Buying new SUV tires isn’t just about finding the best deals on the market – it’s about investing in a product that will ensure your comfort and safety on every trip you choose to take.
How do you know when you’ve found the right wheels? If you’ve seen one tire, you’ve seen them all, right? Wrong. Even subtle differences could have enormous impacts on the quality of the wheels you choose. It’s also important to remember that purchasing the right tires could actually end up saving you money – yes, that’s right.
Quality tires improve fuel consumption, so spending a little more now could be better for your pocket. Knowing which tires to purchase is as important as knowing when to make the switch and with a little help, you can rest assured you’ll make a decision that will continue to benefit you, mile after mile.
When Do I Need to Buy New SUV Tires?
Tires come with in-built gauges that are supposed to help you to decide when they need to be replaced – all you need to do is be able to read them. This can be tricky, but luckily there are cost effective gadgets you can purchase that will do the trick for you.
A depth gauge, for example, can be inserted into the main grooves of the tire, and you simply need to read the final number on the device – if it’s 3 millimetres, you need to start looking to replace your tires. If it’s 1 millimeter or less, you aren’t safe driving with those tires anymore.
Are They Independently Tested?
Every tire company is going to sing high praises of their products so when it comes to reviewing potential new tires, you need to make sure that you look at independent reviews. These types of reviews are written by companies who make no money from the reviews, so they aren’t biased. This ensures the information you get is accurate and fair.
What is the Traction Rating?
Tires with better traction are able to handle better on the roads, including stopping within an acceptable distance. You can use sites such as the United States Government’s Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards scores, and consumer reports, which test the tires on wet, dry and icy surfaces. The right tires for you will usually be those that are best suited to the types of environments in which you will be driving.
What is the Tread Life?
The tread life of a tire is the number of miles that tire will last before it needs to be replaced. Keep in mind that this number is just an estimate – there are a number of factors that will influence this, including the way you drive and the conditions in which you’ll be driving.
What are LT and P Tires?
LT tires are those that are best suited for light trucks so they are generally suitable for just about any and all SUVs. Those that are labelled “p” are for passenger vehicles, so they are more suited to compact or crossover SUVs. If you are going to be using your SUV for hauling, you’ll need to ensure you invest in LT tires.
Does the Tire Come with a Warranty?
Most quality brand tires come with a good warranty – that’s a warrant that is both clear and lengthy. If you’re not buying from a leading brand, you’ll want to make sure that you understand the warranty perfectly before making an investment.
How Do I Know I Have Low Tire Pressure?
It’s nearly impossible to tell when you have low tire pressure just by looking at your tires, which is why it is so important that you get them tested. It’s best to do this first thing in the morning when you’re tyres are cold – this will ensure that you get the best reading.
Keep in mind that if you’re regularly struggling with low tire pressure, you could have a puncture.
Where Do I Place My New Tires – Front Or Back?
You always put new tires onto the back of a vehicle. If you’re putting new tires onto your vehicle, bring the old tires to the front. This ensures your vehicle will be appropriately balanced.
