Blog

Buying new tires can be a complicated process, especially if you are a new driver. The world of tires is filled with options, and not all of them are right for you and your vehicle. Aspen Hill Exxon breaks down the tire buying process, with only the info you need to know.

We answer the questions everyone buying new tires may have.

• What type of tires does my specific vehicle need?
• What are the best tires I can buy with my budget?
• Do I want to stick with the same brand of tires, or should I upgrade?
• What size tire do you need?

All-season tires.

These days, most new cars and SUVs are fitted with all-season tires. They are able to handle in all weather conditions, and are capable of long mileage. There are a few different types of all-season tires.

• All-season tires, which come in T- and S- speed. These tires have good all-weather grip and long mileage ratings. These tires may also have "A/T" or "All Terrain" in the name.
• Performance all-season tires are available in H- and V- speed. These types are becoming more popular on newer cars, and are available as upgrades. Performance all-season tires are best for gripping corners, and do so better than standard all-season tires. By contrast, Performance all-season tires don't have as long of a mileage rating as the S- and T- all-season tires.
• Ultra-high-performance all-season summer tires. They are available in W-, ZR-, and Y-, and are best for sports cars and racing vehicles.

Winter Tires.

Winter tires are typically only put on before a winter storm. They best for drivers who live in areas where they see heavy snowfalls. Winter tires usually have snowflake symbols on the tire sidewall. These tires should be bought in sets of 4 for the best handling and braking possible.

Summer Tires.

Temperature fluctuations, whether it's hot or cold, can cause tires to change their shape. Summer tires are designed to keep their shape in hotter temperatures. This is the main difference between summer and all-season tires. All-season tires are flexible. Summer tires handle better on either dry or wet roads, and hug curves more efficiently.

What size tire should you purchase?

Always consult your owner's manual to see what size tire you need. You may also have a sticker just inside your driver side door that tells you what size tire you need, as well as the optimal PSI (air pressure) for your tires. The tire size usually starts with "P," followed by a series of numbers. For example, P185/60R13. The 13 refers to the size of the tire. These tires would be 13". The first numbers in the series refer to the width and diameter. If you see a T at the end of the numbers, the "T" refers to the speed rating of the tire.

Speed ratings on tires vary depending on the tire model. MphW = 168mp. MphS = 112. MphT = 118. MphH = 130. MphV = 149. MphU = 124. The numbers indicate the mph the tires can handle safely. Obviously, we do not recommend anyone drive at excessive speeds. 

When buying new tires, try to stick close to what your owner's manual recommends. You do have some slight wiggle room, and can get a size bigger. Never install a smaller size tire than what is recommended.

Know when to replace your tires.

It's important to have your mechanic regularly check your tires whenever you bring your vehicle into the shop. There's a trick to check your tire depth that you can do yourself though. Take a penny and stick it into one of the grooves of your tire. Can you see Lincoln's full head? If you can, it's time to get new tires. You may also notice that there are more smooth patches on your tires than there should be. Hopefully your tires aren't totally smooth! That's never good.

Look at the sidewalls of your tires. Multiple sidewall cracks or cuts can lead to a dangerous situation on the road. Sidewall cracks affect the integrity of the tire and can lead to a blowout.

Ask your mechanic.

Of course, the easiest way to buy tires is to consult your mechanic. Tell them that you need new tires and the budget you're working with. Your mechanic can order new tires for you and install them. All newly installed tires should come with a tire rotation. At Aspen Hill Exxon, we can install your new tires and rotate them for you. We are located at 14011 Georgia Ave, Aspen Hill, MD. We're just a stone's throw from Olney, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Gaithersburg. Give our shop a call!