When buying new tires, give some thought to the following points about tire
design, especially if you are considering a switch to larger tires or a different
profile series:
- All four tires must be of the same construction type. This rule cannot be
violated. Radial, bias, and bias belted tires must not be mixed.
- The wheels should be the correct width for the tire. Tire dealers have charts
of tire and rim compatibility. A mismatch will cause sloppy handling and rapid
tire wear. The tread width should match the rim width (inside bead to inside
bead) within an inch. For radial tires, the rim width should be 80% or less
of the tire (not tread) width.
- The height (mounted diameter) of the new tires can change speedometer accuracy,
engine speed at a given road speed, fuel mileage, acceleration, and ground
clearance. Tire manufacturers furnish full measurement specifications.
- The spare tire should be usable, at least for short distance and low speed
operation, with the new tires.
- There should not be any body interference when loaded, on bumps or in turns.
