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A Buyer’s Guide to New Tires

When you are ready to invest in a new set of tires, you will likely want to find some built to last. However, it might not be immediately clear to you which tires are right for your vehicle. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help you with our quick buyer’s guide to new tires.

Choosing the Tire Brand for You

The “big 5” tire brands–Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, and Pirelli—have gained notoriety over the years for their lasting quality, reliability, and durability. While a variety of other brands offer exceptional tires, if you are unsure which tires to choose, these five brands always offer a safe pick for you. 

Another consideration is the existing tire brand on your car. If replacing only one of your tires, it is best to match the new tire brand and specifications to the remaining three. Your tires are designed to work together. If you get a tire that has a different tread pattern or thickness, it can begin to pull—affecting your vehicle’s handling and your tire tread wear.

Deciding on Specialty Tires

A local tire shop will be able to connect you with any specialty tires you might want or need. Some vehicle brands—such as Tesla—require special tires that you will not find just anywhere. Additionally, you can also find tires tailored to certain seasons:

  • Winter tires help vehicles more easily maneuver in snow, slush, and other wintery weather conditions
  • Summer tires can improve your vehicle’s performance in warm, dry conditions. 

While most drivers choose standard and all-season tires, you can find the specialty tires you are looking for at a local tire shop. 

Finding the Tires that Fit Your Vehicle: Tire Sizing Insight

It is crucial to find the right size of tires for your vehicle. Naturally, the best tires for an SVU will differ from those for a large truck or compact car. The easiest way to locate your tire size is by checking the tire information panel inside your vehicle’s doorway (pictures here).

 You can find more information in our complete guide to tire sizing here

Comparing the Tires for Your Car

We would recommend the Tire Finder tool. Unlike other tire comparison tools, the Tire Finder is purely informational and functional—it is not a marketing tool and will not ask for your contact details before showing you the tire information you need. 

The Tire Finder will show you the available tires that match your vehicle’s make, model, year, and tire specifications. In addition, you can quickly overview the tire prices, features, and brands. For more detailed insight, you can click on the tire’s page for out-the-door pricing, the tire description, and more. If you need additional information or support, you can work with a local tire specialist for personalized insight. 

Convenient Tire Buying at Chapel Hill Tire

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire have revolutionized the tire buying experience for our customers. We make it easy for you to find the tires you need for your vehicle and buy them online. Best of all, we offer same-day or next-day appointments, helping you avoid dealership service delays
Our mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 10 locations across Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. You can make your appointment, browse our deals, or give us a call to get started today!

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