Les Schwab Announces How to Buy a New Tire: Female Tire Expert Helps Women Become Savvy Consumers

BEND, Ore.--Tires are the most important safety component on cars. They are the vehicle’s only contact with the road, and even the most powerful engine, strongest brakes and steadfast seatbelts, leave drivers vulnerable to the grip of tires on the road. So, it is important to be well informed before you buy.

“I joined the company because I love working on cars and helping people”

Kaolyn (Kao) Drozd, Sales & Service Professional for Les Schwab Tire Centers in Redmond, Washington, explains that women seek her out with questions on tire selection, maintenance and the timing for replacements. “Every customer needs to find a tire that fits their individual needs, and sometimes women feel more comfortable asking me questions,” explains Kao.

Kao, a former University of Utah pre-med student, has worked at Les Schwab for three years. “I joined the company because I love working on cars and helping people,” she said. According to research published by female automotive web site AskPatty.com, women purchase more than 65% of all vehicles and influence 85% of tire service buying decisions. “With a wide variety of brands, features, benefits and sizes available, they want to know which tires is the best fit for weather and road conditions in their area,” Kao explained. “Also in a difficult economic environment, they want to know how to get the best value for their money.”

Based on Kao’s experience, she recommends following these steps to find the right tire:

1.		Tread is very important. Make sure you replace tires when they wear down to 2/32-inch of tread. A simple way to test this is to use a penny. Place the penny in the shallowest tread groove with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you are able to see the top of his head, your tire needs replacement.
2.		Know your vehicle. The tire size, speed and rating affect the driving experience in areas such as comfort, handling or traction in rain or snow.
3.		Know the design and size of your current tire. Tire size information is located on a sticker on the driver’s doorframe and is visible when the car door is open. Other relevant information is located on the tire’s sidewall. Also, look for the performance rating which is usually a number accompanied by the letters “U”, “T”, or “H”. Replacement tires should have the same or higher performance rating as the one listed on the sidewall.
4.		Have an experienced tire technician perform the installation. Special machines and solid training are required to do this job properly.
5.		Buy an equal number of tires—either two or four—since tires tend to wear out around the same time. Balanced tires ensure greater stability and driving control. If you have a four-wheel drive or all-wheel vehicle, manufacturers usually recommend replacing all four tires at the same time.
6.		Maintain your tires by checking air pressure once a month and rotating them every 5,000 miles.
7.		Always ask for a free written warranty.

About Les Schwab Tire Centers

Les Schwab Tire Centers is a leading independent tire dealer with more than 420 locations throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, and Utah.