Having trouble figuring out what tires to buy?

With all the advanced technology and engineering in today’s automobiles, tires are still perhaps the most critical component of any vehicle.

From handling and comfort to noise and fuel efficiency, tires play a vital role in the performance, safe operation and environmental impact of your vehicle. But with so many kinds of tires available, choosing the best set for your vehicle can seem difficult, so Be Tire Smart Canada is here to help!

How often should you replace your tires? Even with proper maintenance, all tires will eventually wear out. Many variables can impact the lifetime of your tires. Average driving speed, climate, extreme weather, and the type of roads you drive on most often can all work to extend or shorten a tire’s life. To help you make an informed decision for your next set of tires, here are some tire buying tips from Be Tire Smart Canada.

When to replace your tires All tires sold in Canada are manufactured with “wear bars.” These coloured bars become exposed when there is less than 1.6 mm of tread depth remaining on your tire. Tires must be replaced when the wear bar is visible. If you’re unsure about wear bars and the tread life of your tires, you can also try the “Bluenose” test. Just place a Canadian dime in the tire’s groove, with the Bluenose’s sails pointing down – if you can see the top of the sails, then the tire needs to be replaced. Consult your tire technician for more information on when to replace your tires.

Choosing the best tires for your vehicle First, establish whether you need a passenger or light-truck tire. Passenger tires are sufficient for most vehicles, including many SUV and pick-up trucks. Some pick-up and SUV’s require a more robust, light-truck tire, for hauling heavy loads and driving on rough terrain. Consult your tire technician for more information on light-truck and SUV tires. Second, determine what you need most from your tires. Many drivers look for higher comfort ratings, lower noise levels and the best fuel efficiency possible. Consider your local climate and daily driving routine and this will help you narrow your focus.

Changing tire sizes? New tires should be the same size, and have the same load capacity and speed rating as your vehicle’s original tires. To ensure proper handling, install the same type of tires on all four wheels. Different manufacturers may approve alternate tire sizes for certain vehicles, in which the original performance isn’t compromised. This information is printed on the tire itself, as well as the tire information placard, which is usually attached to the edge of the driver’s side door of your vehicle. Consult your tire technician and manufacturer for more information on changing tire sizes.