to cars. They are your vehicle's one (and hopefully only) contact with the ground beneath it. They take a lot of punishment and endure a lot from your driving that you probably don't realize. While they do so much for us and our cars, we hate replacing them when they're worn out. They're expensive and all they do is get worn out. But, they're auto parts you can't just go without. 

While a dealership or auto service center can shop for car tires for you, you'll likely want some flexibility when it comes to your budget and purchase options. Toyota of Orlando is here to help you shop smart for your next set of tires. Check out these tips!

Car Tire Shopping Doesn't Have to Be Tiring

Like we said, shopping for new Orlando car tires can be tricky. But with a little know how and these tips, you can get the best pair to match your budget and expectations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Check Your Current Tires First

While tires do wear out over time, yours might not have reached the end of their rope. We recommend checking your Orlando tires before you start researching new ones. Try the quarter test to see if the tread meets an acceptable amount. If you feel odd tugging or pulling when you drive or use the brakes, it might not be your tires but your suspension system that's faulty. Also check for punctures and uneven wear before shopping for a new set. 

How Old Are Your Tires?

It might be hard to remember, but try to consider how old your current tires are. While they may have been kept in good shape all this time with no punctures or issues, age can do quite a number on them. 5 years down the line can mean that mileage and time are working against your graying car tires and they could fail. Anything beyond that and it might be time to just replace them, regardless of current tread depth. 

When Shopping, Choose the Right Type

Orlando car tires come in several types and styles to best adapt to seasonality and weather conditions. All season give drivers an all-around great performance, winter are best used in cold and snowy conditions, and summer perform in hotter environments. You need to also consider the size of tire to match your car's wheels. Luckily, there's a handy set of number on the sidewall of your tires to help you out. Typically, the size number is formatted like this: 255/35R18. "255" refers to the car tires' width (in mm), "35" is the aspect ratio (height to width), "R" means radial, and "18" is the wheel diameter (in). Check the sidewall of the tire you're looking to replace and confirm that your replacement tire matches the dimensions listed. 

Check Plenty of Sellers

Car tires are specific auto parts but they're sold in many different places around Orlando and online. Online stores give you a chance to compare prices quickly and check customer reviews to see if the quality and price are to your liking. But, this does mean that you won't be able to see the tires in person until they arrive and returns can get dicey. Plus you'll need someone to install them for you after they arrive. Physical tire shops are also great because they provide you with expertise in person and they can make sure you get the exact size you need. They can also install the tire(s) for you in-house. Prices can be pretty high and you might be pressured to add on items and services you don't necessarily need. 

Shopping for car tires can get a bit baffling. But, it doesn't have to be. Toyota of Orlando has a great selection of tires and reasonable prices to get you on your way in no time. Visit the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road and shop with us today!