Do Your Homework When Shopping For Tires
DENVER (CBS4) - The right tires make getting through the Colorado snow easier and safer. Just ask anyone who has been sliding around these past couple weeks.
It's time to replace tires when the tread is low. Those without a tread depth gauge can use a penny. Put Abe Lincoln's head into one of the grooves. If the tread blocks his head, the tire is in good shape. If the tread does not cover the words "In God We Trust," take the hint - it's time for new tires.
When the rubber meets the road, tires are the vehicles most important safety feature. So what kind? CBS4 went to tire expert Larry Bobian at Coloradoland Tire and Service (www.thetirestore.com).
"Most people can get away with an all season tire. What I recommend is people who travel in the mountains, do a lot of skiing, I would definitely recommend winter tires," Bobian said.
When it comes to winter or snow tires people want to buy two snow tires instead of four.
"It's one of the biggest misconceptions out there," Bobian said.
Bobian said four tires are need unless it's a rear-wheel vehicle. That's the only time he sells two snow tires.
"We try to match just about anybody out there," Bobian said.
Bobian gave CBS4 three types of tires that he sells often. They are listed below. The first two are all-season tires. The last one is a snow tire. His prices include tax and installation for the purchase of four new tires.
Julio Lopez works as the assistant manager for Metal Movers.
"Used tires are always a deal," Lopez said.
Metal Movers (www.denverusedtires.com) is in the business of buying and selling used tires. In a used tire market, check to see if the tire has been repaired. If it has, make sure it's been with a patch not a plug.
Lopez says used tires still come with full service.
"If you buy a (used) tire from a retailer, the retail shop will mount it and balance it and make sure before the customer leaves the tire doesn't have a hole in it," Lopez said.
In the Metal Movers warehouse CBs4 checked the tires sold by Coloradoland and compared prices. The used tires are significantly less. We also checked the tires online and found prices do vary when compared to Coloradoland. But keep in mind, the online prices do not include installation.
Even though Bobian's tires are generally the most expensive, he makes a point and says customers still get the best service.
"They shop local, they're serviced local, they have an issue with the tire they don't have to deal with some online company," he said.
Bobian did say when comparing apples to apples he'd match any price. And in this economy, don't be afraid to do a little negotiating.
Click here for the price comparisons
- Written by Jodi Brooks
