Tire buying guide that car owners must know
For many car owners, choosing tires is like choosing shoes. Choosing the right ones is comfortable and safe to walk on, but choosing the wrong ones is not only expensive but also annoying. As the only part of the car that touches the ground, the quality of the tire directly affects the sense of safety and comfort when driving.
However, faced with the various tire products on the market, many people are in a dilemma: how to choose so as not to step on the pit? Today, I will use plain language to tell you practical tips for buying tires, so that you can easily choose the right tires.
The first step in choosing tires is to never change the original car specifications. The tire sizes currently installed on your car are the best solutions determined by the car manufacturer after repeated tests, just like the size of clothes, the best fit is the one that fits. The string of numbers and letters printed on the side of the tire, such as "225/55 R17", represent the tire width, aspect ratio and wheel diameter, and none of these data can be changed.
Some car owners think that wide tires look more domineering, so they change to wider tires, but find that the car has become meatier, the speed has increased when refueling, but the speed has not increased much, and the fuel consumption is much higher than before.
The aspect ratio cannot be adjusted casually. Although a low aspect ratio looks good, it is particularly easy to bulge when passing speed bumps or potholes, and it is not cheap to repair. In addition, remember that the load-bearing capacity of the new tire must be stronger than the original tire, especially for car owners who often pull goods or travel with their families.
Insufficient load-bearing capacity can easily cause danger. You must also pay attention to the speed level. Choose one that is slightly higher than the original car requirements, so that you can feel more at ease when driving on the highway.
When buying tires, you must look at the "date of birth", which is a detail that many people tend to overlook. Tires are made of rubber, and they will slowly age even if they are not used. Just like bread has a shelf life, tires also have "freshness" requirements. Under normal circumstances, the shelf life of tires is 3-5 years. After this time, the rubber will harden and crack, and the elasticity will decrease, which is particularly worrying to use.
How to see the production date? Look for four numbers on the side of the tire, such as "4222", which means it was produced in the 42nd week of 2022. Be sure to check this date carefully when buying, and don't buy "old tires" that have been in stock for several years. Some merchants will sell stock tires at low prices.
Although they are a few hundred yuan cheaper, they are very risky to use. If a tire bursts while driving on the highway, the consequences will be disastrous. Remember, it is better to buy new tires at a higher price than to buy stock tires at a lower price.
Tire patterns are not designed casually. Different patterns have different "specialties". The most common transverse patterns and longitudinal patterns are applicable to very different scenarios. The grooves of the transverse pattern are horizontal, just like the horizontal stripes on the soles of shoes.
The grip is particularly strong. It is very powerful when driving uphill or braking. It is suitable for cars that often run on rural dirt roads or construction sites. However, this pattern does not have good drainage. It is easy to slip when driving on rainy days, and because of the high friction, the fuel consumption will be higher.
The grooves of the longitudinal pattern are along the direction of the tire's rotation. The drainage capacity is particularly good. It can quickly drain water on rainy days and is more stable when driving on the highway. It is definitely right to choose this pattern for commuting in the city.
In addition to these two types, there are also mixed-pattern tires, which take into account both grip and drainage, and are suitable for most road conditions. If you often drive in snow or mud, you have to choose special snow tires or off-road tires, which have deeper and thicker patterns and better anti-skid effects.
Don't know much about tires? Then choose a big brand. Just like buying home appliances, the quality of tires from well-known brands is more guaranteed. Old brands like Michelin and Bridgestone have been able to gain a foothold in the market for decades, relying on their excellent quality and reputation. The tires of these brands are not only made of solid materials, but also more advanced in technology. They are quieter, more wear-resistant, and more comfortable.
More importantly, the after-sales service of big brands is very complete, and you can find a place to solve the problem, unlike small brands that may not be able to find after-sales service after buying. However, you don't have to blindly pursue the most expensive brand when choosing a brand.
Each brand has its own advantages: some have good mute effects and are suitable for family cars; some are wear-resistant and durable, suitable for cars that often run long distances. Just choose according to your needs, there is no need to spend money in vain. Also, be sure to buy in a regular store. There are many fakes now, so don't spend the money on genuine products to buy counterfeit products.
Choosing tires is a technical job, but as long as you remember these points: don't change the specifications, look at the production date, choose the right pattern, and recognize the big brand, you can avoid most pitfalls. Tires are related to driving safety, so don't treat them carelessly.
Take some time to understand these knowledge and choose the right tires, which will not only make driving comfortable, but also ensure the safety of yourself and your family. Remember to check the tires before driving every time to see if there are bulges, cracks, and whether the tire pressure is sufficient, so that the tires can always be kept in good condition and accompany you on a safe trip.
