Even when you buy top brands, all wheels and tires need replacement eventually. Of course, finding new ones is easier said than done. Fortunately, you can find the right options with these tips.
Why Get New Wheels?
Sure, your car has seen a few miles, but none of your tires have blown. As long as they don’t have holes in them, you don’t need new ones, right?
Unfortunately, old and worn tires can cause damage to your vehicle and put you in harm’s way. If you don’t replace tires when they need it, you may have the following problems.
Bent Rims Can Cause Drift
Driving on flat tires can bend your rims, which cause their own issues–namely drifting. When trucks drift, it compromises your control, which can be deadly in the wrong circumstances.
Low Tire Treads Are Dangerous
Tread creates friction, which is essential for grip. The better your tires grip the road, the more control you have over the vehicle. Once the tread gets down to two-thirty seconds of an inch, you’re in dangerous territory. Lack of friction is even more hazardous in icy and wet conditions when roads are slippery.
Old Tires Can Decrease Your Gas Mileage
Older tires don’t hold pressure well, and that can affect your gas mileage. If you want to save money on fuel, you should replace tires when they no longer hold air effectively.
What Should You Know Before Purchasing Wheels?
Not every wheel fits every vehicle, so it’s essential that you do your research to find out the following:
- What size is right for your car
- What kind of tire meets your needs
- Which rim upgrades actually offer benefits
It’s a good idea to have this information before you go shopping so you can narrow your search.
You Should Check the Bolt Pattern
If you want to install new rims on your vehicle, the bolt patterns need to match up. As you’re looking for wheels, double-check those black lug nuts and ensure they’re in the same place as your old rims.
You Need the Right Size
If you get too big tires, they can scrape against the wheel well. Tires that are too tall for your make and model also increase the risk of rolling. Fortunately, most tires have the size embossed on them, so you just have to look up the code.
You Should Ask About the Tire Mileage Warranty
The tire mileage warranty lets drivers get credit toward new tires if their tread wears down before hitting the listed mileage. This warranty is great for your budget, but it’s also an excellent way to gauge the potential life of your tires.
Manufacturers calculate the listed warranty based on probability. In most cases, about 75% of drivers will meet or exceed the mileage before tread wear out. That means you can expect your set to last that many miles.
Whether you need 37 inch tires or custom rims, quality matters. Once you find a set you like, make sure you read reviews and look for comments about durability. It may take some time, but the research is well worth the effort.
