Selecting Tires

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Question:
I need new tires. How do I know which tires to get?

Ted's Auto Clinic Inc Answer:
Let's look at selecting new tires in light of three factors: Function, Fit, and Value.

Function: This gets at what your needs are for new tires: Illinois weather conditions, Chicago terrain, Chicago temperatures, etc.

Most new family vehicles in Illinois come with all-season tires. They can be used all year long and do pretty well in most Illinois road conditions – but they aren't ideal at the extremes.

Winter tires have a more aggressive tread for handling snow and ice on roads, and they have a rubber compound that helps them have better traction as Chicago temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit/7.2 degrees Centigrade. In winter weather, you'll definitely experience better stopping and road-holding characteristics for Chicago vehicles than all-season tires. Dedicated summer tires enhance warm Illinois weather performance driving for Chicago .

If you drive off-road around Chicago, there is a wide spectrum of tires from all-terrain (a good mix of highway and off-road capability) to dedicated off-road tires.

The key is to discuss function with a Ted's Auto Clinic Inc tire professional to get the type of tire, load rating, speed rating and wear rating you need.

Fit: The easiest thing is to purchase tires in the same size that were installed by the manufacturer. If you want a different size wheel or tire profile, be sure to work with your Ted's Auto Clinic Inc service advisor so you can make sure that your new wheels and tires fit properly and don't rub in bumps or turns. It's also important to make sure that important safety systems like anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control aren't adversely affected by the new tire size (the computer may need to be recalibrated to make necessary adjustments).

Value: Note, I didn't say price. The tire that meets all your needs AND has the warranty and tread life you expect will not be the least expensive option – but it may well return the best value for your tire dollar.

Ted's Auto Clinic Inc tire professionals help Chicago drivers with this automotive decision.

Give us a call.
Ted's Auto Clinic Inc
7853 W Forest Preserve Dr
Chicago, Illinois 60634
773-625-7360
www.tedsautoclinic.com