According to Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), vehicle tires must be replaced every five years. Driving with expired tires is illegal and can lead to dangerous situations on the roads. It’s better to replace your tires before they wear out completely and leave you stranded with a flat tire. By doing so, you can avoid the inconvenience of having to replace the tire in the middle of the road. When buying new tires for your vehicle, it’s crucial to consider certain factors to ensure your safety.
Many people make the mistake of selecting the wrong tires for their car, which leads to mishaps in the future. To avoid such situations, it’s important to learn about the essential factors mentioned in this blog and buy suitable tires for your vehicle.
Signs You Need to Change Car Tires
The following signs indicate that it’s time to replace your car tires:
Tread depth: The standard limit for tread depth is 1.6 mm. If your tire’s depth is more than that, it’s a sign that you need to replace your car tires.
Bulges and Blisters: If bulges and blisters form on your tires, it’s another sign that they are worn out and need to be replaced. Delaying this can lead to tire bursts and car accidents.
Vibration: If your car makes noises while you’re driving, it could be due to a flat tire. Inspect your tires and fill the tire pressure at a nearby mechanic shop or replace the tires.
Know Your Needs
If you’re purchasing new tires for your vehicle for the first time, it’s essential to consider your driving needs and style. Consider factors such as the terrain you typically drive on, your driving speed, your vehicle type (whether it’s a sedan, SUV, or heavy vehicle), loading capacity, and your car’s fuel efficiency. Additionally, tires are available in different ranges to meet diverse user requirements, with varying sizes, tread patterns, and speed ratings. It’s essential to keep all these things in mind when buying new tires for your vehicle.
Speed Rating and Tread Pattern
When choosing tires for your vehicle, it is crucial to consider both the speed rating and tread patterns. On the tire’s sidewall, the speed rating indicates a unique sequence that specifies the safe speed limit for your car type. If you own a high-performance vehicle and enjoy thrilling rides, then you should choose a tire with a high-speed rating.
Apart from speed rating, tread patterns also vary according to different car types and terrains in the UAE. For instance, wide-tread tires with excellent road traction are suitable for off-roading. Some tread patterns are designed for wet roads, while summer or all-season tires are built for daily driving in hot temperatures.
The Weather
Weather conditions significantly affect the performance of car tires, so as a car owner in the UAE, you must choose the right tires for your vehicle. We recommend buying either all-season or summer tires for your car since they’re specially designed to withstand the hot and dry climate in the UAE throughout the year. These types of tires provide excellent resistance and a smooth driving experience all year round.
However, if you’re into off-roading or desert driving, which are popular activities in Dubai, you’ll need tires that are specifically designed for that purpose. For sports cars, you may want to invest in high-performance tires that offer exceptional grip and performance, although they can be more expensive than all-season tires.
Manufacturing Date
One crucial thing to keep in mind when purchasing tires is to check the date of manufacture (DOT). It’s not enough to go to an auto shop and replace your old tire with a new one. Make sure to buy newly manufactured tires. Even if a tire is unused, the rubber can deteriorate over time. If you purchase a new tire with an old manufacturing date, it could wear out more quickly than expected.
To find out when a tire was manufactured, look for the date code on the sidewall of the tire. The last four digits of a code indicate DOT. For instance, the number 0424 indicates that the tire was manufactured in the 4th month of 2024. Tires must be sold within two years of their manufacturing date. Unfortunately, some tire sellers try to sell expired tires by altering the numbers on the tire. Therefore, you should be vigilant and buy quality tires from a brand.
Conclusion
Purchasing new car tires can be a daunting task that requires careful consideration of several factors. If you lack knowledge about car tires, it is recommended to consult a mechanic who can guide you on the most suitable tire for your vehicle. You can also refer to your car’s manual to determine the appropriate tire requirement. We hope that this blog has been informative and has answered all your questions about buying new car tires. Now, you can confidently purchase new tires for your vehicle and enjoy a safe and comfortable ride on UAE roads.
