9 Top Tips for Selecting the Best Truck Tire

There are many reasons why it's important to get the right truck tire. Here are some great tips for getting the best ones for your vehicle.

It is estimated that the average tire can last between three to five years. Yet when you are driving a truck, hard-driving can see them wear down much quicker. So how do you get a balance between price and quality?

Part of that is understanding your own driving needs. Read on as we give nine essential tips you should know when buying a truck tire. 

1. Know When to Replace Them

Knowing when to replace your tires is as important as knowing what to replace them with. You can perform a quick test using a coin to ensure they are safe. Insert a penny into the tread and if Lincoln's head is not hidden at least partially, then you should replace it. 

Driving on tires without a tread will mean you lose grip. It is illegal in most states to drive without tread and could result in a driving ban or fines. Don't forget to check your spare truck tire and replace that as well.

2. Decide if You Need Extras

When buying tires, many shops may offer you extras. These come in the form of balancing packages and lifetime rotation. While these are very useful, they may add upward of $40 to each tire. 

Road hazard insurance is another extra you may get offered. You only need this if you are in construction, driving your truck offroad, or over rocks. It protects you as most dealers are forbidden to repair tires that have been punctured in tire shoulders and sidewalls.

3. Know the Purpose of the Tire

Tires may all seem to serve the same function. Yet they have small differences that can have a huge impact. 

If you live in areas that get heavy snowfall, you want to opt for softer tires that increase grip. These can be winter tires that can then get replaced with more sturdy, summer ones. Soft tires such as this would not last long in hot climates though. 

Most tires are all-weather, meaning they will work in temperate climates. However, if your area is prone to extremes of weather then think about what you are buying. 

4. Understand Codes

When buying tires for trucks, take a look at the code printed on the sidewall of the tire. Made of numbers and letters it will give the type, size, and performance of the tire you are buying. 

The first three digits will indicate the width. This is a measurement in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. 

After this will be a slash and another two-digit number. This is the aspect ratio and the bigger it is, the larger the sidewall will be. It provides a percentage amount comparative to the width of the tire. 

You will then see the letter R which is followed by two numbers. This stands for radial and the number after it is the wheel diameter. For example, an R18 fits a vehicle with an 18" wheel. 

5. Shop Around

Like any product, truck tires can come in a range of prices. Once you know what you need, make sure you shop. You can visit dealerships or independent stores to see which has the best offers.

Don't be afraid to ask if they will price match. Most garages will be willing to do this for you, especially if you are purchasing a lot of tires in one go. If you know what you are buying you may even wish to order them online and get them delivered to your property. 

6. Switching to Passenger Tires

Switching to a passenger tire is a cost-saving exercise. However, it may not save you as much as you imagine. 

Load ratings on passenger tires only apply when they are installed on a passenger car. With a truck, you have a different center of gravity which places strain in different areas. To correct this, you will need to reduce the load rating by around about nine percent.

This requires you to buy a heavier passenger tire. If you have to move to a larger tire to do this you are spending more money, which can often be equal to buying the correct truck tires. 

Adding them would only be recommended if your truck is used more as a passenger vehicle. These tires will provide a smoother and quieter ride. If you don't, then it may not even be worth the trouble. 

7. Avoid Unnecessary Aesthetics

Even the most practical of people will buy a truck based on looks. They look great and generally, the bigger and bolder the wheels and truck tires are the cooler they look. However, this can equate to unnecessary costs. 

Bigger tires with large tread blocks often mean added noise and poor handling on the roads. Unless you are going offroad, you don't need them. 

8. Do Your Homework

The internet has made it easier than ever to check the quality when buying tires. It only takes a quick Google to see what the experts and other consumers are saying. Many will even provide detailed breakdowns so you can find the one that is right for your specific needs. 

9. Have a Budget

Tires can get very expensive quickly. Make sure you set out a budget and attempt to stick to it. Unfortunately, when it comes to tires you often get what you pay for, so cheaper options may be a false economy. 

Always budget for a warranty. This will give you an idea of how many miles can be expected from the tires. 

Finding a Truck Tire Retailer

Now you know what to look for in a truck tire, you can begin to shop around. Start local and speak with dealers in your area. They may have offers or low prices for some excellent products. 

Solar Shade Truck And Car Paradise are Ohio's premier custom shop. We can provide everything from window tinting to custom installations. Contact us here to discuss your truck and see how we can improve your ride.