6 clues on how to buy tyres online
One of the decisions you’ll need to make before you buy tyres here in Brisbane is whether to buy online or from a tyre shop. It’s surprising how many people ask only “is it cheaper to buy tyres online?” before making their choice. They forget to include the cost of shipping and fitting. Often, the eventual cost saves very little, if anything.
However, it’s not only cost that should concern you. So, if you are considering buying tyres online, please ensure that you avoid these six pitfalls
1. Buying tyres online – the pitfalls
Those little black circles are the only part of your vehicle that separates you from the road. If you make a poor decision when buying new tyres, they won’t fulfil their crucial role. We don’t want you involved in an accident on Brisbane’s roads – or anywhere else – because of a badly-bought tyre.
2. Not buying tyres at the right time
The first hurdle to jump is to ensure that you really need new tyres. If you change them too early, you’ll be spending money unnecessarily. If you leave it too long before replacing your tyres, you’ll be putting your life at risk.
You’ll need to inspect your tyres for damage to sidewalls, bulging, foreign objects, and tread wear. You’ll need to be aware of the legal minimum tread to make certain your tyres are legal in Queensland.
Read our article “How do Australia’s drivers know they need new tyres?” for more information about checking your tyres.
On the other hand, you could simply drop by our tyre shop here in Darra, and get a professional assessment of your tyres – including your spare.
3. Not checking your owner’s manual before you buy new tyres online
Inside your owner’s manual, you’ll find the manufacturer’s recommended tyre specifications. This tells you the size and type of tyre you should buy. If you don’t have this available, then you should find the information you need on the tyre placard on the door jamb.
Whatever you do, don’t make a mistake when ordering online. You’ll receive a set of tyres that are of no use to you, and either be stuck with them or pay for shipping back to the seller.
If you come into Darra Tyres, our technicians won’t confuse the specs and provide the wrong tyres. You can be certain that your tyres are the right ones, right away.
4. Getting bamboozled by the tyre code
“The tyre code?” you ask. No, we don’t have a secret language we use to speak to each other, but you might think we do when you try to decipher the letters and numbers on the sidewall of the tyre. You don’t need an Enigma machine to decipher this tyre code, but you must understand what those numbers and letters mean (for example, P215/60R 16 95H M).
If you’re not sure what all this gobbledygook means, pop into our tyre shop. We’ll talk you through it all and explain why this code is essential to know if you want to stay safe on the roads.
5. Ignoring your wheels
Wheels get damaged. They come in different sizes. Don’t ignore your wheels when you buy new tyres. Any damage, or if you buy the wrong-sized tyre for the wheel you have fitted, and you will compromise handling. You won’t corner with the same assuredness. Your braking could be impaired. I don’t need to tell you what the result could be.
We will never fit the wrong-sized tyre to the wrong-sized wheel. Nor will we ignore damage to your wheels.
6. Not checking your new tyres regularly
Once you’ve bought your new tyres and had them fitted, you must check them at regular intervals. Aftercare is something that you won’t get when you buy tyres online.
When we fit new tyres to your vehicle, we’ll give you a few tips to help keep them in good condition and performing as they should. This will help your vehicle handle better and reduce your fuel consumption. Maintaining your tyres properly will increase their useful life, too, meaning you save money in the long run.
When we fit tyres to your vehicle in our tyre shop in Darra, you are welcome to return at any time. Pop in to say hello, and we’ll give your tyres a quick once over at the same time.
Summing up
Buying the right tyres is essential. They are key to your safety. They play a big part in how your vehicle handles, and the right tyre, well-maintained, can reduce your fuel bill.
Sometimes you might save a few dollars by buying tyres online, though the cost savings may not be as much as you thought when you consider the costs of shipping and fitting that will need to be added.
What you won’t get when you buy online is personalised advice, reassuring expertise, and dedication to ongoing customer service.
The choice of whether you buy tyres online or in person is yours to make. Why not come into our tyre shop in Darra for a coffee while you’re thinking?
For a professional and personal tyre service that you can trust, contact Darra Tyres today.
Keeping your family and fleet safe,
Kevin Wood