Tyres may not be the most eye-catching or attractive part of a car, but they are certainly one of the most important parts. Tyres create a link between your vehicle and the road. That is why having a good set of tyres means experiencing better handling, steering, acceleration, and braking.
Therefore, from buying suitable tyres to replacing them at the right time, there are several things you need to bear in mind as a car owner. Moreover, if you have an SUV, you need to pay even more attention, given the car’s size and capacity.
So, let’s guide you about the various essential aspects of the tyre, that you should look into before buying tyres for your SUV.
Tube Tyre or Tubeless
For a car like SUV, tyres are a huge investment. So, make sure that you buy it right, the first time itself. Therefore, start by, deciding whether you’ll opt for tubeless tyres or ones with the tube. Tubeless tyres are safer and more advanced as they enjoy low pressure and low rolling resistance.This makes them last longer than tyreswith tube.
But you need not buy alloy wheels. For best results, you can simply get your steel wheels rust-free, or consider buying a new set of tyres as they are not very expensive. Further, you may even get an anti-rusting coating done on the insides of the wheel. So, when choosing tyres for your SUV, go for tubeless tyresas they give better performance.
Tyre Size
Tyre size is another crucial aspect that needs to be decided carefully by considering various factors. For this purpose, you should look into the tyre’s rim size, tread width, and sidewall height.
Choose a tyre size that perfectly fits the size of the rim on which your tyre will be mounted. Understand that a larger rim will reduce the sidewall height, which may make the tyre low profile.
Tread Pattern of The Tyre
The tread pattern also plays a significant role in the tyre’s wet weather performance.This performance depends on the tyre’s ability to channel water away from the patch that connects the tyre and the road.
The tread pattern also affects how much road noise the tyre generates.Also, avoid buying re-treaded tyres even though they are less expensive, as they may affect your safety.
Rubber Compound Used
The rubber compound used in tyre manufacturing determinesits traction and treadwear characteristics. The quality,i.e.,”softness” of rubber directly influences the amount of traction your tyre producesand also the speed it generates. However, the softness is inversely proportional to your tyre’s tread life.
Therefore, if the speed rating of the tyre you’re purchasing is higher, the better will be its grip. Also, for SUVs, you may need “ultra-sport” tyre, which will usually have a grippier compound as compared to “sport” or “comfort” tyres from the same manufacturer.
Overall Quality
Lastly, check the reputation of the manufacturer, date of manufacturing, and warranty of the tyres before buying. Also, look for any added technologies that may improve your tyre’s performance.
When to Get Your Tyres Replaced?
Tyres should have a minimum of 2/32 inch tread depth. If it is less than that, then it may be time for you to replace them. Moreover, irregular wear and tear of tyres necessitate early replacement.
Also, get the tyres inspected and rotated frequently as this will tell you ifthe tyres have reached that critical point. Furthermore, try to replace all four tyres of your car at the same time. This will help even out the wear across all of them.
Downshifting or Plus-Sizing, What Will Be Better?
If you’re not happy with your current tyres, then at the time of replacement, you can even ask your auto-expert to suggest if downshifting or plus-sizing would help. ‘Downshifting’ to the next smallest size may help in yielding a smoother ride. “Plus-sizing,” on the other hand,means getting a tyre of the same height but a shorter sidewall. This kind of tyre can improve overall handling.
Going for a larger tyre size can improve your car’s traction and load carrying capacity, which are both important for an SUV. So, make sure that you practice due diligence in getting your ttyres replacedat the right time and in choosing the right replacement size. You may even take advice from a tyre expert or auto technician.
Along with buying the right car and suitable tyres for the same, also give due importance to buying an appropriate car insurance policy for your SUV. Having an insurance cover, especially a comprehensive policy, is important as it compensates you against any loss arising due to damage to or theft of your car. It also covers you for third-party liability, and against any bodily injury or death that the owner-driver may suffer in a personal accident.
Moreover, by buying add-on covers, you can also enjoy roadside assistance, no claim bonus, and several other benefits which all extend your coverage further.
So, before you ride your SUV with style and pride, buy a comprehensive car insurance policy to secure your prized possession against any unfortunate events on the roads.
