Selecting Tires

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Question:
I need new tires. How do I know which tires to get?

Kirkwood Auto 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: DE weather conditions, Wilmington terrain, Wilmington temperatures, etc.

Most new family vehicles in DE come with all-season tires. They can be used all year long and do pretty well in most DE 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 Wilmington temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit/7.2 degrees Centigrade. In winter weather, you'll definitely experience better stopping and road-holding characteristics for Wilmington vehicles than all-season tires. Dedicated summer tires enhance warm DE weather performance driving for Wilmington .

If you drive off-road around Wilmington, 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 Kirkwood Auto 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 Kirkwood Auto 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.

Kirkwood Auto Center tire professionals help Wilmington drivers with this automotive decision.

Give us a call.
Kirkwood Auto Center
4913 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19808
302.995.6179