Buying New Tires for Your Buick & GMC Car or Truck
If you're considering buying new tires for your Buick sedan or SUV, or for your GMC truck or SUV, then you might be overwhelmed by all the different types and numbers. Consider the information below when buying new tires or keeping your old ones in good shape.
Tire Types
The main categories of tires are all-season, winter, summer and off-road tires, but within those categories are various other types as well. For passenger vehicles such as sedans, crossovers and minivans, the main types are touring or performance tires. All-season touring tires focus on comfort and handling with tread that can grip in wet weather. Grand touring tires are also all-season, but will usually have a higher speed rating versus regular all-season touring tires. Performance tires usually come in all-season or summer versions. The main difference is in the tread, wherein the all-season have more grip. Truck tires come in all-terrain, trail, mud, all-season highway, ribbed and performance versions. The latter three are the truck versions of touring tires, whereas the first three are meant for either off-road or slightly rough terrain. Winter tires are available for both trucks and passenger vehicles and they are designed for cold conditions below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, snow and ice.
What Do Those Numbers Mean?
When you look at your tires, you may see a group of numbers and letters such as P215/65R15 96H engraved in the side. The P stands for passenger. The next group, 215, stands for the tire width, so in this example it's 215 millimeters. Next is the 65, which is the aspect ratio. In this example, the tire has a height that is 65 percent of its width. The letter R in this example stands for Radial, meaning that the tire's layers go radially across its surface. The 15 in the example indicates the wheel diameter in inches. The H in this example indicates the tire's speed rating and the 95 is the load index. An H-speed rating indicates a tire for sport or performance cars. The load index is how much the vehicle can carry with properly inflated tires. A 96 means a load index of 1,565 pounds.
Tire Maintenance
Caring for your tires can keep them lasting longer and is also an important safety measure. The best elements to tire maintenance are as follows:
- Checking and keeping proper air pressure
- Rotating regularly for even wear
- Respect your tires' load capacity
- Don't drive at high speeds
- Inspect your tires regularly
Under-inflated tires are one of the top culprits behind bad gas mileage and they will also shorten the lifespan of your tire. For example, a tire that is always 20 percent under-inflated will last 20 percent shorter than it should. So if it's rated for 60,000 miles, it might be done by 48,000. Tire rotation is also very important as tires on the rear and front, and on the right and left wear differently. Typically the right front tire wears the fastest as it does the most work.
Where to Find Tires for Your Buick or GMC Vehicle
Rivertown Buick GMC aims to provide you with the most competitive prices on tires for your Buick or GMC car, truck, SUV or crossover.
