How to buy tires (like a pro!) Automotive tip of the month #5 (Cheshvan) Shavoua tov Australians of Israel! Tires are usually bought in pairs, or all four (depending on what needs replacing) Tires are MORE IMPORTANT airbags! (airbags are passive while tires are an ACTIVE safety feature) Okay, so you need new tires, lets see what we know: 1) Tire size (of course, thats an easy one) 2) Brand name is important (a tire from a good brand can last almost TWICE as long than a cheap tire from a lesser known brand (Ill list the best ones in a minute) 3) Price *Now lets get professional*, 4) Country of manufacture! 5) Date of manufacture! Why does it matter WHERE the tire is made? Tire companies have factories all over the world. In the automotive world, tires and cars which are produced and assembled in modern and developed countries, must work by stricter standards, thus to ensure maximum quality and longevity of their products. (Isnt it the same with home appliances? :) ) The better tires are made in Europe, Japan, and the USA. After that comes the Turkish, Korean, and South American productions, and lastly, China and the rest of the world. Ok, but why is it important WHEN the tire was made? A tire can last a maximum of 4 years from the moment it was manufactured. Heres how it works: A year has 52 weeks. Check out the photo in this link i.imgur/joQfvhM.jpg?1 see that the tire in the picture was manufactured on the 45th week of 2013. (which is Nov. 2013) If you buy such a tire today (Nov. 2014), youll have bought a tire which is already a year old. Youll have to change them again in 3 years instead of 4. The tire sellers,(Im referring to the not so honest ones out there) will try to get rid of their old merchandise first, before offering the fresh new ones that just arrived. (but NOW you know your stuff!) THEREFORE, when getting a quote for (2 or 4) new tires from the tire seller: 1) Specify the size you need 2) Let them know you want tires with a date no older than 6 months 3) Then ask them, which brands they have in stock, 4) Where the tires are made 5) Ask for the price (tires and labor separate) 6) * Repeat steps 1-5 with another tire seller in the area, for comparisons This is the way to buy the BEST TIRES which will LAST THE LONGEST amount of time, at the BEST PRICE. Sometimes, when showing up for a regular mechanical service your garage may suggest that you need new tires and will offer to replace them for you. Be sure to go over steps 1-5 with your garage as well. Please remember that your garage acts like the middleman, between you and the tire seller, and that it is quite probable that you may get a better quote if you went to the tire seller yourself. Lastly, Were the 2nd of November, (and as of yesterday) please turn on your headlights at all times while you are driving outside the city (applicable until April 1st) Hi Im Reouven, I send you an automotive tip each month (which you find so informative that you just have to share it with your family and friends :) ) Oh, and Im also that guy you call when youre LOOKING TO PURCHASE A PREOWNED CAR and youre wanting both great service AND the best car in the country for your hard-earned money. (Helping people is my thing) Most respectfully, and a shavoua tov to you! Reouven B| 0523-797841 reouvenzara@yahoo List of tire brands (by alphabetical order) Bridgestone Continental Dunlop Firestone Goodyear Hankook (more popular for 4X4s) Michelin Pirelli Toyo Tires Yokohama
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:11:30 +0000