Tips for Buying Replacement Tires

Form many car owners, getting a new set of tires can be a daunting task. This is because there are many types of tires with different pricing and features. Just thinking about the massive options available is enough to make anyone overwhelmed.  If you are one of those who are unsure when it comes to tire replacement, Miracle Body and Paint in San Antonio Texas suggests you to do research before getting that new set. It is said that the tires are the only connection between your vehicle and the road, so you should never do guesswork or risk getting into an auto accident or collision.

Make sure you get the correct size when buying replacement tires.  The sizing numbers may confuse you at first, but it will be easier for you to find the exact tires for your car if you understand the basic concepts. Go check your vehicle’s manual for the recommended size. There is also a sticker attached to the door jab of your car. Use this to compare your current tire with what is stated on the manual. This step is a very important step especially for those with second-hand cars since the previous owner may have replaced it without you knowing it.

Let’s use this sample tire size number: P195/60R17 63H M+S

• P

This is the the tire type where “P” stands for a passenger tire.

• 195

This is the cross-sectional width (in millimeters) of the tire. The higher the number, the wider the tread tires.

• 60

This is the aspect ratio of the sidewall vs to its width. The higher the aspect ratio, the taller the sidewall. High performing vehicles have a lower aspect to enable flexibility under high cornering loads, but comes with ride discomfort.

• R

This stands for radial tire design.

• 17

This is the tire’s diameter in inches, measuting from its mounting position to the wheel rim. This should always match the rim.

• 63

This indicates the load rating or its load-carrying capacity. If you’re hauling heavy cargo, its OK to choose a tire that has a higher load capacity than what is on the recommended rating.

• H

This is the tire’s speed rating. Speed rating ranges from 159.3 to 299.3 km/h. T (189.9 km/h) and H (209.2 km/h) are the most common ratings and are suitable for vehicles that do long distances.  A tire with S rating (180.2 km/h) is OK for those that just drive around town.

• M+S

This shows the tread for all-weather use.