Tips for purchasing tires this spring driving season
Your tires may be the most important functional item on your vehicle, and optimizing their usage during seasonal change can bring many benefits to you and your family.
Let’s explore the items one needs to know when purchasing tires for the spring/early summer driving season.
Believe it or not, spring brings a unique set of challenges for your tires. With the transition from colder days to warmer, it is important to remember that rainwater and debris can still bring slick and treacherous driving conditions. Tires dialed in exclusively for snow and ice, may not be the best option when it comes to these new challenges.
To help navigate your search for new tires, we put together a few tips, tricks and questions to ask to help you begin:
The Basics
When it comes to the initial evaluation of tire usage, there are four primary areas of evaluation.
Traction: If currently utilizing tires that effectively tackle snow and ice, you may need to evaluate their effectiveness in heavier rain -- as needs are very different in those driving conditions. During spring showers, tires that offer greater traction on wet surfaces are preferred. When searching, focus on tread patterns that channel water away from a tire’s contact patch to prevent hydroplaning or lost traction on rougher surfaces.
Handling: Roads during the spring or rainier seasons can be very unpredictable in some parts of the country, as the thawing of winter often reveals new potholes, uneven surfaces or road hazards that may not have been present before. When shopping, take local road conditions into account, as it is important to match tires that are the most responsive to the driving conditions and hazards you may encounter the most.
Durability: Springtime often means you will encounter debris such as twigs, small branches, gravel and other items on the road. Spring thunderstorms and wind events can cause such debris. Choose tires that boast a sturdy sidewall, resist punctures and protect from road hazard damage.
Comfort: Smooth rides make for enjoyable journeys, so it might be important to select a tire that provides a balance of performance and comfort. Low road noise and vibration levels also contribute here, and new tires can help mitigate these experiences.
A Deeper Look
Once comfortable with the basics of tire performance, you’ll want to take a deeper look at the exact tires your vehicle may need. This step is critical, as it informs the direction to take for your particular vehicle. Having a professional evaluate your needs should provide a roadmap to a successful experience.
Consult With a Hendrick Automotive Group Service Advisor: While online research is an important part of the process, we feel that consulting a service advisor or any tire professional is an essential step. For example, an advisor can assess your driving habits, vehicle specifications, and local weather norms and recommend the best tires for you.
How would one get to the specific information needed? Let’s explore. Below are a few questions you need to ask yourself and the service advisor before making that purchase.
What is My Budget? In establishing a budget, account for the needs of your vehicle and preferred driving style. Point research in that direction.
What Size of Tire Do I Need? Your vehicle’s operator manual will have a listing of the tire size that’s recommended by the manufacturer. You can also look at the sidewalls of your current tires, as they are also a good reference with their size stamped on the side.
What are My Driving Habits? Do you daily commute via highway? Maybe it is more off-roading or wide-open spaces you are looking for? Are you an enthusiast who enjoys spirited drives on intricate roads? Whatever your needs, there is a tire that fits your lifestyle.
How Does Weather Influence Choice? If you live in an area with extreme weather norms, you may want to invest in a tire made for those conditions (dry desert, rainy northwest, etc.). Each climate has a different tire that works optimally in the prevailing conditions of the area.
What’s the Tread Life and Warranty? Check (or inquire about) a tire’s treadwear rating and warranty coverage before you purchase.
What is the Tire’s Performance Rating? Look for ratings on how a tire handles, its traction in different conditions, as well as fuel mileage. Did you know your tires significantly impact fuel economy or EV charge range over time?
What Special Technology is in My Tire? Tire companies traditionally invest in building a better product. From run-flat stability, and longevity ratings to performance specialization, find a tire company that utilizes the latest technology and meets your expectations for quality, handling and durability.
What is the Reputation of the Tire Brand? Research the reviews, ratings and expert opinions on the tires you are targeting. There can be differences in quality and usability, even across tire choices from the same manufacturer.
What is the Tire’s Load Capacity and Speed Rating? If you have a specialized workload use for your vehicle, make sure the tires can handle their weight and intended speed of travel. This is particularly important if you plan on carrying heavier loads or towing larger items like a car or boat.
Do I Need to Replace All Four Tires? Depending on wear and tear, you may need to replace all four tires. It also may be more cost-effective to make a minor repair or replace two tires. However, replacing just a single tire is not suggested. If you are looking to maximize overall tread life, alignment and vehicle balance, the difference in tread rate alone could cause uneven wear across every tire, reducing their life cycle – ultimately costing you money at the end of the day.
What is the Installation Process and Cost? We would suggest reaching out to a Hendrick Automotive Group service provider for the most up-to-date information on your vehicle’s tires.
HENDRICKCARS.COM I EXPLORE INVENTORY I SCHEDULE SERVICE I CAREERS I BLOG
What’s Your Type?
There is a variety of tires available to purchase, however, selecting the right tire can be a bit more complicated. While local driving conditions are extremely important, one’s driving style and types of usage can also make a big impact on which tires work best for your vehicle.
All-Season Tires: This may be the most versatile wheel option available. All-season tires work in most weather conditions, including the spring. They provide solid traction on wet roads and moderate performance under snowy conditions, making them suitable for year-round climates with moderate weather throughout the season.
Recently, the all-season tire has become a topic of discussion among motorists throughout the world. With the rise of EVs and the desire for a much more specialized tire for enthusiast driving, understanding the latest trends may also influence your decision-making. A Goodyear engineer talked about what he is seeing in a 2022 media insight piece.
“Today’s car buyers are choosing larger and more premium cars, often equipped with bigger wheel sizes,” said Goodyear Tire. “The ever-growing demand for premium electric cars and compact SUVs has played a major role in this trend. With the market growth of these car segments, tire sizes grew as well. Since 2015, a growth of A segment tires (17” and above) has been observed; on average, the market has increased by 8.4% year-on-year. Another trend seen in the tire market has been the constant growth in popularity of all-season tires, bringing the convenience of a multi-season product.”
As you might imagine, all-season tires are the most popular, as the combination of price, longevity and performance makes the most sense for the average commuter. That being said, all-season tires aren’t the answer for everyone.
All-Season Performance Tires: If you prioritize handling and performance, as many car enthusiasts do, this may be the selection for you. With enhanced traction and corner grip, these tires are more than capable of tremendous handling without costing drivers too much comfort. These tires are ideal for the sports car and sports coupe lovers in the audience.
HENDRICKCARS.COM I EXPLORE INVENTORY I SCHEDULE SERVICE I CAREERS I BLOG
Touring Tires: Long-distance tourers and vacationers may want to consider touring tires as their primary choice. They offer less rolling resistance, a smooth ride and good traction on wet surfaces. Not to mention better durability for extended usage.
Summer Performance Tires: In regions with temperate winters, warmer springs and lesser amounts of rain, summer tires may be considered. They offer impressive grip and handling on dry roads while struggling more with wet conditions. These tires may also be a bit more wear-resistant, exposed to hotter temperatures for longer periods.
Electric Vehicles: If you own an electric vehicle, make sure you research and select the right tires. EVs tend to be heavier and perform the best with low resistance, and high roll-rate tires that maximize vehicle efficiency and charge distance.
Manufacturer Specific
HENDRICKCARS.COM I EXPLORE INVENTORY I SCHEDULE SERVICE I CAREERS I BLOG
Well-versed in the brand they service, Hendrick Automotive Group service advisors can offer specific guidance on the types of tires optimal for your vehicle. For instance, every Audi, BMW or Chevrolet has tires specifically built and tested to maximize a particular make, model or year. On some, the replacement tires are engineered beyond the original spec, which can further your vehicle’s performance and efficiency. Additionally, a tire professional can guide proper maintenance procedures.
HENDRICKCARS.COM I EXPLORE INVENTORY I SCHEDULE SERVICE I CAREERS I BLOG
Be Prepared
As with any season, the tires you drive on can significantly impact your experience. And if you don’t have the right ones on for the driving conditions, it could even be hazardous.
When shopping for tires this spring, make sure you are matching your tires with the driving experience you are seeking.
Happy Motoring!
AdChoices