Internet Tire Buyer's Guide

Vehicles need tires and it is always best to buy new tires. It is important to get quality car tires at low prices. The market online and offline is filled with many variety of tires. Choose tires with care and get a set of tires that are best suited to your car.

The first step in buying tires is to be sure to follow manufacturer recommendations. Unless you are an auto mechanic or formula one car racer what they recommend as suitable tires for the car are your best choice.

After that, follow these 10 tips when purchasing your tires to ensure that you: 1) get the proper tires for your vehicle, 2) eliminate return headaches from ordering mistakes, 3) aid in proper installation for maximum life from your tires, and 4) ensure the safety of you and your family that may be compromized by installation errors.

10 Important Points

1. Get all the specs correct. From the side of the tires or your car manual write down the following information: vehicle application; tire width; aspect ratio; radial designation; wheel diameter; load index; speed rating; DOT; ply construction; load and pressure limits; tread wear and traction ratings. You may not need all of them but you'll wish you had them if you do need them.
2. Be smart. Check around for the best deal locally as well as online.
3. Be sure to compare aspects like warranties and guarantees before purchasing your tires.
4. Know which features are important to you and find the tires that will give you that safety, longevity, and peace of mind.
5. Be sure to find out (if you are buying online) how the tires will be delivered to you and / or who will mount and balance the tires. Many online sites offer tires for great rates but may have to pay for shipping as well as for a mechanic to fit the tires. So well before buying, check out any instructions on the website and find out exactly how much it will cost to get your new tires installed.
6. While some people recommend buying refurbished tires, in the long run new tires will serve you better. While you may save money on the initial purchase the wear and tear of the refurbished tires will be much quicker.
7. Most people buy all season tires but in case you live in a snow bound or wet region you may need special car tires for specific seasons. If in doubt consult your mechanic.
8. Make sure to check whether the tires you are considering buying are for passenger vehicles and whether you need radials or not.
9. Always get the tires fitted and balanced by an expert. Ask about how to prevent new tire wear and tear by rotating the tires/wheels.
10. Always replace tires in pairs. It is best to replace all four but in case of financial constrains, then do them two at a time based on need. Usually the front wheels first followed by the back wheels. Never replace one in the front and the other at the back.

Read up about tires on the internet. When in doubt ask the manufacturer. If you care for your car and its tires then the car will serve you well.