Tires – they’re one of the most important parts of any vehicle.

While a buyer’s attention may be immediately drawn to things like the vehicle’s horsepower, or its body design, there’s a good reason to take note of the tires.

They do more than get drivers where they need to go – they provide a stable foundation for a vehicle, and can affect everything from the chance of traction loss to fuel economy.

When a person is shopping for tires or even for an entire car, it is important to know all the facts. Understanding what makes tires worth buying can help you get a better deal, and ensure you’re using your resources most efficiently – both in terms of your money and the lifespan of your tires.

Today, we’ll go over some common facts about tires, their average lifespan, their cost, and the best way to go about seeking replacements.

A Rundown of the Basics: Tire Lifespan and Common Problems

When you are thinking about the types of maintenance and servicing appointments your vehicle needs, many things can come to mind.

For starters, you’ll probably consider basic practices like oil changes, alignments, and brake checks. But it is also a good idea to keep an eye on your tires. Why? Because they’re one of the most important components for your vehicle’s safe and efficient functionality.

How long should your tires last? The lifespan of tires can change based on their manufacturer, the materials used to create them, and of course, how much they’re used. On average, experts recommend you get new tires about every six years. However, there’s a good chance you’ll need them sooner, especially if you drive a lot.

What are the common problems that can affect your tires, and cause them to need replacing? Here are four things you should look out for when it comes to your tires:

• Tread: The depth of your tires’ tread determines how well they can grip terrain and provide a stable, safe trip. There’s a handy way to determine whether your tread is withering away – stick a penny inside. If you can see Lincoln’s head (all of it), chances are your tread is worn down too far and you could use new tires.
• Cracks: The sidewalls of tires are also vulnerable to damage, and it is common to see cracks in this area. The early warning signs are usually in the form of deformations or indentations – if you see these, a leak could be in your tire’s future.
• Bulges: If your tire is bulging or blistering, it is a definite red flag. You may be in danger of developing a leak or blowing out the tire completely.
• Shaking: When a tire is in bad shape or installed incorrectly, you may notice it shaking while you drive. This can cause you to experience poor performance out of it, and it can also put you in danger of an accident.

As we can see, there are many different issues that can affect the state of a tire. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, you should consider getting a replacement.

How Can You Get a Good Deal on Tires?

When you notice any of these issues with your tires, you should consider getting them replaced. But even if your tires don’t show any noteworthy problems for the majority of their lifespan, they will eventually experience problems and need to be replaced.

For some people, their vehicle warranty and/or servicing package offers them a deal on tires. These deals can include free or discount replacements redeemable within a certain period of time. In some cases, these deals can be redeemed within a certain amount of mileage as well.

There’s also a good chance your local automotive dealership will provide periodic discounts on new tires. Since they know buyers are in the market for this good, many organizations often provide coupons in an effort to get business from their competitors. This provides a good opportunity for drivers to get high-quality tires for a discount price.

When you’re looking to get new tires, consider the UTQG rating system, otherwise known as Uniform Tire Quality Grading.

What if Your New Tires Have Their Own Problems?

There’s always a concern about investing money in something only to find that it doesn’t live up to your expectations.

If this happens with tires, don’t fear – you can usually get a replacement on your replacement. Most good tires come with some type of warranty, so you can make sure you don’t waste your money on a low-quality product that will fail you.