Tires and buying tires is a mystery to me.

• Mar 7, 2013

• #1

atlien seeko

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I'm not even going to front. I think most people just cop off price alone, and don't consider what they'll actually be putting themselves as well as their car on top of before they drive off. I'm in dire need of tires right now, and prices range so much it makes my head spin. Every now and then, I'll see companies like NTB having buy two, get two free sales and stuff like that, so why would anyone pay "full price" for a new tire? I'm not even sure what good prices or good tires are. So, I've decided to educate myself and share/explore my findings with anyone else that cares to learn.

I drive a 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 S and I think I want to cop a set of four new tires. I found this article on HowStuffWorks.com that I'm about to read, but I'm definitely open to knowledge from other NTers. I guess my main concern right now would be what's the best place to buy from? I know a lot of the big auto shops charge a premium like how prices for electronics are online vs in store. I'm lost.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/buying-selling/cg-tire-buying-tips.htm#page=1

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #2

thadocta

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i bought mines from www.onlinetires.com and i got the same price as the shop gets them for.

also go with a reputable brand. u dont want to save a couple hundred and buy fugazzi tires and end up in a crash or something unfortunate, god forbid

 

Last edited: Mar 7, 2013

• Mar 7, 2013

• #3

atlien seeko

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Thank you good docta

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #4

jumpmanpro97

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I was on the same boat maybe 2 years ago. I didn't know ***** about cars. I started reading up on consumer reports magazines and what were the top rated tires. That sorta helped it gave me a picture of what I was going to spend and which was the best for my needs (type of car and type of use)

keep them properly inflated and keep them rotated

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #5

mangudai954

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All good questions. When it comes to tires, you really get what you pay for. Personally I would check out tire websites and even car forums and see what other people with your car are using and which tires they like. Most everyone who takes the time to really research and try various tires end up having their own preference usually having to do with a balance between price, durability, noise, and wet performance.

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #6

ninjahood

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dont skimp on **** like tires...thats your life on da line.

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #7

sreal

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used to work at a tire shop. look up tire prices online at tirerack.com or whatever then once you find the one you like go to a tire shop (america's tire..they should price match, walmart does this for fairly cheap). it is better to do this rather than buying tires online because if you bring in your own tires the shops will charge you more for labor which equals out to roughly the same cost as if you had bought the tires there. if youre looking for cheap tires id go with falkens or yokohamas, but other good tires are: michelin, continental, kumho, pirelli, hankook.

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #8

B

Betonblck

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Whatever you do, do not buy Nexen tires. They are trash. I had to replace all 4 tires because they got bubbles in them

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #9

al audi

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ppl just copp tires off price?

i dunno tires are a big deal, im a fan of Toyo Tires


ive gotten many miles out of them things..........

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #10

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s329

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+1 for tirerack.com
I've done pirellis (not a big fan, loud as hell after some wear), Michellin Super Sports are the best tires I've ever put on my car.
Cost me an arm and a leg though.

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #11

timelessflight

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Love my Continental tires

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #12

usabasketball08

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When should you get new tires?

Is it determined by how much tread they have on them? I just checked my tire pressure, and it's fine. I haven't got my tires rotated in awhile though.

EDIT: Just read another article, I kind of have some idea.

 

Last edited: Mar 7, 2013

• Mar 7, 2013

• #13

Kimchi Papi

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S329 said:

+1 for tirerack.com
I've done pirellis (not a big fan, loud as hell after some wear), Michellin Super Sports are the best tires I've ever put on my car.
Cost me an arm and a leg though.

Click to expand...

Find out the size of your tires which is usually on the tire wall or on a label inside your car doorway. Then find out the speed rating that is required for your car which us indicated by a letter.

Once you know this info, like NTers SREAL & S329 says, go to TireRack.com. I've made a total of 3 different purchases over the years & have been completely happy with each purchase. You will save a lot of money. You can also have them shipped to a local retailer that partners with Tire Rack. I did that the first 2 times until I found a neighborhood garage that my wife & I trust iimplicitly.

The first time I bought through Tire Rack, I saved $300 by ordering from them & having Mr. Tire install then (including their cost for installing them). The second time I saved about $250, & finally the third time I saved about $275. This includes having the local place install the tires for me...

Don't over spend by going to Sears, Mr. Tire, or some other brick & mortar retailer...

 

Last edited: Mar 7, 2013

• Mar 7, 2013

• #14

sreggie101

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someone link OP to my legendary Tire Age Thread i made a few months ago...

 

Last edited: Mar 7, 2013

• Mar 7, 2013

• #15

quiksilver199

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I was in need of tires last year and I just went to www.tirerack.com and looked at the sizes that were available for my car. From there, I read reviews on them to narrow them down and then found an online forum for my car and saw what people were saying about them on there. After I decided what I wanted, I went to Discount Tire since they had them in stock and was even able to talk them down on the price (I've heard that they have quite a bit of room to work with you) . I have a set of Continental ExtremeContact DWS and don't regret the purchase at all.

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #16

uncalled4boy

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I Worked In A Tire Shop Wen I Was In HS.

Michelin, Goodyear, Continental Are All Good Tires But Can Be Pricey.

If Your Looking For Something A Bit More Affordable BFGoodrich Makes Good Tires, And They Are Manufactured By Michelin.

For Me Personally I'd Pay Extra For A Smooth, Quiet Riding Tire But That Comes From Me Micro Analyzing From Experience.

Make Sure You Are Getting The Correct Speed Rated Tires Too, I Think "T" Is The Rating You Need.

 

• Mar 7, 2013

• #17

fraij da 5 11

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tirerack.com

 

• Mar 8, 2013

• #18

chochocho11

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discounttiredirect.com is another one.  same as america's tires.  wait for the rebates.