Time for New Tires? Visit Your Porsche Dealer Today
Do you know how to tell if it is time to replace your tires? Do you know what type of tire you need? Do you know what important information is provided by the numbers printed on the tires?
You can receive answers to these questions and purchase the new tires you need at your Porsche dealer.
What Are the Advantages of Buying Tires at Your Local Dealership?
Buying tires at your local dealership offers tires that give you the ride and handling you desire from your Porsche vehicle. Your dealer carries the full line of the OEM Bridgestone tires that are needed for any Porsche vehicle. In addition, your warranty and service agreements may provide discounts and free services on your purchased tires, saving you money.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Tires?
If you bought a new Porsche, the 30,000- to 40,000-mile tire-life gauge might not work. That’s because the handling considerations on Porsche vehicles may mean that the tires on the front and rear are different. This eliminates the possibility of rotating tires to help all four tires wear evenly. So, rear tires can wear up to twice as fast as front tires. Using performance tires in the warm months and winter tires for snow can increase the life of your tires.
A tread depth of 2/32-inch is another replacement determinant. Insert a penny upside down in the tread. If all of Lincoln’s head is visible, you need to tires. Under-inflated tires cause extra wear. Check tire inflation monthly. If your tires are over five years old, replace them. The four-digit number on the tire gives the week and the year the tire was manufactured. Finally, if one tire needs replacing, the other one or three matching tires probably need replacing.
What Do the Numbers on the Tires Mean?
When you purchase tires at your local dealership, you will receive the tires you need without worrying about the numbers. However, some of the numbers provide information you can use. A number, such as 245/35 ZR 20 (95Y) XL, tells you that the tire is 245-millimeters wide and has a height to width ratio of 35-percent. The R denotes a radial tire as opposed to a belted (b) or diagonal (d) tire.
The 20 designates that it is intended for a 20-inch wheel. The 95 defines the load weight based on a chart, and the Y provides the maximum safe speed.
Do I Need More Than One Type of Tire?
The weather in your area determines the type of tires you need. During warm months, you will want a performance tire to have the handling you desire. However, if you are in an area that experiences cold, snowy weather in the winter, you will want to change to winter tires. The service technician at your local dealership can advise you on the best tires for your area.
Buying tires at your dealership assures you that you will be replacing the tires when it is really necessary with tires that provide the same ride and handling. The dealership will have the tires you need in stock and will advise you on the type of tires you need. To purchase tires, schedule an appointment with the Porsche Fairfield service center, your Fairfield area dealer.