How to shop for car tires: Toyota service tips

Is it time for you to invest in a new pair of shoes for your Orlando Toyota? We can hear you sighing all the way over here – we get it. Shopping for new car tires isn’t exactly a fun task. They’re expensive, you have to pay someone to install them, and there’s really no way to get around replacing them. When you need new tires, you need new tires. However, it can be easier if you know what you’re doing and how to navigate the process, and that’s where our Orlando Toyota service center comes in. Check out these tips from our techs for shopping for new car tires.

Tip #1: Make sure you actually do need new car tires. Before you drop the cash, are you really due for new car tires? This is probably a good time to have them inspected at our Toyota of Orlando service center for an expert opinion. However, if you prefer the DIY route, here are some surefire signs you’re due for a new set:

• Age. If you’ve had the same set of car tires for five years, it’s time to start thinking about replacing them. Just like anything else, they do wear out over time and degrade to a point where they’re no longer safe to drive on.
• Tread depth. Take out a penny and do a tread depth test – if you stick the penny into your tire tread with Abe’s head facing down, can you see the top of his head? If so, your tread is too shallow and you need a new set of car tires. Shallow tread reduces your traction and makes your chances of getting into a car accident a lot higher.
• Damage. Do you have obvious damage to your tires that’s an impediment to their performance? We’re talking punctures, sidewall separation, blisters or bulges, etc.
• Feel. How do your tires feel when you drive? If something feels off, don’t assume automatically that your tires are the culprit. It could be another part altogether and it’s worth haveing out Toyota of Orlando service techs take a look to investigate.

Tip #2: Know your measurements. Before you start shopping, you need to know exactly what you’re shopping for. Tires aren’t one-size-fits-all; in fact, your car has very specific tire measurements that you have to stick to. Either ask our techs to give you your measurements or find them yourself in your owner’s manual or on the tires themselves. The measurements should read something like “255/35R18. The first number (255) is the width of the tire in millimeters. The 35 is the aspect ratio (height to widtch), R means radial, and the 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. Make sure your new set matches up. You’ll also need to shop for the right TYPE of tires – whether you’re getting all-season, summer, racing, winter, or any other type, make sure they fit your car and your performance needs.

Tip #3: Decide where to buy them. Where are you going to shop for new car tires? There are tons of options, and it really just depends on which fits your needs best. Here are three of the big ones:

• Online. You can buy pretty much anything online, including car tires. You’ll have lots of options and can probably get them shipped to you quickly. The drawback? You have to find someone to install them after you arrive and if necessary, transport them to that location.
• A tire store. There are also dedicated tire stores where you can shop. You’ll have lots of options here, too, and a specialist who can guide you to the right set. These shops can usually install them, too. However, the cost is bundled into the price of the tires and both tires and labor tend to be more expensive at these types of stores.
• A dealership service center. When you shop at a dealership (like here at Toyota of Orlando), you’ll find plenty of options for your ride if it’s the same make as the dealership. They’ll also install them for you and can help you choose the specific type you need. However, if your car is a different make, you may not find what you need.

Have questions or need help shopping for car tires? Call us! Toyota of Orlando’s service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and we’re just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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