The Most Common Mistakes Drivers Make When Buying Tyres

Getting new tyres can be daunting and confusing—especially for those who aren’t familiar with tyres or knowledgeable about cars. If you need to buy new ones, avoid these common mistakes many drivers make!

Not Doing the Homework

For those who aren’t very knowledgeable about cars and automotive components, it can be daunting to sift through all the tire options available. Educating yourself on your car’s needs is imperative before you commit to any tyres. What’s the recommended load index rating for your vehicle’s tyres? What’s the recommended speed rating for your car’s tyres? Tires aren’t cheap, so when you invest in them, you want as much information as possible to make the best choice.

Buying the Wrong Size

Obviously, the size of the tyres is crucial for getting a set that’s ideal for your specific vehicle. You’d be surprised how many people get tyres that don’t fit. If you’re shopping for tyres yourself online, the first thing you’ll need to do is determine your car’s tire size.

If you’re unsure what size tyres you need, a mechanic or professional at practically any tire store can sort that out for you. Alternatively, you can find it yourself in most cars inside the driver-side doorjamb. You can also look in your vehicle’s owner’s manual if the tire size isn’t there.

Getting Tyres for the Wrong Season

One of the most common reasons to get new tyres is to prepare your car for the upcoming season’s weather. For drivers in colder regions, this means equipping their vehicles with snow tyres that offer better grip and traction on icy and snowy roads.

If you’re shopping for new tyres in the cold months, your best option is to go with dedicated winter tyres and not all-season tyres with a bit more tread than standard. There are also summer tyres for more high-performance vehicles that can help increase responsiveness and breaking capabilities.

Pro-Tip: If you’re switching to winter tyres, don’t get rid of your previous ones. You’ll need to switch back to them once spring and summer return.

Going With the Cheap Route

Perhaps the most common mistake drivers make when buying new tyres is just going with the cheapest option available and not thinking about anything else. This mistake is understandable because tyres aren’t cheap, and many people feel that one tire works as well as the other.

But by investing in quality tyres, you can improve your vehicle’s performance, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency. Plus, cheap tyres wear out faster than high-quality ones, which means you’ll spend more money again quicker than if you’d invested in better tyres in the first place.

The next time you buy tyres for your vehicle, keep these things in mind, and you should end up with the ideal ones for your car!

 

More car tips: Common Mistakes To Avoid With Car Restorations