Standard tires should be typically be replaced every 60,000 miles or six years, whichever comes first. In order to maintain your safety on the road, you should know when it’s time to buy new tires and which kind to get. When it comes time to buy a new set for your vehicle, keep the following tips in mind. 

Do:

Consider what you’re investing in. 

A brand new set of tires can vary considerably in price, depending on their specs. While it may be tempting to purchase the cheapest set that will fit your vehicle, consider just how much is at stake where the rubber meets the road.

Your tires influence everything from stopping distance to agility, so don’t settle for the most affordable set you can find without first confirming that it will meet your vehicle’s needs. 

Replace all four at once. 

If you rotated the old set of tires every 5,000 miles or so, they should have sustained fairly even wear. As such, it’s advisable to replace them all at once because the new tires will grip the road much better than the old ones. If you only intend to replace two at a time, move the old ones to the front to ensure optimal stability and handling in the rear.

Don’t:

Overlook essential maintenance. 

To help your new tires last as long as possible—and sustain their traction over the course of their lifetime—make sure to actively maintain them. Check the PSI monthly, which measures the amount of air pressure in the tires in pounds per square inch.

The recommended amount of air pressure ranges from 30 to 35 PSI. If the reading is low, add more air to the tire. In addition, avoid riding the brakes, taking incredibly fast turns, or skidding unnecessarily when driving. 

Buy them from an unreliable source. 

Always buy your tires from a reputable dealer. You might find a great deal with a private seller, but there’s no way to be sure whether their claims regarding the condition of the tires are actually true. What’s more, a set purchased from a secondhand online marketplace may not come with any warranties—even if they’re allegedly brand new. 

When you need new tires, head to Lee Tire in Lexington, KY. For more than two decades, this family-owned and -operated company has been serving motorists across Fayette County. Their vast inventory includes all of the most reliable brands, like Cooper®, Goodyear®, and Michelin®. To request a quote, reach out on their website or call (859) 254-6157.