Sooner or later you will be faced with replacing the tires on your vehicle. Although it might not be a high priority item on your list of needed purchases, it should be. As with most parts on a vehicle, all working together to give you a safe and dependable ride, tires are just as important.
Running on worn tires can be a great safety hazard to you, your family and other motorists that you share the road with while driving. Unless you have experience in handling a vehicle with a blown out tire or depending on your speed, the traffic around you and how well you handle your vehicle in unpredictable situations, you could be in for a major catastrophe.
Wiygul Automotive Clinic employs ASE-certified technicians who are well trained in identifying the right tire for your driving needs. We are a state-of-the-art facility with the proper advanced tools and skills to properly install and maintain your tires to help you get the most wear for your money.
A Guide to Purchasing New Tires
Know what your expected needs and driving uses are in selecting the right tire.
- Tread Life—How long do you think a tire should last?
- Speed Rating—Most posted speeds do not exceed 75 mph, but if you are like some people, they go anywhere from 5-15 mph over the posted speed limit. So at top speed, you are looking at 90 mph. Buy tires accordingly and save money by going with a lower speed rating tire. Part of what you are paying for is the speed rating and it is something you will never use near Fairfax Station, VA. Moreover, the higher speed rating tires usually are made from a softer rubber compound which means a shorter tread life.
- Common Speed Ratings:
Q—99 mph
S—112 mph
T—118 mph
U—124 mph
H—130 mph
V—up to 149 mph
Z—149 mph and above
W—168 mph
Y—186 mph
- Common Speed Ratings:
- Ride Quality—Low profile tires may look great, but they don’t handle potholes or bumps too easily. They may handle the road better, but it is normally not a real smooth ride.
- Load Rating—When purchasing new tires be sure not to select a tire with a lower load-carrying capacity.
- Noise—If you are doing a lot of highway driving near Fairfax Station, VA, then you might prefer a quieter tire and the experts at Wiygul Automotive Clinic can make suggestions and help you make the best selection for a quieter ride.
The best time to purchase new tires is in the fall of the year. As a tire wears out, traction on dry roads generally increases whereas traction decreases on a wet or snow covered road.
Our professional tire staff at Wiygul Automotive Clinic has been helping our customers from Fairfax Station, VA and surrounding areas since 1996. They will ask you a few questions to know what your driving habits are—Where you do your most driving? Are you looking for a quiet ride? A smooth ride? Or cornering around turns? Our staff will find the right tire for your driving needs.