Frame Rite Automotive Service
6414 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214 410.254.3413
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Question:
I need new tires. How do I know which tires to get?
Frame Rite Automotive Service 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 MD come with all-season tires. They can be used all year long and do pretty well in most Baltimore 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 MD winter weather, that means definitely better stopping and road-holding characteristics for Baltimore than all-season tires.
Dedicated summer tires enhance warm weather performance driving.
If you drive off-road around Baltimore, 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 Frame Rite Automotive Service 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 Frame Rite Automotive Service tire professional will help you with options for this automotive decision.
Give us a call.
Frame Rite Automotive Service
6414 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD 21214
410.254.3413