Secrets Of Buying Tires

Buying tires can be an expensive and confusing proposition for many consumers. The market is filled with unscrupulous dealers ready to scam the unsuspecting with mileage warranties, extended replacement warranties, and a host of other little ups and extras that get tacked on to the bill. Since so many of us fail to take the time and trouble to research buying tires, we are easy prey for predatory dealers. Here are a few secrets of buying tires that might help make the process a little less painful.

First, tires need to be bought in pairs. If you have a flat that is not repairable and the dealer says you need to replace all four tires, you’re being scammed. If you’re right front tire is replaced with a new tire while the left front remains, there will be a size difference between the two, as the left has its tread worn down. However, two new tires on the front axle are all you need as it is independent of the rear axle.

Second, tires are graded in three areas: tread wear, traction, and temperature. Tread wear has to do with how long the tire will last so it is the number sales personnel love to throw out. But the industry’s dirty little secret is that the grades are comparable only across tires from the same manufacturer. Tread wear grades go from 60 to 500, with 500 being the longest lasting. In theory, a tire with a grade of 400 should last twice as long as a tire with a grade of 200, but since manufacturers set their own grading scales, a Michelin rated at 300 may actually have the same tread wear as a Bridgestone graded at 300. Don’t let a salesperson sell you more expensive tires by comparing Apples to Oranges instead of Apples to Apples.

Third, beware of mileage guarantees, as their real purpose is repeat business. Few consumers know the guarantee is pro rated. If you pay for a tire with a 60,000 mile guarantee that fails after 45,000 miles, you’ll only be credited a portion of what you paid. Of course, to get that you have to return to the original dealer where you’ll frequently pay the same price as you did for the originals!

Finally, as surprising as it may seem, you can actually find good deals for tires at online retail and auction sites, even with the shipping costs. For under $250, you can find 4 quality tires from a top rated Ebay seller, with free shipping.