Tire maintenance & safety

Cheap tires & why you should avoid buying them

Last updated 10/17/2022 - Originally published 9/24/2020
Written by SimpleTire

When it comes time to replace tires on a car, there are several questions that you probably ask yourself. What kind of tires do I need? Where should I buy the tires? How much are new tires going to cost? All too often, people will run down a list of tire options, starting at the bottom, knowing that the prices will be more budget friendly. This is not a good habit when it comes to maximizing your car's performance. In order to offer a car optimal performance, quality tires are a necessity.

Do NOT Buy Cheap Tires

What constitutes a cheap tire? Is it merely the price? Never has the statement, "You get what you pay for," been more accurate than when talking cars, components, and accessories. Cheap tires will suffer in all aspects of performance, from speed rating to wet weather and all-terrain performance. All these important characteristics affect the safety of your vehicle. Cheap tires are also more prone to early, excessive tread wear, weak sidewall construction and they will rarely come with a quality warranty from the tire manufacturer to ensure that the purchase is worthwhile.

Taking it a step further, individuals who rely on specialty tires such as all-terrain, off-road, snow, or high-performance tires really need to avoid the pitfall of opting for cheap tires. To get the best performance out of a car, it is necessary to install tires that an automotive manufacturer recommends.

These specialty tires rely on quality construction and materials in order to perform in a manner that was envisioned and tested by the vehicle design and manufacturing team. In short, tires are crucial to efficient and quality vehicle performance. This includes everything from gas mileage to handling and smoothness of the ride.

Avoiding Cheap Tires

When it comes time to replace two or more tires on a vehicle, don't think about finding cheap tires that will keep you from breaking your budget. They will just cost you more down the road.

First, gain a better understanding and the knowledge of what type of tire your vehicle manufacturer recommends. This is usually listed in the vehicle owner and operator's manual or sometimes listed on a sticker on the inside of the driver's side door jamb. If you purchased your vehicle new from an authorized dealer, it will possess the proper tires that are recommended by the manufacturer unless otherwise specified. You can find the size printed on the sidewall of the tire.

If you are having trouble finding information on which tires are the correct ones for your vehicle, contact your car's manufacturer or find a credible online tire retailer that works with your vehicle's manufacturer.

Once you are aware of the right tire for your vehicle, you may want to do some price comparison shopping. The best online tire retailers will provide you with expert recommendations of good out the door prices on tires that will support the performance and safety of your vehicle. If you use your car as a daily driver and have defensive driving tendencies, there's no need to invest in a V-rated (high speed rated) tire.

You can save money by purchasing tires that fit your driving styles and habits, enabling the purchase of a quality tire for a great price. A credible online tire retailer will help you match your set of replacement tires to your driving habits and vehicle.

Take the headache out of shopping for tires by relying on the expertise of a reputable tire retailer and your vehicle's manufacturer.

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