5 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Tires (and…

5 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Tires (and How to Avoid Them)

Purchasing new tires may seem like a straightforward task, but many drivers make mistakes that can lead to reduced performance, lower safety, and even unnecessary expenses. Knowing what to look out for can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure you’re driving on tires that suit your needs perfectly. Here are five common mistakes people make when buying tires and tips to steer clear of them.

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1. Choosing the Wrong Tire Size

One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying tires that aren’t the correct size for their vehicle. Tire size affects everything from handling to fuel efficiency, so it’s crucial to get it right. Many drivers assume that as long as the tire fits the wheel, it will work. However, this isn't always the case.

How to Avoid It:

Always refer to your vehicle’s manual or check the information on your current tire’s sidewall. You’ll see a series of numbers and letters like P215/65R16. Make sure any new tire you purchase matches these specifications, or consult a professional to find an appropriate alternative.

2. Ignoring Your Driving Habits

Not all tires are designed for the same driving conditions. Whether you spend most of your time on highways, off-roading, or navigating through wet and icy roads, your tire choice should reflect your everyday driving habits. Unfortunately, many buyers overlook this and end up with tires that don’t meet their needs.

How to Avoid It:

Think about where and how you drive most often. Do you need all-season tires for varied climates, performance tires for high-speed driving, or off-road tires for rough terrain? Selecting a tire suited to your driving style will give you better performance and a safer ride.

3. Focusing Solely on Price

While budget is important, focusing solely on getting the cheapest tire can end up costing you more in the long run. Low-priced tires often compromise on durability, performance, or safety. On the flip side, paying for the most expensive tires doesn’t guarantee they’ll suit your specific driving needs.

How to Avoid It:

Consider the long-term value rather than just the upfront cost. Opt for a tire that offers a balance of durability, safety, and performance within your budget. Read reviews and ratings to find out how a tire performs over time, and don’t forget to factor in warranties.

4. Forgetting About Seasonal Needs

Some drivers mistakenly believe they can use one set of tires year-round, even in extreme weather conditions. Using summer tires in winter, for example, can severely impact traction and safety, while winter tires on dry, warm roads can wear out quickly and decrease fuel efficiency.

How to Avoid It:

If you live in an area with extreme winters, invest in a set of winter tires for better handling in snow and ice. In milder climates, all-season tires are typically sufficient. Don’t forget to change them when the seasons shift for maximum performance and safety.

5. Overlooking Tire Maintenance

Many people assume that once they’ve bought new tires, they’re good to go for years. However, even the best tires need proper maintenance to perform well and last as long as possible. Neglecting tire pressure, alignment, and rotation can shorten the lifespan of your tires and negatively impact your vehicle’s performance.

How to Avoid It:

Make tire maintenance part of your regular routine. Check tire pressure monthly, ensure proper alignment, and rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Proper upkeep can prolong the life of your tires and save you money on premature replacements.

For more information, please visit Fuel Efficient Winter Tires.

Be Smart About Your Tire Purchase

Buying new tires is a significant investment in your vehicle’s safety and performance, so it’s important to make informed decisions. Avoid these common mistakes by choosing the right size, considering your driving habits, balancing cost with quality, factoring in seasonal needs, and maintaining your tires. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a smoother, safer driving experience.

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Get a Grip with Winter Tires

When Old Man Winter hits hard, having the right tires can make all the difference between a smooth ride and a slippery mess. Let’s break down why they’re so important and the different options out there.

Why You Need Winter Tires

Winter tires, aka snow tires, are your best bet for handling snowy, icy, and freezing roads. They’re designed to stick to slick surfaces way better than your average all-season tires. How much better? They can offer 20 – 50% more traction, giving you solid peace of mind when the weather gets nasty (Burt Brothers).

Plus, they’ll help you stop quicker, shaving off up to 20% of your braking distance. That could be the difference between a close call and a fender bender on a snowy day. Want to see which ones perform best? Check out our winter tire performance reviews.

Types of Winter Tires

Not all winter tires are created equal. Here’s the lowdown on the different types.

Studded Winter Tires

Studded tires are like the cleats of the tire world, with metal studs that grip the ice. They’re awesome on super icy roads but can be overkill on regular snow and might even be banned in some places. Curious about the pros and cons? We’ve got you covered with more details here.

Non-Studded Winter Tires

Non-studded tires skip the metal studs and instead use special tread designs and rubber that stays flexible in the cold. They offer great traction on a mix of snowy and icy roads without the legal headaches.

Performance Winter Tires

Performance winter tires are for the speed demons who don’t want to compromise on control even when it’s freezing out. Perfect for sports cars, they keep you glued to the road while still letting you enjoy the drive (Tires Easy).

All-Terrain Winter Tires

Got a thing for off-roading? All-terrain winter tires are your best friend. They handle everything from snow-covered streets to muddy fields with their rugged tread patterns.

Need more info on winter tire tech? Dive into our article on winter tire technologies explained.

Choosing the right winter tire really boils down to what kind of driving you do. For more tips, check out our guide on winter tire purchase considerations.

Stay safe out there and happy driving!

Fuel Efficiency: What You Need to Know

Rolling Resistance Effects on Your Gas Mileage

Ever wonder how your tires mess with your car’s fuel efficiency? It’s something called rolling resistance. Basically, it’s the energy your car needs to keep the tires rolling smoothly without using up more fuel (Tires Easy). Lower rolling resistance means your car isn’t guzzling gas just to keep moving.

Imagine this: A 10% cut in rolling resistance can bump up your fuel economy by 1 to 2%. That’s real savings, and you’ll see the difference whether you’re stuck in traffic or cruising down the highway (National Academies). Check out the table below to see how rolling resistance stacks up against fuel economy:

Winter Tires: Drive Safe, Use More Gas

Winter tires are fantastic when the roads get icy. They grip the road way better than regular tires—sometimes up to 50% better (Burt Brothers). But here’s the catch: they’re not as fuel-efficient.

These tires generally make your car work harder, which eats up more gas. On the upside, they help you stop up to 20% faster. The trick is to find a balance between safety and how much you want to spend at the pump. Good maintenance and picking low rolling resistance winter tires can ease this issue.

If you’re trying to get the best winter tires, we’ve got a guide to winter tire experts to help you out. And if you need more details on the pros and cons of studded tires or how different tires perform in winter, check out our articles on studded winter tires and winter tire performance.

Remember, whether you’re after fuel savings, better traction, or overall performance, always check out the winter tire cost-benefit analysis to nail down what works best for you.

There you have it. By taking a closer look at rolling resistance and winter tire options, you’ll be able to save on fuel while driving safely through those snowy months.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Agricultural Tyre. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.