Every vehicle needs to get new tires from time to time. They get worn down on the road or the trails and need to be replaced. Increasingly, there are great places to pick up tires and wheels online. However, if you are like a lot of drivers, you may be hesitant to order your car or truck tires over the internet. What is your get the wrong ones? Below is a guide on how to shop for tires and wheels.
Getting the Right Tire Size
When you buy tires online, you need them to match your wheels. This is very simple if you are buying replacement tires. All you need to do is look at your existing tires and read the measurements on the side.
Along the sidewall of your tires should be printed something like “LT 275/65R20 127 Q.” In this example, the LT means that the tire is for a light truck. The 275 is the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall. The 65 is the aspect ratio of the tire. In this case, the height of the tire is 65% of its width. The 20 is the interior diameter of the tire. These are the most important measurement.
The R means the tire has radial construction. The 127 is the load index of the tire and the Q is its speed rating. 127 load rating is 3,860 lbs. and the Q speed rating is 100 miles per hour.
When you buy replacement tires, you need to match the width, diameter and aspect ratio. Otherwise, the tires won’t sit right on your wheels. The good news is that all tires in the U.S. use this system whether you buy them online or in a store.
Selecting a Tire
Once you know the right size, it is time to choose a tire. This is a little more complex. You should find tires that match your driving style. For example, if you expect to off-road, you likely need all terrain wheelsand tires. Additionally, you should take a look at the price and reviews of the tires. If you are unsure, it is a good idea to shop name brands like BF Goodrich, Goodyear and Toyo.
Buying Wheels
If you want to buy new wheels or get tires for new wheels, things can be slightly more complex. A direct replacement for your current wheels and tires is simple enough, just look at the measurements and buy the same. Of course, a lot of people switch to larger wheels. If you do this, you need to find a set of wheels and tires that will fit within your fenders. Make sure you measure before you buy anything.
It can be helpful to buy wheel and tire packages, so you can be certain that the two will work together. Make sure when you are checking the tire size, you look at the overall diameter. This is different from the interior diameter. The former needs to fit within your fenders and the latter needs to fit the wheel.
Shop for your tires and wheels today using this guide. You can really change the characteristics of your truck, jeep, ATV or UTV by switching to good, off-road tires.
