When buying tyres, you have the option of buying new or part worn tyres but proceed with caution if you opt for the latter. There has been a huge increase in fraud involving car parts. Don’t put your safety in jeopardy but only buy from a reputable dealer. When looking to buy car tyres you may want to follow some of these tips:
1. Shop around for quotes. You will need the make and model of your car, registration date and the size of the tyres currently fitted. You may find that the national companies are not always the cheapest. If you need four new tyres, saving £10 per tyre adds up. You may also find local garages are more convenient and cost effective when you factor in the price of the fuel you need to use to drive to the national company.
2. When comparing quotes make sure that you are judging them like for like. The prices quoted should include VAT as well as fitting and balancing. Some will also include the cost of new valves which is recommended when you buy new tyres.
3. You may be advised to buy the tyres used by the manufacturer. If the cost difference is not excessive this is good advice as you know the tyres suit the car.
4. If you have special circumstances i.e. you drive down a lot of unmade roads for instance you may want to discuss your special needs with a good mechanic. Different brands of tyres are more appropriate in some instances.
5. Don’t worry about having different tread patterns on your tyres. If a garage tries to sell you four new tyres and uses this reason, walk away. But if the garage is advising new tyres because there is a different tread depth then pay attention. Driving a car using wheels that have different tread levels can make the car unstable and unsafe. You can also cause mechanical stress and could lead to expensive repairs making the cost of the replacement tyres look insignificant. This is not a sales ploy to get you to spend more money but is sound advice.
6. If replacing a pair of tyres, you may be advised to swap the ones you were using at the back to opposites sides at the front and place the new ones on the back. This can help you get more value for your money but can only be done if it was the front tyres that needed replacement.
7. To avoid having to change your tyres too often you might want to try rotating them every so often. Tyres wear down in different places depending on their location on the car, the type of driver you are and the ground that you cover. So switching the tyres around can be a way to make them last longer. Tyre manufacturer’s advice varies with some recommending rotation at 2000 miles and others 6000. Rotation doesn’t suit everyone as it can mean that you face replacing four tyres at once. It will depend on whether you bought the car new and when you plan on trading it in or selling it.
Changing your car tyres is a necessary part of car maintenance so be sure that you change them as often as is required to keep your car safe for you and your passengers.