Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Need advice on catching someone slashing my tires.

Martian · 03-15-2006, 06:07 PM

I can't say much about Florida in regards to pricing. I know in my part of the world $400 would maybe buy two new tires or four used ones.. I have a hunch that it'll be cheaper there but I can't say by how much.

Basically the big concern when it comes to tires is the sort of weather you'll be driving the car in. My very basic knowledge of Florida leads me to believe that you'll be facing warm weather with a fair bit of rain - for those sorts of conditions you'll probably want a good set of all seasons. Summer tires aren't really grippy enough to make driving in suboptimal conditions comfortable, but you really don't need anything too fancy.

My preference tends toward Goodrich rubber, as it's served me well in the past. Brand preferences when it comes to tires is like anything else; everyone has one. Toyo, Goodrich, Michelin, Bridgestone, take your pick.

Selecting the proper tire isn't too complicated, as it's basically a game of matching numbers. You'll find the size on the sidewall of the old tires; when you get the new ones, they have to be the same. For example, mine are P225/60/R16, so if I buy new tires they have to be the same (the numbers are track width in millimeters, sidewall ratio and rim size in inches, if you're interested). Most street tires are omnidirectional, so there's no specific front, back, left or right tires. It doesn't matter which way they're facing. This is as opposed to a good set of off-roading tires, for example, with a tread designed to offer maximum grip when the tire is turning in a specific direction and must be mounted in order to have them facing forward.

If you buy used, be aware that it's going to likely be a case of caveat emptor. Things to watch out for on used tires are tread depth and any damage.

Damage is self-explanatory; look the tire over with a particular eye for bulges and cracks. Either one can indicate that the tire is on the way out. Bulges in particular are bad; if someone tries to sell you a tire with a bulge, look elsewhere. Any scrupulous dealer will scrap them.

Tread depth is a bit trickier, but not by much. You first want to check the wear indicators; they're a set of small grooves cut into the tread. When they're gone, it's time to replace the tire; any tire you buy should have them. The other way to look at tread depth is with a penny. Stick it into the tread upside down; on a good tire the top of the president's head should be fully covered.

Finally, look at the tread with an eye for any unusual wear. A properly used tire should wear evenly across the entire width of the tread and around the entire circumference of the tire. Worn edges or a worn centerline indicate a tire that was run under- or over-inflated, respectively, while unusual bald spots indicate other abuse; they're most commonly caused by locked wheels.

Umm, I guess that's about it. Any questions, you know the drill.

03-15-2006, 06:07 PM	#19 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	I can't say much about Florida in regards to pricing. I know in my part of the world $400 would maybe buy two new tires or four used ones.. I have a hunch that it'll be cheaper there but I can't say by how much. Basically the big concern when it comes to tires is the sort of weather you'll be driving the car in. My very basic knowledge of Florida leads me to believe that you'll be facing warm weather with a fair bit of rain - for those sorts of conditions you'll probably want a good set of all seasons. Summer tires aren't really grippy enough to make driving in suboptimal conditions comfortable, but you really don't need anything too fancy. My preference tends toward Goodrich rubber, as it's served me well in the past. Brand preferences when it comes to tires is like anything else; everyone has one. Toyo, Goodrich, Michelin, Bridgestone, take your pick. Selecting the proper tire isn't too complicated, as it's basically a game of matching numbers. You'll find the size on the sidewall of the old tires; when you get the new ones, they have to be the same. For example, mine are P225/60/R16, so if I buy new tires they have to be the same (the numbers are track width in millimeters, sidewall ratio and rim size in inches, if you're interested). Most street tires are omnidirectional, so there's no specific front, back, left or right tires. It doesn't matter which way they're facing. This is as opposed to a good set of off-roading tires, for example, with a tread designed to offer maximum grip when the tire is turning in a specific direction and must be mounted in order to have them facing forward. If you buy used, be aware that it's going to likely be a case of caveat emptor. Things to watch out for on used tires are tread depth and any damage. Damage is self-explanatory; look the tire over with a particular eye for bulges and cracks. Either one can indicate that the tire is on the way out. Bulges in particular are bad; if someone tries to sell you a tire with a bulge, look elsewhere. Any scrupulous dealer will scrap them. Tread depth is a bit trickier, but not by much. You first want to check the wear indicators; they're a set of small grooves cut into the tread. When they're gone, it's time to replace the tire; any tire you buy should have them. The other way to look at tread depth is with a penny. Stick it into the tread upside down; on a good tire the top of the president's head should be fully covered. Finally, look at the tread with an eye for any unusual wear. A properly used tire should wear evenly across the entire width of the tread and around the entire circumference of the tire. Worn edges or a worn centerline indicate a tire that was run under- or over-inflated, respectively, while unusual bald spots indicate other abuse; they're most commonly caused by locked wheels. Umm, I guess that's about it. Any questions, you know the drill. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame