Car tires deserve more attention than they get. While most of the population own vehicles, very few people know much about car tires. Various car tires are available depending on your car and your needs. There are car tires for sports cars and regular cars, like sedans and SUVs. Car tires also come at different prices depending on what you want. Below are five facts about vehicle tires that you should know.
Vehicles Have Different Tire Needs
Cars come in various makes and models. Manufacturers make all types of vehicles, and they come in different tire sizes. Thus, a vehicle’s response to steering, handling, and braking are tweaked by the manufacturer to suit the size of your tires. When replacing car tires, it is crucial to select tires similar to the original ones that came with the vehicle. Picking different ones may be detrimental to your car’s performance and may even pose a risk to your safety on the road.
Tires Affect Fuel Consumption
Few people know that your choice of tires also affects your car’s fuel consumption. Cars consume more fuel when fitted with tires with higher rolling resistance. The opposite is true, as low rolling resistance tires will save you energy because they use a smaller amount to drive the car forward.
The Way You Drive Has an Impact on Your Tires
Careful driving and proper car maintenance go hand in hand. Be cautious about how you load your vehicle, especially if you use trucks. Heavy loads put the tires under more pressure, causing them to deteriorate faster.
Your tires’ lifespan is also impacted by the terrain you are driving on. An average city car, for example, a saloon, is not built to navigate rough off-road tracks. Vehicles like Jeeps and Subarus are better suited for such terrains.
Structure of a Tire
Roughly 20 to 25 components are required to make a single tire. The inner liner consists of woven fabric belts, followed by steel belts and more fabric bands. From the inner liner to the grooves of the wheel, various components are used to make layers.
Pricing Often Indicates Quality
Like products in any market, the price of a car tire is often a reflection of its quality. Quality tires tend to go for higher prices. However, the price should not be an obstacle as many tire dealers can supply quality tires at affordable prices. Check consumer reviews, marks of quality and compare with other suppliers before buying a car tire.
These are just some of the facts you should know. As with any other car part, proper maintenance and regular servicing like doing a wheel alignment or rotating tires will extend the shelf life of your vehicle tires.