When making a mobility purchase, you have to figure out your specific needs before you can choose which equipment will work best for you. According to VCI Mobility-Norristown’s in-house mechanic Dennis Hershberger, choosing tires is no different.
Many different types are on the market, from fuel-efficient small tires to more expensive performance tires.
So first things first…which tires will be most economical for you?
The top three considerations when choosing tires:
- Driving habits: Your driving habits will help determine the “life-expectancy” of the tires you purchase. For instance, if you do not drive your vehicle very often, you might want to consider getting a 30,000-mile life- expectancy tire as opposed to a more expensive 60,000-mile tire. The reason for this is that when you do not drive very often, your tires can dry rot or crack before you even reach the mileage expectancy. How you drive should also determine your tire purchase; a fast driver who turns hard corners requires more of a performance tire than an average driver who would be fine with an all-season mid-range tire.
- Road conditions: What type of roads are you driving on? If you travel on back, bumpy roads with a lot of road hazards, you might want to consider a tire with a better tread, such as an all-season or an all-weather tire. Highway driving requires a tire with better traction.
- Budget: What can you afford? It is important to consider all other factors in addition to just price alone, because paying more for the right tire that meets your specific driving needs will benefit you in the long run.
Choosing Tire Brands…
Most tire companies have different levels of tires, ranging from expensive performance tires to less expensive fuel-efficient tires. Mid-range, all-season tires are a safe bet for most customers’ minivans. When it comes to choosing a brand, it mostly depends on customer preference. You want a brand that offers a tire that meets your specific driving habits and has a good warranty available.
Dennis recommends Yokohama, Michelin, and Nexen tires because they offer a wide variety of options and are affordable.
Now that you have decided on tires, let’s make them last!
Three tips for long and safe tire use:
- Air pressure: Check air pressure regularly (once a month). When tires are low on air, it causes the tire to go flat where it meets the road. This flat spot means more of the tire is exposed to the road, resulting in more wear and tear on the tires’ outside edge. On the other hand, if there is too much air in the tire, there is too much wear on the middle of the tire. Either way, your tire will get only about half of its life expectancy if not checked frequently.
- Rotation: Rotate your tires every 5,000-7,000 miles. Rotation means that each tire will be moved to a different location on your vehicle. The front tires should be moved not only to the back, but also to the other side of the vehicle. Rotating your tires prevents the front tires from wearing out and the rear tires from getting lumpy. Moving tires from one side to the other will prevent the same tire from being exposed to normal bumps and scrapes, such as can occur when parallel parking.
- Alignment: While getting your tires rotated, have a professional check for tire wear and damage. If tires are wearing unevenly, they might need to be aligned properly so that they are getting evenly exposed to the ground. An alignment will avoid this exposure and extend the longevity of the tire.
Who knew purchasing tires could be so detailed!
Choosing the correct tire for your specific needs and keeping up with your tire maintenance is the best way to get the most out of your tires. If you have any questions or need help choosing a tire, please feel free to contact Dennis Hershberger at VCI Mobility-Norristown. He will be happy to assist you!