FAQ

Whenever there is a need for replacing car tires, the first thing that comes to mind is the cost. The price of tires varies from place to place and also depends on factors like make, quality, and size. Their cost is also significantly higher as they are made using high-quality rubber and steel components.

For an average car, the cost of replacing tires is around $100, while for SUVs and larger vehicles, it ranges between $175 to $200. Standard all-season tires cost between $50 to $200. Multiple factors determine the cost of new tires, mainly make and size. Typically, the size of tires for small cars ranges between 13 to 16 inches while that of SUV and pickup trucks isbetween 18 to 20 inches.

It is always essential for an individual to have adequate experience to guide an inexperienced person in tire selection. The type of tire, make, size, quality, and price depend upon radius factors. One needs to understand the purpose and budget to make the right choice. Tire replacement can cost anywhere between $80 2 $800 depending on the brand and vehicle type. Car owners should always buy OEM tires to ensure that the ABS and other safety equipment work correctly.

The wheels of every vehicle had a line correctly after it leaves the manufacturing facility. Manufacturers are sure that both the front and rear tires are inconsistent positions relative. But once the vehicle is on the open road and is driven over bad patches, potholes, rough terrains, wheels start to get misaligned. When the driver strikes an object or hits a pothole hard, one of the wheels is slightly moved to the other side.

While driving a vehicle with misaligned wheels, several symptoms can be experienced. Cars often start to drift from right to left, even when the steering is centered. Vibrations in the steering wheel are also observed in some cases. Wheel alignment charges range between $50 to $75. Experts recommend checking the tire rotation at the same time to eliminate the chances of uneven tire wear.

Individuals must get a car’s tires aligned at every ten thousand miles to maintain healthy tire wear. If the vehicle is involved in some accident or is driven over bad roads, alignment should be checked correctly. Wheel alignment and axle repair jobs are done by experienced mechanics to avoid unnecessary expenses and damage. After completing the job, the mechanic must provide a detailed report of the task, parts used, and a service guarantee.

When new tires are purchased for a vehicle, the owner must have a clear idea of the ways for checking a tire’s health. But it is found that most car owners do not understand the need for proper wheel alignment. Many also do not know wheel alignment intervals. Aligning all four wheels is not always necessary when new tires are put in a car.

Wheel alignment ensures that all the four wheels are in place relative to one another. If the alignment is not performed after installing one or more new wheels in a car, the drive and handling characteristics might change. Uneven wear of the tire is also noticed, which eventually decreases the life of a tire. Irrespective of the type and quality of tire, wheel alignment is necessary.

It helps in getting more mileage out of a fresh factory set of tires. Moreover, wheel alignment helps in keeping the car safe and avoids unnecessary skidding or drifting. If wheel alignment is not done after installing new tires, the vehicle may show uneven right and premature tire wear. Wheel alignment is essential to lower the running expenses of a car.

Typically, OEM tires on a new vehicle last for around 50,000 miles before replacement. Several factors affect the useful life of a set of tires. People must take good care of tires to ensure proper functionality and safety. The type of tire pleases a significant rule in its usability. Softer tires provide better road grip but wear out quickly. On the other hand, performance-oriented tires wear out much sooner compared to the standard all-season alternatives.

Treadwear rating is also essential to understand a tire’s life; the higher the number, the longer the tire can be used. The drivetrain and performance of a vehicle also determine the wear and tear of a tire. If the car is front or rear-wheel-drive, tires will wear out faster. Road conditions also cause significant damage to the tires. Rough terrains cause noticeably more damage than smooth paved roads.

Off-roading causes tires to wear out faster and reduce their average usable life. Vehicles driven on mountains and hills experience more tire wear as they operate in full power while going up and down the slopes. Tires must be kept inflated with appropriate tire pressure. Experts suggest checking tires at regular intervals to avoid premature wearing, especially in front or rear-wheel-drive cars.

Maintaining a modern car with all its features and functionalities can become a difficult task. Periodic repair and maintenance are essential to keep the car driving safely. Wheel alignment is a critical factor in the safety of the vehicle that mostly gets overlooked. Many people are not even aware of the simple ways to fix misaligned wheels. There can be multiple reasons that can cause the wheels to become misaligned.

If the steering wheel of a car is not centered correctly, it will result in wheel misalignment. If the vehicle is observed to pull to one side or other, then wheel alignment is necessary. Vehicles must drive straight with minimal effort on the steering wheel. When a car shows symptoms of pulling from side to side, the owner must check and correct the wheel alignment. Another simple and easy way to check for misaligned wheels is by observing tire wear patterns.

Experienced technicians can easily understand issues with the suspension, tire pressure, or wheel alignment by observing the tires’ condition. Tire rotation and inspection at the time of service shows the wheels’ relative alignment to earn one another; abnormal tire wear is a clear indication of misaligned wheels. The handling of the car is affected significantly if the wheels are not aligned properly.

Appropriate alignment of the wheels in a car is necessary for its proper handling and drivability. The revolutions start to give become misaligned. It increases the damage of the tires and the chances of an accident while driving on the road. Hence, it is essential to ensure proper alignment of the wheels through the periodic maintenance of the car. It helps to keep the occupants safe and increases the usable life of the vehicle and tires. 

Following are some of the causes of wheel misalignment that owners must be aware of:

When the wheels of a car are correctly aligned, it will rotate in a straight line—allowing the driver to steer correctly as all four wheels are directed in the same direction. If a vehicle hits something on the road, runs over a big pothole, or hits a curb, it might result in wheel misalignment.

When the wheels are not aligned properly relative to one another, steering the vehicle in the desired direction is difficult. When a vehicle’s wheels are not correctly aligned, it will not maintain consistent speed leading to considerable fuel wastage. Proper alignment of the wheels is necessary for good fuel economy and performance.

The wheel of a car can become misaligned when the vehicle is poorly driven over patches on roads. It can also lead to wearing out of parts in the wheel and the suspension system, resulting in noticeable symptoms of misaligned wheels. Cars with adequately aligned wheels will offer better performance and efficiency at the same time. Moreover, they perform better when taking a sharp turn or dodging obstacles on roads. Sometimes weird vibrations are observed when driving a car in a straight line.

Misaligned wheels often lead to uneven and fast tire wear. To keep a check on uneven tire wear, one must always measure the depth of tire tread on both sides of the car at regular intervals. If the wheels are correctly aligned, it will have equal rubber depth on all tires.

Uneven tire wearing due to misaligned wheels also result in squealing when the vehicle is accelerating or taking a turn. The feeling can also be a result of worn-out brake pads or damaged suspension parts. Car owners must always get the vehicle appropriately checked if such symptoms are observed. Keeping the wheels aligned improves the car’s efficiency and performance and makes the ride a lot safer for the occupants.

The majority of the car owners do not put wheel alignment at the top of the maintenance list. Regular tune-ups, fluid checks, oil changes, the battery’s replacement, and bulb are done, but tiers are left untouched. However, it turned out to be one of the essential elements for ensuring vehicle safety. Usually, people do not worry about tires until they blow out, leaving them stranded on the side of the road.

Wheel alignment is an essential part of vehicular health and should not be ignored. Tire rotation is a good practice to reduce wear and tear but does not help with misaligned wheels. Car owners must always have the wheel alignment checked during regular service intervals. It helps in identifying potential issues and stopping them from becoming expensive fixes.

Neglecting checkpoints during a service can lead to complicated problems and costly repairs. Observing the tire tread pattern helps in understanding whether the wheels are correctly aligned or not. Car tires must be replaced at regular intervals for safety and performance. If the wheels are correctly aligned, it reduces the chances of excessive wear and poor handling of the car. Moreover, it helps the vehicle to perform efficiently on the road.

Maintaining and replacing car tires is essential for the safety of the vehicle on the road. Cars that lack the right condition tires with sufficient tread will have difficulty accelerating, cornering, and braking. However, car owners mostly tend to avoid replacing tires due to their high cost. It is essential to understand the right time to replace car tires to prevent unnecessary expenses.

The depth and pattern of the tread must be checked at different points of the tire. Similarly, the edges must not show excessive wear and tear. A tire must be able to maintain appropriate tire pressure. If symptoms like uncomfortable right leaks and excessive noise are observed, tires must be replaced immediately. Usually, the front tires of the car wear out faster compared to the rear ones.

Replacing two tires at a time is always a good practice. The new set of tires must be used at the rear while the older pair of tires can be used at the front. One must always mind purchasing one tire at a time. If a single tire in a car is damaged, buy another new tire for the other side. For all wheel-driven vehicles, tire replacement should be done as per the recommendation of the manufacturer.

Alignment refers to the suspension system’s geometry comprising different components working together to turn and support the vehicle. Even the slightest change in the vehicle’s suspension system’s geometry and wheel alignment can significantly damage and lead to premature tire wear. When mechanics check the wheel alignment, they take measurements of the camber and caster of the wheel for determining the perfect alignment angle.

A series of tools and alignment devices are used to align all four wheels relative to one another. Poor alignment affects the car’s handling and feels economic and causes premature tire wear, braking troubles, and excessive vibration. It also compromises the safety of the driver and occupants in the car. Excessive wear and tear of the tires due to misalignment can result in costly repairs of the suspension components and increase fuel consumption significantly.

Wheel alignment can be completed within an hour for most vehicles. Investing in a new set of tires and proper wheel alignment will dramatically improve the longevity of the suspension system of the car. Reputed car servicing facilities use high-end alignment machines to ensure that the vehicle is aligned correctly and does not require frequent changes and tires and suspension repair. The efficiency, performance, and handling of a car deteriorates due to poor wheel alignment.

Wheel maintenance and alignment is an essential part of regular car maintenance. Adequately aligned wheels and tires ensure that the car drives appropriately on the road while keeping the occupants safe. One must understand that even the slightest knock, hitting a curb or pothole can easily misalign a car’s wheels. If not addressed at the right time, it can cause premature tire wear and massive damage to the vehicle’s suspension components.

Proper wheel alignment is essential for the following reasons:

Improve fuel efficiency

Fuels do not come cheap, and car owners are always searching for ways to cut down fuel consumption. Keeping the wheels aligned helps in reducing the rolling resistance of a car.

Better vehicle safety

The suspension system of a car is directly linked to the wheels. If the wheels’ alignment is not appropriate, the steering and suspension mechanisms can get damaged easily. It also affects the car’s performance and handling while taking turns and crossing objects on the road. Poor wheel alignment affects the overall mechanism and safety of a car. Proper alignment of the wheels helps in keeping steering, suspension components, brakes, and tires in order. It also eliminates wobbling, drifting, and vibrations when a car is running at higher speeds.

Usable tire life depends upon multiple factors starting with vehicle type, usability, road conditions, tire size, condition of suspension, wheel alignment, driving style, etc. Reputed tire manufacturers make some of the best quality car tires that offer excellent road and usable life. But these tires are also quite expensive at the same time. However, lesser-known companies also provide the right quality tires for almost half the price.

Car owners mostly do not know the different kinds of tires available in the market and their prices. Individuals mainly depend upon the recommendation of dealerships and local repair shops for purchasing a new set of tires for their cars. It is essential to understand the purpose and quality of buying the right set of tires. The usability of the vehicle and its driving characteristics play a significant role in tire selection.

Experts recommend buying tires from reliable manufacturers to get value for money products. Typically, people believe that only the tires from reputed manufacturers are of superior quality. But in reality, smaller manufacturers have also started offering products that match industry standards at a much lesser price. When purchasing used cars, one must always check the tires first. Wearing and aging of tires are also applicable for spare tires, and old tires used you are so ago but never been used.

Typically, people can only name a couple of prominent tire brands that they have come across in advertisements. Big brands are known for high-quality manufacturing tires, but some lesser-known brands make excellent quality tires. Tires from smaller brands can be more than 50% cheaper than those from reputed manufacturers while offering similar comfort and usability levels. One can use the internet for learning about the right quality tires from lesser-known brands at a much lower price.

Buying cheap tires can be truly beneficial in the long run, mainly when the purchase is unplanned. Punctures can happen at any time, and budget tires do not burn a hole in the pocket. There are some industry standards that tier and purchase for the respective share price. Cheap tires often read to low fuel efficiency, increased vibration, poor braking performance, and road noise.

Expensive tires, on the other hand, offer better understanding and last for a considerable period. Investing in premium tires is not always a bad idea as the manufacturer uses iron manufacturing processes and top quality materials for obtaining the highest level of performance. Many people believe that purchasing premium tires proves to be economical in the long run. It also offers better performance and efficiency.

Usually, people depend upon the tread depth of tires to gauge its usable life. If the tire passes the penny test, it is believed that it still has some experience left at the respective office in equal condition. Old tires can prove to be fatal irrespective of their depth. Car manufacturers usually recommend replacing car tires every six years from the date of production.

For most people, old tires have never been an issue due to the high cost of replacement. Many people drive a vehicle for a certain number of miles or cross the 15,000 miles mark every year. The tires of these vehicles require replacement after every 3 to 4 years. People who only take their cars out on the weekends can change their car tires after an interval of 6 to 7 years. 

Racing tires are similar to old rubber bands that start to crack over time easily. Excessive cracking of tires can result in steel bells in the tire. Reputed tire manufacturers like continental and Michelin claim that their tires last for around ten years, given the user keep an eye on its tread pattern at regular intervals. Maintaining good tread depth and proper wheel alignment is essential for optimum safety and performance of vehicles.

Every tire’s usable life differs based on its design and other wear and tear factors. But manufacturers and servicing agencies recommend replacing after a specific mileage to avoid accidents. All manufacturers provide warranty and guidelines for proper usage and maintenance of tires. Replacing tires irrespective of the tread depth after every 5 to 6 years is always considered a healthy practice.

The replacement time of tires can come sooner or later, depending on the quality and usage. Tires of every type are sold with a specific mileage limit for safety reasons. Car owners must always check their tires’ age in mind and replace them with time to avoid fatal accidents. The most appropriate way of inspecting tires is by taking a full review around it from the front and checking the sidewalls and treads. 

Checking, rotating, and changing tires is a straightforward task but requires quite a bit of physical labor to manage the job. One must always keep the necessary tools handy for safety and ease of use. Tires are composed of rubber compounds and hence, show signs of aging after a certain period. Many people prefer to purchase a used set of tires to cut the replacement cost. In such circumstances, the tread depth, tread pattern, and side walls must be checked thoroughly. 

Tire depth plays a vital role in the safety and performance of a vehicle. All the shapes, patterns, grooves, and knobs found in the tread pattern are designed for a purpose. It helps the tire to grip the road, accelerate, corner, and brake. It also helps in improving the performance and fuel efficiency of the car. Tread depth is referred to as the vertical measurement taken from the top of the tire rubber to the bottom of the deepest groove.

The rubber component and its grooves give tires the necessary traction, but it will become less capable of gripping the tarmac. Brand new tires usually come with the tread depth of 12/32″ or 10/32″, mentioned in the manufacturer’s specification sheet. The usable tire depth for a new tire is up to 8/32″. If the tire has reached up to the tread depth of 2/32″, it is unusable for typical road conditions like wet surfaces, slush, and snow.

Such tires are also prone to heat damage, flats and punctures. For people living in areas with heavy rainfall and snowfall, the usable depth of tire tread is around 4/32″. Indicator bars help measure and monitor tire wear. The wear and tear of tires vary depending on the climate and the surrounding environment. Similarly, the threshold for tire tread depth measurement also differs from place to place. Fracture recommended tire pressure and tread depth are according to the prevailing laws.

Modern-day tires use multiple layers of polyester bands, rubber, and steel bands. As the tires start to age, these layers begin to damage and lose their ability to grip the road. Multiple noticeable symptoms tell where it is not in good shape. Some common indications include lack of traction on wet surfaces, noise, vibration, excessive wobbling, etc. Sometimes when the tread of the tire develops defects that cannot be balanced, it results in separation of the polyester band from the Steel bands inside the tire.

This makes the tires go out of balance even after multiple adjustments. In such cases, the only solution is to replace the tires with relatively newer ones. Give rise to different noises, some of which are usually while others sign of worn-out tires.

It is also a sign that the suspension components are not in order. A thumping sound means red spots in the tire. Replacing the tire is necessary for addressing both of these problems. Wobbling at high speeds is also an indication of worn-out tires. Bad tires should be replaced as soon as possible, followed by a complete wheel alignment to avoid fatal accidents.

Cracks in tire treads indicate dry throat and usually occurs when the sidewall moves to the impression. Deep and extensive cracks can be dangerous and require immediate replacement of the tire. Cracks in the tire treads are also observed if the car is parked in direct sunlight for long hours. Dry rot produces the integrity of the tired and can easily damage even sparingly used tires. These cracks cannot be repaired using sealants as it would further increase the risk.

Tires with signs of dry rot can be compared to a ticking time bomb as it can result in a fatal accident at any moment. People must never try to reuse repair cracked tires in any vehicle. You are replacing them with the appropriate ones, the only practical solutions that will ensure your driver and occupants’ safety.

If tire cracking is observed, immediate action should be taken to slow down the process. Wheel cleaners help clean the grime and brake test off the tires and slow the round neck cracking process. Silicon petroleum-based products should not be used to increase the rate of tire cracking and void manufacturer warranty.

Car tires are subjected to some of the harshest environments than any other type of consumer product. Moreover, it is stretched and ruled millions of miles during its life and is exposed to the environment’s harmful elements. Tires are subjected to the winter’s cold and the summer’s heat, leading to the rubber compound’s continuous expansion and contraction. Modern tires come with anti-aging chemicals, but exposure to full elements results in loss of elasticity leading to cracks on the tire surface.

Cracks on the tires can be categorized as weather cracking, cracking, or weather checking. Small cracks are observed on the treads’ sidewalls, and the base does not harm the tire. These cracks reach deeper into the rubber, and replacing them becomes necessary. The manufacturer’s warranty on tires typically covers small cracks for four years from the date of purchase. However, under certain conditions, the manufacturer’s warranty coverage becomes void.

Cracks can also appear due to the tire’s low maintenance; driving the vehicle on flat tires, overloading, and under-inflation can damage and result in cracks on the tire’s surface. Cosmetic ozone cracking or weather cracking is only out on the upper layers of a tire. They typically occur around the mid-section objective due to overexposure to the elements of the environment.