When was the last time you changed your tires? If the answer is when you bought the car, let’s talk. If you bought the vehicle this week, you’re in the clear. However, a lot of people don’t understand how important it is to change tires, not only when new tires are needed but also seasonally and sometimes even just for different types of driving excursions. 

We often take our vehicle’s tires for granted and don’t give them too much thought. We know they’re there, but our attention is often taken by luxury design and tech features. As nice as those features are, our vehicles would be absolutely useless if it weren’t for the tires. They allow the wheels to do their job, giving the car mobility, which is its very purpose. If it’s been a while since you’ve gotten new tires, it’s time to change that. Before you start asking, “Where’s a tire shop near me?” let’s talk about the basics of choosing the right tires for your vehicle. Not all tires are alike, and you need to make sure that you get the exact right kind for your vehicle, the season, and the terrain.

What Type of Tire Does Your Vehicle Need?

The first and possibly most important question you must ask is what type of tires your specific vehicle requires. You may or may not be able to get by without the right season tires, but there’s simply no way you’ll get by without the right type of tires for your vehicle.

This process starts, of course, with learning about your wheels. If you know the wheel size, you can easily determine the tire size. Even if you don’t feel like figuring this out on your own, bring it into our shop, and one of our mechanics will be able to tell you very quickly what size tires you need. Tire size is measured a bit differently from normal measurement standards, with the number appearing in the following formula: “X / Y,” where “X” is the width of the tire in millimeters at its widest point, and “Y” is the aspect ratio. For those who aren’t familiar with it, the aspect ratio measures the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. A higher aspect ratio equals a higher sidewall, which equals a taller vehicle (sedans have lower aspect ratios than trucks, for example).

Beyond size is the actual tire type. Most vehicles from recent model years default to all-season tires. We’ll get into the specifics of seasonal tires shortly, but if you’re simply looking to replace what your vehicle came with, there’s a high chance it’s a relatively standard all-season tire. The idea behind these tires is that you don’t necessarily have to change them seasonally. If this is what our vehicle came with, you live in a relatively consistent climate, and you don’t foresee yourself doing anything too adventurous, all-season tires should do the trick for you. 

Be aware that there are subcategories for all-season tires. There are performance all-season tires, which are well-suited to those using the vehicle for more than daily commutes. Trucks and SUVs also have their own categories of all-season tires, giving them the capability they need for towing and facing the elements in a more intense way.

For some, though, the tire needs are a bit more specific. Of course, the basics of your vehicle type can shed some light on the specific type of tire you want. An off-road vehicle will perform best with all-terrain tires, which allow you to traverse beyond the road, and there are all-terrain tires specifically suited to SUVs and trucks.

Those are some basic guidelines for identifying what type of tire your vehicles need. Let’s go a step further and discuss tires fitted to the specific season.

Seasonal Tires: What to Know and When to Change Them

If your car isn’t currently equipped with all-season tires (and, depending on where you live, even if it is), it’s highly important to your safety and your vehicle’s health to change your tires seasonally. Those of you who live in snowy climates know all too well that as pretty as the old white blanket covering can be, it can make driving treacherous. Once the snow melts for the season, snow-rated tires won’t perform as well and can become easily damaged if kept on for too long.

Winter tires are specially designed with sipes, meaning they have lots of small gaps in the tread that give them better grip in slippery, icy conditions. You’ll be able to experience more precise braking and a lower chance of swerving if a quick stop is necessary in wintertime. While the idea of spending a chunk of money on tires you’ll only use part of the year can feel frustrating, it’s an absolutely worthwhile expense for your family’s safety and your vehicle’s health. Plus, if you’re diligent about changing them out in a timely manner, they’ll last you for a good, long while. The best practice is to have them put on the vehicle shortly before the first significant snowfall of the year and remove them as soon as possible after the winter weather has confidently ended for the year. If you follow that annual schedule, you’ll be able to optimize your investment in winter tires. There are winter tires specifically suited to cars, trucks, and SUVs, so you’ll want to talk to your local tire shop about the best options for your specific vehicle. 

If you’d rather not change your tires as frequently, there is a potential solution for you: All-Weather Tires. Before you accuse us of mentioning the same tire type twice, these are not the same as all-season tires. While all-season tires are designed to give a generally good performance in a variety of weather conditions, all-weather tires are designed to offer the same precision as winter tires without wearing as easily. Depending on your local atmosphere and personal driving needs, you may find all-weather tires to be useful.

There is such a thing as summer tires, though whether or not you want a second set of seasonal tires is up to your discretion. Summer tires are designed to perform well in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, delivering very sharp performance in both dry and wet conditions. They’re typically able to stop on a dime, which can lead to more thrilling performance, especially in sports cars. 

Depending on where you live, seasonal tires are likely a necessity. Aside from the necessary element, changing your tires seasonally can result in less frequent tire purchases and long-term health for your vehicle. Healthy tires lead to healthy vehicle performance. Beyond vehicle performance, the number one priority is always safety. Changing your tires seasonally results in a much safer driving experience for you and your family (and for other drivers on the road), reducing the possibility of the unexpected.

Buy Your Next Set of Tires at Klein Honda

Now that you understand the importance of tire maintenance and replacements, it’s time to take action. In order for that action to be fruitful and easy for you, you need a trusted team you can work with that will provide the tires you need at a price you can afford with the service know-how to get your tires replaced quickly and efficiently. That’s what we provide right here at Klein Honda. With a great inventory of tires and an expert maintenance team, we’ll be able to tell you what tires you need and get them on your vehicle. Whether you’re looking to replace your current set or invest in your next seasonal set, we’ll make sure it gets done for you. With our help, you’ll be driving safely and smoothly.