Ron's Auto Repair Center
2310 SE 5th St, Ames, IA 50010 515.232.8555
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Question:
I need new tires. How do I know which tires to get?
Ron's Auto Repair Center Answer:
Let's look at selecting new tires in light of three factors: Function, Fit, and Value.
Function: This gets at what your needs are for new tires: weather conditions, terrain, temperatures, etc.
New family vehicles sold in IA come with all-season tires. They can be used all year long and do pretty well in most Ames road conditions – but they aren't ideal at the extremes.
Winter tires have a more aggressive tread for handling snow and ice and they have a rubber compound that helps them have better traction as temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit/7 degrees Centigrade. In IA winter weather, that means definitely better stopping and road-holding characteristics for Ames than all-season tires.
Dedicated summer tires enhance warm weather performance driving.
If you drive off-road around Ames, there is a spectrum of tires from all-terrain (a good mix of highway and off-road capability) to dedicated off-road tires.
The key is to discuss the function you want with your Ron's Auto Repair Center tire professional to get the type of tire, load rating, speed rating and wear rating you need.
Fit: The easiest thing is to select tires in the same size that were installed at the factory. If you want a different size wheel or tire profile, be sure to work with a professional that can make sure that your new wheels and tires fit properly and don't rub in bumps or turns. It's also to make sure that important safety systems like anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control aren't adversely affected by the new tire size (the computer may need to be recalibrated to make necessary adjustments).
Value: Note, I didn't say price. The tire that meets all your needs AND has the warranty and tread life you expect will probably not be the cheapest option – but it may well return the best value for your tire dollar.
Your friendly and knowledgeable Ron's Auto Repair Center tire professional will help you with options for this automotive decision.
Give us a call.
Ron's Auto Repair Center
2310 SE 5th St
Ames, IA 50010
515.232.8555
www.ronsautorepairames.com