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How to Select 4X4 Tires

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Related Tags: tires | 4x4 | treads | safety | radial

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Vehicle owner's manual
Product reviews

Step 1:
Look at your 4x4 owner's manual to see the size requirement for the tires you must have on your vehicle. Usually the requirements have to do with class (light, medium, heavy). If you do not have an owner's manual, the inside of the front driver's side door should have the same information listed.
Step 2:
Read reviews of truck and SUV tires from a reliable source, such as "Consumer Reports" (see Resources). Product reviews will give you information about the safety ratings for the top tire brands, as well as user ratings based on performance. Safety should always be a main concern when choosing parts and accessories for your car.
Step 3:
Learn about the treads that are used on truck and SUV tires when selecting new wheels for your 4x4. Treads range from those used mostly on highways (called street treads) to those used in muddy, rocky or very snowy conditions (mud treads) and all-terrain treads, which can be used equally well on city streets and on rough terrain. Knowing the type of conditions in which you routinely drive will help you determine which tread to buy.
Step 4:
Feel confident and ask questions when you are shopping for 4x4 tires. Tire salespeople are able to answer questions about safety, as well as warranty information. Choose a tire that has a good warranty in case you have any problems with your 4x4 on the road.
Step 5:
Choose radial tires for better traction and less bump in your ride. Radial is the standard design when it comes to vehicle tires. Four-wheel drive diagonal tires are also available in some markets, but the ride you'll get is less smooth and can lead to more frequent shock replacements.
Step 6:
Compare 4x4 tire pricing. Though price alone is rarely the only factor that comes into play when selecting tires, the cost can play a role. Competing retailers or brands may have special deals or price wars on comparative products. Make sure you have done safety research first to avoid getting lured in by a great deal, which may turn out to be an inferior tire.
Step 7:
Check the outside of the tire for markings that mean the tire has been manufactured recently. The U.S. Department of Transportation marks tires with a four-digit code that tells consumers when the product was made. The numbers indicate which week in the year the tire was made (5208, for example, means a manufacture date in the 52nd, or last week of 2008). Newer tires are less likely to break down before you wear them down naturally on the road.