Fresno Tire Shop Guide to All Things Tire
Buying new tires is an inevitable part of owning a vehicle, as tires naturally wear out over time and need to be replaced. And it's extremely important to head to your trusted Fresno tire shop to replace tires when needed to ensure your vehicle operates safely and efficiently.
There's no doubt that buying new tires can be overwhelming and confusing. With so many different sizes, types, and treads to choose from, it can be difficult to know which tires will best fit your vehicle. Not to mention, there are many factors to consider when buying tires, such as finding the right tire for your driving style and road conditions, ensuring you get the best value for your money, and understanding when you need to replace your tires.
In this in-depth article, you'll learn everything you need to know about tires. With this comprehensive guide, you'll have the knowledge you need to make an informed decision when it's time to buy tires.
Indicators That It Is Time to Visit a Tire Shop for New Tires
The first question to ask is how you can tell when it's time to replace your vehicle's tires. A few warning signs indicate that your current tires' structural integrity and safety are in jeopardy. These red flags include the following:
Low Tire Tread Depth
The safety of your vehicle on the road depends largely on having tires with sufficient tread to properly grip the road. The tread on your tires should be at least 2/32 of an inch deep. If it's below that, it's time to buy new tires.
An easy way to check tread depth is to use the "penny test." To do this, take a penny and insert it into the tire's tread grooves. Turn the penny, so the tip of Lincoln's head is pointing down into the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread depth is less than 2/32 inches, and it is time to replace the tires. If the tread covers part of Lincoln's head, the tread is sufficient, and the tires can still be used safely.
Uneven Tire Tread Wear
Cracks and Bulges in the Tire
Tire Vibration
Tire Age
If you're experiencing any of the above-mentioned issues, you should come to your nearest Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair location as soon as possible to look for high-quality replacement tires for your vehicle.
Breakdown of the Different Types of Tires
There is no doubt that there are a lot of tire terms that you'll hear and see at the tire shop. Many of these revolve around varying types of tires.
For many of today's tires, the manufacturer's engineering specifications take into account factors such as road conditions, weather, and driving habits.
So, if you understand the handling requirements and environment in which you need your tires to work (more on this below), you can narrow down the types of tires available to you. To help you understand the differences and decide which tire type is best for you, here is a brief breakdown of the common options:
All-Season Tires
As the name implies, all-season tires are designed to balance performance, dependability, and safety in a wide variety of driving conditions. These tires have a tread pattern that offers good traction in wet and dry conditions, with a tread compound designed to resist tire wear in hot conditions. Even though all-season tires can offer decent grip in light snow, they aren't suitable for extreme winter conditions. They cannot handle sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow, and thick ice like snow tires can. All-season tires are a good choice for drivers who live in areas with relatively mild winter weather and don't want to switch tires depending on the season.
Summer Tires
Summer tires, sometimes also referred to as "regular tires," are specifically designed for the hot weather months. They are constructed with a softer rubber compound that provides enhanced grip and handling on dry, hot roads. The tread on summer tires is designed with deeper, wider grooves to help expel water and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Additionally, summer tires are engineered with stiffer sidewalls to help maintain the tire's shape when cornering at higher speeds. Overall, summer tires provide a better grip and enhanced performance in the hot summer months.
Winter Tires (Snow Tires)
Winter tires are designed to provide optimal traction in cold temperatures and on icy or snowy surfaces. They are made with a special rubber compound that remains flexible in cold temperatures and a more aggressive tread pattern with wide grooves and sipes that help evacuate snow and ice from beneath the tire. Winter tires are a must for drivers driving in areas experiencing heavy snowfalls.
Touring Tires
Touring tires are designed to provide a balance of grip, low noise, and comfort for everyday driving. They generally have a larger tread pattern than performance tires, which offer improved traction in wet weather. Touring tires are typically constructed with a soft rubber compound designed to provide a comfortable ride, reduce road noise, and provide good wear resistance. These tires tend to have a longer tread life than performance tires. Touring tires are a good choice for drivers who want a comfortable ride and don't require the aggressiveness of a performance tire.
Performance Tires
Usually used in high-performance sports cars, these tires are designed to provide optimal cornering, acceleration, and braking in dry and wet conditions. Performance tires are typically made with a soft rubber compound that provides a better grip than all-season tires, but as a result, they also wear out faster. These tires typically have a more aggressive tread pattern with larger tread blocks and wider grooves, which helps evacuate water from beneath the tires and improve wet traction.
All-Terrain Tires
All-terrain tires are a good choice for drivers who need tires that can handle a variety of road and off-road conditions. They have a larger and more aggressive tread pattern than all-season tires, with bigger tread blocks and deeper grooves for a better grip in the sand, light mud, and snow. All-terrain tires also have a tougher rubber compound that provides better puncture resistance and durability.
Mud-Terrain Tires
Also called "mud tires," these are designed for off-road driving on rugged terrains, such as thick mud and rocks. They have an even more aggressive tread pattern than all-terrain tires, with even "beefier" tread blocks and deep, wide grooves for better off-road traction. Like all-terrain tires, mud tires are also made of a strong rubber compound that is more durable and puncture resistant.
Run-Flat Tires
Some of the tire types mentioned above (especially all-season tires) can also be supplied as so-called run-flat tires. These tires are designed to be temporarily driven on after a puncture or blowout. They have a reinforced sidewall construction that allows the tire to be driven at a reduced speed for a limited distance. Run-flat tires can be a good choice for drivers who need the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they can safely get to a tire repair store in the event of a puncture.
Spare Tires
When considering the purchase of new tires, keeping your vehicle's spare tire in mind is also important. Having a dependable spare is essential if you experience an unfortunate flat tire. Spare tires can be full-size or compact. A full-size spare tire serves as a fifth tire for the vehicle in the case of a flat tire or blowout, allowing for a more permanent solution. On the other hand, a compact spare is a temporary solution that will only allow you to drive until you can get a permanent replacement tire at a tire store.
Important Things to Consider When It's Time to Shop for Tires
As you can see, there is a wide range of tire types meant for a range of different uses and driving conditions. It is essential to identify the kind of tire that not only works best for the road conditions but is also compatible with your vehicle and driving style.
To help you make the best selection more easily, you should also consider the following:
- Your vehicle's required tire diameter: Before shopping for your new tires, make sure you know the required tire diameter for your vehicle to ensure that the tires you want will fit your wheels (more on this below). These numbers can be found either on your current tires' sidewall or on the information sticker inside the driver's side door.
- Road conditions: The type of tire suitable for optimal performance on city streets is quite different from the one needed for country roads. So, it would be helpful if you also took into account the condition of the roads on which you mainly travel.
- Weather conditions: Consider the weather conditions you often drive in and the more difficult ones you may encounter. It's essential to have tires that can safely handle the appropriate conditions.
- Your favored driving style: Different driving styles require different tire types. So, for example, ask yourself if you want to ride tight around corners at higher speeds or if you want a more relaxed and cushioned ride.
- If you wish to select a larger wheel/tire size or change tire type: It is highly recommended that you speak with the professionals at a tire shop, like the ones you'll find at Goodguys Tire & Auto Repair, before changing to a different tire type or wheel/tire size. Our manufacturer-trained experts can help you ensure that the new tires you want are appropriate for your wheels and driving needs without compromising your vehicle's handling, steering, and ground clearance.
Deciphering the Letters and Numbers on Your Tires' Sidewall
As mentioned above, the string of letters and numbers on the sidewall of tires provides important information about the tire's size, construction, and capabilities. To help you understand what these mean, we'll break down an example of what could be printed on a tire: P235/55R18 91.
- "P" indicates that the tire is a "P-metric" size, meaning it is designed for passenger vehicles. Alternatively, if the tire has an "LT," this would indicate it is designed for a light truck.
- The first three numbers before the slash, "235," indicate the width of the tire tread (section width) in millimeters.
- The next two numbers after the slash, "55," are the aspect ratio or the ratio of the height of the tire's cross-section to its width. This percentage represents the portion of tread that makes up the sidewall. The higher this number is, the taller the sidewall will be. For our example, this would mean that the aspect ratio is 55% of 235 mm, making for a sidewall height of 129.25 mm.
- The "R" after the aspect ratio indicates the tire's construction. In this case, it stands for "radial," which means the layers of the tire run radially across the tire.
- The number "18" after "R" indicates the diameter of the wheel/rim in inches.
- The last number, "91," is the load index rating. This number indicates the maximum weight that the tire can safely carry.
If you're confused, don't worry. As a trusted professional tire shop, the experts at each Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair location can assist you in understanding the information regarding your vehicle's tires and finding the best new tires for your needs.
How to Get the Best Value for Your Money on New Tires
If you're looking for a way to get the most bang for your buck when buying new tires, there are some easy things you can do to get the best value for your money:
- Research different brands and tire types: Make sure to research the different types of tires available to you. Consider the safety ratings and reviews for each type of tire, as well as the cost and warranty.
- Check for deals and discounts: Many tire stores offer discounts and deals on new tires. Be sure to check for any current promotions or specials that may be running.
- Buy all four tires at once: Buying in sets of four tires can often save you money. Many tire manufacturers offer discounts for buying multiple tires at the same time.
- Opt for road hazard coverage: Any good tire shop will offer road hazard coverage for an additional fee. This advantageous coverage can help protect your tires from unexpected damage.
- Get the wheels balanced: Make sure your wheels are balanced when your new tires are installed. This will ensure that your tires last longer and are worn evenly.
Looking for a Tire Shop in Fresno, CA, You Can Count On? Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair Is Your Answer
With the information we've covered above, you should have a much better understanding of your vehicle's tires, including how to know when it is time for new tires and what to look for when purchasing tires.
When you need a tire repair store near you that you can trust, Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair is the place to go! Our tire experts at each of our locations will help you narrow down the variety of options, answer your questions, and find the best replacement tires for your vehicle and needs.
And for all of your tire maintenance needs, we've got you covered with professional tire rotation, wheel balancing, alignment, and tire repair services. We can help you determine the best maintenance schedule to preserve the life of your tires for as long as possible. Plus, as a true one-stop auto care shop, our mechanics have the experience to properly meet your vehicle's maintenance and repair needs while providing the highest customer service level.
