It’s always a fun idea to pack up and hit the open road with friends, family (both four-legged and two). But before you go planning your next adventure, make sure your vehicle’s tires are up to the task. After all, an unexpected pit stop on the side of the road is the fasted route to a vacation meltdown.
Thankfully, at DCH Kay Honda we’re here to help. To ensure your summer road trip is a resounding success, be sure to follow these helpful tips and stop by our friendly and oh-so-convenient service center.
There are a wide range of tires for your car, and choosing the right one is not always as easy as you might imagine. Your car’s tires have a critical role to play in ensuring that your vehicle remains safely on the road, and that you can brake effectively when you need to. When choosing your tires, always consider the following factors.
Your make and model. It might seem obvious, but you should always ensure that you choose a tire that is suitable for the make and model of car that you drive. For example, from one production year to the next, subtle changes to the car’s build are often made, even if the basic body shape remains the same. Make sure you take this into account. Consult your dealership to find out which tires are suitable for the make and model of car that you drive, according to size, speed rating and load carrying capacity.
Your driving needs. Everybody has different needs from a car. Some people just want a car to get them around town. Other drivers are looking for a family vehicle that can be used for vacations or days out. Some drivers will be looking for a car with off-road capabilities. The type of driving that you do has an impact on the sort of tires that you buy for your car, and it’s worth remembering that if you do different types of driving, you may require different types of tire too. A tire that can withstand the rigors of driving off-road, for example, will be very different than one required solely for use on the highway.
Your driving locations. Where you do your driving also makes a big difference to the type of tire that you use. If you drive in a cold climate where the roads are very treacherous, then you would almost certainly want heavy-duty winter tires. If you do a lot of long-distance driving, then you might want to opt for luxury tires, which maximize comfort and safety. If you do off-road driving or live in a rural location, you may want hardier, more durable tires.
Your driving style. How you drive your car also makes a difference. If you drive relatively sedately and tend not to be demanding of the vehicle, then standard all-season tires are likely to give you everything that you need. If you drive a faster vehicle, or if you generally look for more oomph from your car, then performance tires may give you the edge that you want. Performance tires are normally made from a type of rubber that gives better traction and reduces braking distances.
The tires you buy for your car will have a significant bearing on the performance that you can expect from the vehicle. Before you make a decision on which ones to buy based solely on price tag, consider these additional factors and let our service department experts help you choose the best tires for your car and driving style.
