What tires should I buy?
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What tires should I buy?

Every car owner sooner or later faces the question: what tires to buy? It seems that there are more types of specialized tires now than ever before. The fact that there are so many options doesn't make it any easier. So which tire is right for your car?

The answer depends on several factors:

  • What type of vehicle do you drive?
  • What are the driving conditions where you live or travel?
  • How do you like your car in circulation? (You may not even know you have a choice in this matter...)

What tires should I buy?

Let's discuss the different types of tires available.

All season tires

All-season tires are named very accurately: they work well in all driving conditions. Because of the deeper tread, they often last longer than summer tires. You can purchase all-season tires for any type of car.

An important advantage of all season tires is that you can leave them on your car all year round. You can put them on and not worry too much about them. (Of course, you need to purchase new all-season tires when they wear out.)

Are all season tires safe in winter conditions?

If your all-season tires have M+S written on the side, it means they are rated by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) for use in mud and snow. Tire manufacturers evaluate all-season tires for "light" snow. This term is a bit subjective, but we recommend caution. Also note that M+S says nothing about ice.

Winter tires

Winter tires have a greater tread depth than all-season and summer tires. They also have different tread patterns that improve traction. In addition, the rubber is engineered to remain softer and more flexible at low temperatures.

Studded winter tires

Some winter tires can be ordered with studs for extra grip. If you live in heavy snow but don't want to drive XNUMXxXNUMXs, consider studded tires during the winter months. They will allow you to climb snow-covered hills and stop on ice. A front wheel drive car with studded tires is a good winter solution for many drivers.

Know that you need to pay attention to the patchwork of laws governing the use of studded tires. Some states allow drivers to use studded tires during the winter months. Elsewhere they are banned throughout the year. Some states even have laws that vary by county. There are currently no restrictions on studded tires in North Carolina. Make sure you understand the laws of the states you visit or travel through.

Should I change all-season tires to winter ones?

In the fall, you may be wondering if you should upgrade to a tire designed for more extreme winter conditions. If you are going to be driving in heavy snow, you should consider winter tyres, also called snow tyres. Your Service Advisor can discuss this with you in detail.

Summer tires

Summer tires are designed for high performance driving in mild conditions. They are designed for rain, but not for snow. Sports car drivers in North Carolina often opt for summer tires. Summer tires are grippy and responsive.

What should I do if I have the wrong tires for the season?

At the same time, driving on winter tires in the summer is not recommended, on the contrary, it is more dangerous. In winter it is worse to ride on summer tires. Whether you're riding on ice, snow or freezing temperatures, tire selection is critical. We have already discussed why all season and summer tires are not the safest choice for heavy snow and ice.

Driving on winter tires in the summer creates other problems. Your car will not behave as it should. And winter tires wear out faster in the heat.

Special tires

Within each of the tire categories we have discussed, there are also sub-specialties. These include high-performance, passenger and off-road.

Tire brands 

At Chapel Hill Tire, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of tire brands to suit every budget and every vehicle. Whether you're looking for new tires in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham or Carrborough, Chapel Hill Tire has the best tires for you! Check out some of our popular brands below:

  • Michelin
  • Uniroyal
  • Continental
  • BFGoodrich 
  • Toyo
  • cooper
  • nexen
  • Kumho
  • nitto
  • Goodyear
  • And further!

It is important to choose the right tire

The type of tires you have on your vehicle affects fuel efficiency, safety and driving comfort. Tires are an expensive purchase for most people. Choosing the right tires for your vehicle, location and driving style will ensure you get the most out of your tire purchase.

You can rely on the tire experts at Chapel Hill Tire to help you make the right choice. With the Chapel Hill Best Price Guarantee, you can shop with the confidence that you are buying new tires at the lowest possible price.

We have answers to the most common tire questions:

  • When should I change tires?
  • What tire size do I need?
  • What tires are best for my car?
  • How do I know if I'm getting tires with the best value for money?
  • What do all the codes on the sidewall mean?

With service centers in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham and Carrborough, you can access our professional tire assistance from across the Triangle. Use our tire buying tool to find the right tires for your vehicle or book an appointment today. We look forward to helping you find the right new tires here at Chapel Hill Tire!

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