Keeping My Car Cleaner

Tires 101: A Guide For First-Time Auto Owners

Becoming a first-time automobile owner comes with a lot of new responsibilities, and you will have a lot to learn, and proper car maintenance will be a big part of that learning curve. One of the components you will have to learn how to properly maintain is the tires, but a lot of new car owners assume this really should be no big deal. Yet, the more you know about your tires, the safer you will be on the road and the less likely it will be that you make any major mistakes. Here are a few things you should know about your tires when you have no experience with maintaining them. 

How long should tires last?

In general, a good set of tires with regular driving habits should last you around three or four years, and that is only if you drive between 12,000 and 15,000 miles every year. If you do not drive that many miles per year, you can naturally expect to get more years of use out of them. However, even tires that have a lot of treads left and are really old may need to be changed because the rubber changes with age and may wear down faster or be more prone to punctures or damages. 

How do you know the tires need to be replaced?

It is a good idea to know how many miles the tires have on them so you can gauge when they are likely nearing the end of their life. However, because tires wear differently according to use, maintenance, and other factors, you should also know how to spot the signs that your tires need to be replaced. A few of the more noteworthy signs include:

How much does it cost to get new tires?

There are a ton of variables when it comes to getting new tires for your vehicle where cost is concerned. For example, tires for a larger vehicle will cost you more than tires for a smaller one. According to Angie's List, people report paying anywhere from  $525 to $725 for a set of four new tires. Along with the price of the four tires, you will have to pay for installing them, which can include balancing them also to ensure they are perfectly proportionate and even in the rotation. 

To learn more, contact a tire company like Evans Tire & Service Centers