Buying New Tires

What Do the Numbers on the Side of Your Tires Mean? 

Have you ever wondered? To make more informed decisions, you should learn what the numbers on the side of your tires signify. This will help you determine what kind of tire you have now and give you an idea of how to upgrade your tires.

For example, if your current tires have a code that reads P215/65R 15 95H, this is what that signifies: P stands for passenger car. This is the most common code that you’ll see. Other codes can be LT (light truck), ST (special trailer), and T (temporary). 215 is the width of the tire, measured across the tire from sidewall to sidewall, in millimeters. 65 is for the aspect ratio of the tire. This means the ratio of the height of the sidewall to the width as a percentage. R is the internal construction code. In this case, R is for radial. The only other code used nowadays is B (Bias-ply tires), which you will see on tires for some large non-passenger trucks. 15 is the rim diameter. This is the size of the wheel on which the tires are mounted.

Remember that if you get bigger rims for your vehicle, you’ll also have to buy tires to match the larger size. 95 signifies the load index. This measures how much weight each tire can support. If your vehicle has the factory tires on it, you will find the combined carrying weight shown on the doorjamb. H is the speed rating. This measures the maximum speed that the tire is designed to run for extended periods. The H rating has a max speed of 130 mph.

With this info, you’re prepared to get the best tires for your vehicle. Whether you’re shopping for a new set of the same tires you currently have or need specialized tires to accommodate different uses, such as winter driving, off-road, or performance driving, the professionals at our tire store in St Marys can help you find exactly what you need.

What Should I Consider When Buying New Tires?

When we suggest a certain type of tire, we always take into account your needs, as well as these four factors: quality, safety, handling, and price. We also need to determine what you want out of your new tires:

Will you want tires that drive well in rain, snow, or icy conditions?

Do you prefer all-weather tires to get a better grip, whether on wet or dry roads?

Do you prefer tires with deep treads because you go hiking or hunting and drive on unpaved roads?

Or do you tend to choose performance tires because you like to drive aggressively?

How Long Do My Tires Last?

How long do you want the life of your new tires to be? That will be dependent on a few different factors.

• What is the tire tread life expectancy: 35,000, 50,000, or 90,000 miles?
• How do you drive, accelerate, and brake?
• Do you keep proper tire pressure?
• Do you have your tires rotated every 6,000 miles?
• Do you ensure your wheels are aligned and tires balanced?

If you keep up with a proper maintenance schedule and don’t drive in a manner that wears out treads quickly, you’ll prolong the life of your tires. If not, you could void your warranty and realize that your tires wear out foo soon.

Is Price a Good Indicator of Tire Quality?

Some people decide to go to other discount tire stores in St Marys for cheap tires. However, with car tires, you almost always get what you pay for. We price our tires competitively. At Spitzer CDJR St Marys, you work with trustworthy experts, and you are sure to get a great value on reasonably priced tires. We charge just a nominal fee for mounting and balancing your tires. And if we notice that you need an alignment so that your car drives better and your tires live longer, we can do that, too. We want to help keep you safe, and we will only recommend the tires that are right for you and offer lasting value. Call us at 814-564-5101 or email us if you have any questions or want to discuss which tires are best for you.

How Can You Make Tires Last Longer?

If you’re in the market for a new set of tires, visit Spitzer CDJR St Marys for a huge selection of top-rated tires at reasonable prices. We offer comprehensive tire maintenance and repair for all makes and models of cars, trucks, and SUVs, including flat repair, alignment, and rotation.

There are a few routine maintenance steps that you can take to prolong the life of your tires and keep you safe:

Alignment: Maintaining proper wheel alignment will help the tread wear evenly across the tire’s width. Improper wheel alignment can cause your car to “lean” towards one side of the road. This will make you overcompensate when steering and end in faster tire damage.

Pressure: Your tires are designed to be inflated to a certain pressure. Keeping them inflated to the correct pressure level ensures that they provide the most contact with the road and give you the best performance.

Rotation: You should also get your tires rotated regularly to ensure that front and rear tires wear evenly.

Think of Spitzer CDJR St Marys for Your Next Set of Tires

Spitzer CDJR St Marys carries a wide variety of tires for all vehicles. Stop by and speak with our service professionals before you buy your next set of tires to see why local drivers prefer us.