September 25, 2005

By: David Parker
Website: http://www.buying-tires.com

Tire Buying Tips - Make Your Purchase An Informed Decision

Tire buying tips are essential to any vehicle owner to reduce your confusion about the purchase of tires. Unquestionably, buying tires for your vehicle is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be a confusing one if you have the necessary tips. By different government agencies and tire manufacturers, tires are rated according to safety and mileage. By learning what these specifications are will help you decide what tire you should buy based on your needs. Tread-wear, traction, and heat resistance are some of the factors that should be seriously considered when making a tire purchase. Tire dealers can and should provide this information to the consumer who wants to buy their tires.

A tip to listen to is to find the tire's tread-wear before purchasing. Tread-wear gives the expected mileage and is shown by numbers(i.e. 300, 400, 500). The higher the number on the sidewall would mean more expected mileage. A single tire buying tip for purchasing tires can save you money and give years of hassle free driving. Another tip, traction grades provide a basis on how well tires will stop on a wet surface. “A” Grade of course being the better tire, thereby stopping in a shorter distance than Grade B. Similarly, speed rating refers to the maximum speed the tire can bear. For example, for "H" rated tires, the speed is 130 mph. In the similar fashion, other common speed ratings include Q (99 mph), S (112 mph), T (118 mph), V (149 mph) and Z (150 mph or more). While purchasing tires, you should buy a speed rating at least equal to the one specified for your vehicle.

Before going to a tire dealer to purchase tires, you must have some basic knowledge about your tire like what different numbers mean about the tire size, load index and speed rating. Knowing your tire size can help you save money at the tire dealership and enables you to buy the right tire. Your vehicle's original equipment tire size can be found in your owner's manual or on the tire placard located on the driver's doorjamb, glove box lid, or inside the fuel hatch. You can also check your existing tire designation as specified in the vehicle manual before purchasing.

Author Notes:

David Parker contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.buying-tires.com.  David Parker is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.buying-tires.com. A top resource for tires, including articles with compari