How to Get the Right Tire at the Right Price: Wal-Mart

BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 23 -- Everything your car, truck or SUV does -- start, accelerate, turn and stop -- is done through a total area no bigger than a sheet of paper. It's your tires' "footprints," four 6-by-8-inch contact points where your tires meet the road. So buying new tires is an important decision that impacts your vehicle's performance and your family's safety.

"One of the most important decisions a vehicle owner makes is buying new tires -- when to buy them, what type to get, and how much to pay," says Ken Reese, director of operations for Wal-Mart's 1,500 Tire & Lube Express outlets throughout the United States.

To help make that important decision easier, Wal-Mart and Michelin Americas Small Tires (MAST) offer the following tire tips:

Know when to replace tires. Even the best tires wear out with time, distance, and a variety of weather and road conditions. One of the simplest ways to know when to replace tires is to check the tread depth. All tires have tread-wear indicator bars molded into the tread. When the tread is worn down to where you can see a solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread, it's time to replace the tire. Or try the penny test. Take a penny and, with Abe Lincoln's head down, put it into the tread grooves. If you can clearly see Lincoln's head, the tread depth is low and you probably need new tires. Also look for irregular tire wear, and check for cuts, tears or bulges in the tire's sidewall. Another telltale sign: If you notice any exposed steel or other belting material sticking out of the tires, it's time to replace them.

Buy the right tire for your vehicle. Tires come in several categories: Highway tires, designed for wet and dry weather driving but not for use on snow or ice; snow tires, which provide maximum traction in winter conditions; all-season tires, providing good balance for drivers looking for increased traction in rain and snow as well as the handling, ride and tread-wear benefits of a highway tire; and performance tires, focusing on better handling, grip and cornering. Decide which tire is best for you.

Next, make sure you buy the right size. The appropriate tire size for your car can be found in the owner's manual or on the vehicle placard (located on the driver's doorpost, the fuel filler door or the glove compartment lid). Last, check the Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) ratings, which provide three key pieces of information about a tire:

Treadwear grades. These typically range from 60 to 620; the higher the grade, the longer the tread life. Traction grades, which indicate a tire's breaking performance. A grade from "AA" to "C" is assigned, with "AA" signifying the best traction. Temperature grades, representing a tire's ability to withstand heat under test conditions. Temperature grades are assigned "A" to "C" with "A" signifying the most resistance to heat. Shop for the best value. Once you know the kind of tire that's best for you, call or visit an experienced tire retailer like Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Express. Find out whether tire rotation and balance over the life of the tire are included in the price, or whether that service can be purchased for a minimal price. "When tire shopping, keep in mind that there is a difference between the lowest price and the best value," says Erik Olsen, vice president, sales, Michelin Americas Small Tires. "Finding the highest quality tire that will fulfill your specific needs at the most competitive price should be the ultimate goal."

Take care of your new tires. Your tires will perform better and last longer if you follow some simple maintenance tips:

Check each tire's air pressure (including your spare) once a month and always before a long trip. Always check tires when they're "cold" -- at least three hours after the vehicle has been driven, or before it's been driven one mile. Have your tires rotated every 6,000 - 8,000 miles or whatever interval is recommended by your owner's manual. This achieves more uniform wear on each tire. Properly balance your tires. This can be done at the same time your tires are rotated, and it helps prevent "shimmying" (shaking from side to side) and "tramping" (hopping up and down). Clean your tires. Remove foreign substances with soap and water to keep road dirt and other debris from degrading the tires. Check your tires. Once a month, look for uneven wear and foreign objects, like stones or nails, wedged in the tread. If a tire continually needs more air, take it in and have it checked thoroughly. "New tires can improve the safety and comfort of your ride," says Wal-Mart's Reese. "And knowing that you've bought the right tire at the right price gives you an added dimension -- peace of mind."