Question:
I need new tires. How do I know which tires to get?
Palmer's Auto Care 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: ID weather conditions, Twin Falls terrain, Twin Falls temperatures, etc.
Most new family vehicles in ID come with all-season tires. They can be used all year long and do pretty well in most ID road conditions – but they aren't ideal at the extremes.
Winter tires have a more aggressive tread for handling snow and ice on roads, and they have a rubber compound that helps them have better traction as Twin Falls temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit/7.2 degrees Centigrade. In winter weather, you'll definitely experience better stopping and road-holding characteristics for Twin Falls vehicles than all-season tires. Dedicated summer tires enhance warm ID weather performance driving for Twin Falls .
If you drive off-road around Twin Falls, there is a wide 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 function with a Palmer's Auto Care Center tire professional to get the type of tire, load rating, speed rating and wear rating you need.
Fit: The easiest thing is to purchase tires in the same size that were installed by the manufacturer. If you want a different size wheel or tire profile, be sure to work with your Palmer's Auto Care Center service advisor so you can make sure that your new wheels and tires fit properly and don't rub in bumps or turns. It's also important 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 not be the least expensive option – but it may well return the best value for your tire dollar.
Palmer's Auto Care Center tire professionals help Twin Falls drivers with this automotive decision.
Give us a call.
Palmer's Auto Care Center
1811 Addison Ave East
Twin Falls, ID 83301
208.735.8810