At Investment Auto, we know that tire maintenance, repair, and replacement are all key to your car’s overall performance. Taking care of your tires is essential to your safety while driving. We have compiled a helpful list of information to know about your tires.
Touring tires
- Touring tires commonly have increased speed ratings, which means the tires can endure higher speeds while still offering the driver security and control.
Summer tires
- Summer tires are designed to work best in warm weather conditions and aren’t made for every season. They have a strong grip and responsive handling in various situations, such as dry or wet weather.
Performance tires
- Performance tires typically have higher speed ratings than touring tires but are also designed to support you in different weather conditions, especially wet weather. The design and grooves in performance tires work by increasing the grip to help you stay safe in all types of weather conditions.
How Many Miles Will the Tires Last?
Tires typically last around 50,000 miles, but this will depend on your driving habits and where you live. Certain variables can reduce the longevity of your tires
- Weather
- Driving habits
- Neglected maintenance
- curbs/potholes
How Much Do I Want to Pay?
- General pricing guidelines for new tires: Inexpensive tires will generally be in the range of $50 – $150 each. Moderately priced tires will usually be in the range of $100 – $300 each. High-end tires (ultra-high performance or specialty off-road tires) can be $300 – $1000 each.
Learning How to Replace
- Accidents are a part of life, maybe you hit a pothole, maybe your tire simply gave out from use. No matter the reason… flat tires happen. If you find yourself in this situation, pull your car over to a safe and flat area. This area needs to be wide enough for you to be able to move around the vehicle without putting yourself in danger of being hit, by other drivers. Be sure to turn on your hazards to warn other drivers. If you have a reflective warning sign, place it several feet behind your car for additional safety.
1. Find a safe place to pull over
- Find a safe, flat place to park your car. If preventable, do not park your vehicle in an area that puts you in danger.
2. Use your hazard lights and parking break
- Use your hazard lights and parking brake to keep yourself and your vehicle safe by increasing your visibility and decreasing the vehicle’s ability to roll.
3. Check for materials
- You should always keep a jack, wrench, and a spare tire in your car. You never know when you’ll need them.
4. Loosen the lug nuts
- If your vehicle has a wheel cover pry it off. Then, secure the wrench onto a lug nut, and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Repeat this process with each lug nut, making sure each one is loose enough to turn by hand.
5. Lift your vehicle off the ground
- Place the jack under the metal portion of your vehicle’s frame. Do not place the jack where it will have contact with any plastic molding. The best jack placement differs depending on the vehicle. Consulting your owner’s manual is the best way to learn proper jack placement. Once properly placed, use the jack to raise the tire you’re changing off of the ground. Ensure the jack stays perpendicular to the ground at all times.
6. Remove the lug nuts and the tire
- Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until they are all very loose. Next, remove them completely. Keep the lug nuts all together in a safe spot, as you’ll need them to secure the replacement tire. With the lug nuts removed, there is nothing keeping your tire attached to the vehicle. Securely grip your tire and pull it directly toward your body.
7. Place the spare on the tire
- Line up the holes in the spare with the lug nut posts and place the spare on the wheelbase. Push the spare as far onto the wheelbase as possible.
8. Replace the lug nuts
- Put the lug nuts on so the spare tire stays put. Don’t tighten them all the way just yet. It’s very important to tighten your lug nuts in a way that keeps the tire even.
9. Lower your vehicle and begin tightening
- Using the jack, slowly lower your vehicle until your spare tire starts touching the ground. This holds the tire in place as you begin tightening the lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts in increments, alternating every-other nut. For example, if you assign a number to each lug nut, tighten in this order: 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, and repeat. This way you’ll keep the tire on straight.
10. Lower your vehicle completely and finish tightening
- Once the lug nuts feel equally tight, completely lower your vehicle to the ground. Once grounded, you may be able to tighten the lug nuts a little bit further. Continue your tightening in the same incremental order until they no longer budge.
The Penny Test
- Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.
Investment Auto is commited to providing qaulity vehicles to our customers. We understand the importance of maintenence and safety. Our safety inspections make it so you can drive off the lot confidently in the perfect car for you. Follow these tips to keep your tires and vehicle in impeccable condition for as long as possible.
