Tire Shopping 101

Check For Specials

All vehicles, including Toyota cars, will need ongoing maintenance. Tire care and maintenance is included. Most drivers are knowledgeable about the most prevalent maintenance tasks such as having the oil changed every 3,000 miles or having the vehicle detailed on a regular basis. However tire care and maintenance should be as frequent as oil changes. Failing to maintain your tires can put you at risk of an auto collision or blowout. It is your responsibility, as the driver, to maintain your tires or have them maintained on a regular basis. Many drivers will shop a chosen tire retailer when they are ready to purchase tires. However, there is information you should know prior to going into the tire retailer. Knowing the size of tires you need, will make the transaction go much more smoothly. You can obtain this information from the owner’s manual or on the tire placard located on the driver’s door jamb, glove box door, or fuel hatch. The information will also be located conveniently on the sidewall of your existing tires. The retailer will ask what type of tire you are looking to purchase. This is in reference to all season tires, winter tires, etc. In order to know what type of tires you need, you will need to be specific about the performance expectations for your future tires. Are you looking for tires that will perform well in hazardous conditions, such as in ice, snow, rain, or sleet? Or are you looking for a tire that will take corners expertly and maximize handling of your vehicle? Many owners will replace all four tires at once. However, due to different drive trains you may only need to replace two tires at a time. If you will be purchasing two new tires, as opposed, to four new tires you may want to insist on them being placed on the rear axle. This will aid in reducing the risk of fishtailing or hydroplaning.