Posted on Sat, Oct. 17, 2009

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Don't skimp on tire replacement

BY TOM KRISHER

Associated Press

DETROIT — If you're cutting corners by canceling cable or clipping coupons, it might seem natural to skip replacing your tires, too. Don't.

Worn treads can be dangerous, especially when they lose their grip as you're trying to brake or steer around danger. It's true that replacement tires are pricier than in the past because they've grown taller and wider. But it's still prudent to put new rubber on the road before treads wear down too much.

Here are four tips on how to get the most for your money when shopping for replacements:

Don't wait

Generally, when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch, tires are worn out and need to be replaced, experts say. You can test their depth by sticking a penny in the tire grooves, pointing the top of Abraham Lincoln's head toward the rubber. If you can see all of his head, you need new tires because they don't have enough rubber left to stop or start safely, especially on wet or snowy surfaces. Tires also have "wear bars" that are perpendicular to the tread, so you'll see a stripe across the tread if they're worn out.

Start looking for tires when the tread depth reaches 4/32 of an inch, experts say. Once again, use the presidential test. Put a quarter in the grooves just like you did with the penny. If you can see all of George Washington's head, start tire shopping.

Match your tires to your driving needs

Figure out what you like and dislike about your current tires before you start shopping. Original-equipment tires are designed by the tire and auto makers specifically for your car, but you can switch depending on your needs.

Companies make tires for summer, snow and for all seasons, so consider the climate where you live. Bob Toth, manager of passenger tire marketing for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., said he makes a list of pros and cons. Did the tires wear out faster than you thought they should? Did they slide when it rained? Were they noisy? Are they good or bad in the snow? Generally there's a tradeoff between handling, fuel economy and treadwear, and you need to come up with the best compromise for your needs.

Tires that handle and stop better generally have softer rubber that grips the road better but wears out more quickly. But gripping the road can cut into fuel economy. Higher mileage tires with harder rubber don't handle as well but can get better mileage.

Stick close to original tires, sizes and ratings

The outside diameter and width of the tires generally need to be the same as original tires, and the load-carrying capacity must be the same or better. If the diameter is too far off, new tires will make speedometers and other vehicle gauges inaccurate because they are set to a certain number of tire revolutions per mile. A different width can hurt the vehicle's handling. If the load capacity is too low, it could be unsafe or make tires wear faster.

Be careful with cheaper brands

Many drivers think all tires are the same, round and black. But the quality can vary wildly in rubber compounds, tread design and the supporting structure. Prices also vary by size, ranging from around $50 for smaller tires to over $500 for certain high-performance tires. Goodyear's Toth says for safety reasons, it's best to stick with a major brand that has engineering expertise and backs its products.

But others say that lesser-known companies make good tires as well, so you can change from a brand name such as Michelin or Goodyear for cost or other reasons.

"They make good stuff, but you don't need to buy the major brands," said Gerry Feeman, owner of Gerry's Tire and Alignment in Saline, Mich.

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