5 Steps to Choosing a New Set of Tyres
Buying a new set of tyres can feel a whole lot like buying a new car. There are many options, each option offers something different, and there is so much information out there that it can seem overwhelming to sort through it all.
To help you demystify the process, here are the 5 steps to choosing a new set of tyres.
1. Decide between buying new or used
The first step in choosing a new set of tyres is deciding whether you want to buy brand new or used ones. There are pros and cons to each, and a number of factors that will be particular to your circumstances. But among these, the main consideration to keep in mind is whether you are choosing a set of tyres due to damage, or wear and tear.
If you have sustained a puncture on one tyre, but you otherwise have a perfectly good set, buying a used tyre may seem like an attractive option. If all your tyres are worn down and showing signs of age, then a new set is best. Similarly, if you drive regularly on freeways, highways, drive a lot of kilometres or regularly drive on rough roads then new tyres are best.
2. Consider what type of driving you’ll be doing
Those sleek tyres you have your eye on might be a perfect fit on your car – but will be of little use to you if you need them for your 4×4. So, taking into account what type of driving you’ll be doing – and the conditions you’ll be driving in – is a critical factor when considering a new set of tyres.
3. Consider what type of driver you are
All of us can find something to improve in our driving habits. Certainly, if you have a dangerous driving habit, it should be corrected right away. Yet, try as we might, some of us still brake too sharply, or are a bit too quick to take off at traffic lights. This means that – even if you’re not Formula One’s Daniel Ricciardo and going through multiple sets of tyres each afternoon – thinking back on your history of tyre problems is wise.
Although you should be rotating your tyres regularly (which helps ensure that all the tyres wear evenly and last longer), you should seek out a more durable set if you find your tyres tend to wear out more quickly than average. If in doubt, check with your local tyre professionals to find out what’s normal and what set best suits your driving style.
4. Decide whether you need to purchase a spare
You may only need four new tyres to meet your immediate needs, but it’s a good idea to strongly consider purchasing a spare.
Consider the fact that if your car’s current set is already very worn, even using one as a spare may be ill-advised. Rather than getting a puncture and then facing a nervous drive on your spare tyre that’s in shoddy condition, it’s ideal to be open to buying a spare alongside the new set you are purchasing.
To the degree that your finances (and storage space in your garage) allow, buying a whole second set can be worthwhile to consider, as well. In the event that you do get a puncture, you’ll have an easy replacement on hand, and it guarantees you’ll always have a spare matching set on hand for months and years to come as the need arises.
5. Increase your knowledge of tyres
It’s always a good time to increase your driving knowledge and learn more about your car and its parts and maintenance needs. You can help yourself immensely when looking to buy a new set of tyres by learning all you can about tyres and the different types available, particularly as it relates to the sidewall. By learning and being able to decode what all those numbers and letters mean along a tyre’s rim, you’ll find it much easier to quickly search and shop for what you need.
The 5 steps listed above will help make purchasing new tyres an easy and seamless experience. In particular, focus on buying a quality set – you’ll want it to serve you well in the long term.
Then, be sure to make good use of your old tyres. While they may no longer be fit for the roads, there are plenty of creative uses for used tyres around the home. From the classic tyre swing, to garden use, to furniture construction – and even in the creation of some very cool and modern art – be sure to find a fun use for your used tyres once they are off the road.
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