The Do’s and Don’ts of Buying Tires

When buying tires, most people don’t realize that tires are the single most important safety feature on any vehicle. Your tires provide the only connection between your car and the road, and life-saving technologies like antilock brakes and electronic stability control cannot do their job if the tires don’t have a good grip on the pavement. And yet tires are one of the least-understood components of our vehicles – mostly because there are so many different kinds and so little information about them.

No one tire is best, as every car’s needs are different. This list of simple do’s and don’ts will help you make informed decisions when it’s time to buy new tires. 

Do Know When it’s the Right Time to Get New Tires

How do you know if you need new tires? There’s no hard and fast rule as the lifespan and mileage of a tire depends of a combination of factors. However, after 5 years or more in use, your tires should be thoroughly inspected at least once per year by a professional, and replaced after a maximum of 10 years from their their date of manufacture, even if they appear to be in usable condition. Other factors to check for are tread wear, air pressure and tire damage. Click here to learn more about how to check if it’s time to get new tires.

Don’t Spend Too Little on Your Tires

Cheap, poorly designed tires can make for longer stopping distances and less control in an emergency maneuver. All tires have traction ratings stamped right on the tire itself – buy tires with an A or AA rating. Well-known name brands like Michelin, Continental and Pirelli provide a consistently high level of quality. As tire experts, we can recommend the best high-quality tire at the guaranteed best price.

Don’t Assume Original Equipment Is Best

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tires are the ones fitted to your car at the factory, but buying the same type of tire as a replacement isn’t always the best choice. Manufacturers look for a tire that will provide acceptable performance in all conditions from Arizona summers to light  winters. Also remember that more tires are sold in California than all of Canada. They may choose a tire that emphasizes comfort over handling or handling over tread life. As a consumer, you can find tires that improve the way the car drives and it’s safety overall.

Do Buy Two Sets of Tires

Most cars come with all-season tires. Imagine using the same pair of shoes for jogging, hiking, tramping through snow, and ballet dancing, and you’ll understand the problem inherent with all-season tires.

All-season tires are designed to handle the mildest of all weather conditions, but they aren’t optimized for any particular one. In our climate, it’s vital to buy a set of proper winter tires and use them in the winter. Winter tires are designed for one thing and one thing only: Keeping your car going where you point it when temperatures are low and the roads are covered in snow and ice. Multiple sets of tires extend the life of all of them, so in the long run your cost would be the same if you didn’t buy winter tires. By Ontario law you are also entitled to a 5.0% discount from your insurance company.

Do Pick the Right Tire Expert

When the time comes to shop for tires, many people go to the dealership, their local mechanic or a tire store. However, these businesses often carry a limited number of brands or tire models and they simply don’t have the expertise on tire performance and safety.

As a full-service tire expert, Tire Butler can help you select the right tires. We offer:

• Tire Safety.

  We source and suggest the best-in-class tires, ensuring you always drive away with high-quality, highly safe tires, based on your vehicle specifications.

• High Quality Brands at Great Prices.

  We carry all major brands of tires at competitive prices, including Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, or Pirelli. We’ll match or beat any other quote you receive which is documented and includes installation, mounting and balancing..

• Unbiased Advice.

  Unlike other tire stores, although we are an approved manufacturer retailer, we have no affiliation with any manufacturer. Our focus is on providing you the best tire that suits your vehicle, driving style, and budget.

• Convenience.

  We come to you. Our mobile service truck will deliver and install your tires, wherever you want. Not only do we save you money, we save you time!

We’re here to help! Give us a call at 416-234-1688 or 1-888-9-TIRES-9 to talk to one of our tire experts and get a quote, or get a quote online.