What To Compare When Buying New Tires
Most people understand that when it comes to purchasing new tires for their car, it's important to compare. However, there is a wide gray area when it comes to knowing exactly what you need to compare. While price is a great place to begin, it's only a start. There are a number of other key points you want to compare to ensure you are making the right selection.
Tread Wear Rating
Unfortunately, there hasn't been a tire designed just yet that isn't subject to some level of tread wear. However, certain tires are more vulnerable than others. Tread is important because it makes maneuvering your vehicle easier and it also ensures proper braking power. The tread wear grade of a tire is a rating that is designed to give you an idea of just how a tire compares to other options in this area.
To come up with this grade, tires are tested based on a controlled condition, such as rotating at 65 mph for ninety minutes. Tread wear ratings can vary widely; however, the higher the number rating, the slower the rate at which the tread wears away. While driving in real world conditions isn't exactly the same as controlled conditions, the rating will at least offer a good indication of the integrity of the tire's tread.
Temperature Rating
When tires are in motion, they can heat up rather quickly. This is especially the case if you often travel at high speeds or live in a warmer climate, such as the desert. A tire that is not equipped to withstand this heat load is subject to concerns like uneven tread and flat spots. In some cases, the heat may even cause the tire to fail prematurely. Always make sure you are considering the temperature rating of the tire you are considering.
The temperature rating of a tire provides details as to how well the rubber is able to dissipate and resist heat. Tires are rated on a scale that ranges from A to C, with a C rating being a classification given to tires with the lowest level of heat resistance. Choosing a tire with a temperature rating that doesn't meet your need could cause you to replace your tires more frequently and most importantly, put your safety at risk.
Your tires play a key role in protecting the integrity of your vehicle as well as your safety. Make sure you are taking your time to make the right decision when you're looking at tires for sale.