Question:
I need new tires. How do I know which tires to get?
Bill’s Auto Repair 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: MA weather conditions, Agawam terrain, Hampden temperatures, etc.
Most new family vehicles in MA come with all-season tires. They can be used all year long and do pretty well in most MA road conditions – but they aren’t ideal at the extremes.
Winter tires have a more aggressive tread for handling snow and ice on interstates and they have a rubber compound that helps them have better traction as Hampden temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Definitely better stopping and road-holding characteristics for Hampden auto owners than all-season tires in winter weather. Dedicated summer tires enhance warm MA weather performance driving for Hampden drivers.
If you drive off-road around Agawam, 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 meet with your Bill’s Auto Repair tire professional and reflect on the function you need to get the type of tire, load rating, speed rating and wear rating you need.
Fit: The easiest thing is to elect tires in the same size that were installed by the automobile manufacturer. If you want a different size wheel or tire profile, be sure to work with your Bill’s Auto Repair tech so you can make sure that your new wheels and tires fit properly and don’t rub in bumps or turns. It’s also critical 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 critical 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 often not be the least expensive option – but it may well return the best value for your tire dollar.
Bill’s Auto Repair tire professionals help Hampden motorists with this vital automotive decision.
Give us a call
Bill’s Auto Repair
204 Main Street
Hampden, MA 01036
413.566.2008
At Bill’s Auto Repair in Hampden MA (01036) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 413.566.2008. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.
