Steve & Stacy's Service Center
130 Virginia Street W, Charleston, WV 25302 304.343.4611
Question:
I need new tires. How do I know which tires to get?
Steve & Stacy's Service Center 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: WV weather conditions, Charleston terrain, Charleston temperatures, etc.
Most new family vehicles in WV come with all-season tires. They can be used all year long and do pretty well in most WV road conditions – but they aren't ideal at the extremes.
Winter tires have a more aggressive tread for handling snow and ice on roads, and they have a rubber compound that helps them have better traction as Charleston temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit/7.2 degrees Centigrade. In winter weather, you'll definitely experience better stopping and road-holding characteristics for Charleston vehicles than all-season tires. Dedicated summer tires enhance warm WV weather performance driving for Charleston .
If you drive off-road around Charleston, there is a wide spectrum of tires from all-terrain (a good mix of highway and off-road capability) to dedicated off-road tires.
The key is to discuss function with a Steve & Stacy's Service Center tire professional to get the type of tire, load rating, speed rating and wear rating you need.
Fit: The easiest thing is to purchase tires in the same size that were installed by the manufacturer. If you want a different size wheel or tire profile, be sure to work with your Steve & Stacy's Service Center service advisor so you can make sure that your new wheels and tires fit properly and don't rub in bumps or turns. It's also important 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 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 not be the least expensive option – but it may well return the best value for your tire dollar.
Steve & Stacy's Service Center tire professionals help Charleston drivers with this automotive decision.
Give us a call.
Steve & Stacy's Service Center
130 Virginia Street W
Charleston, WV 25302
304.343.4611