When you need tire replacement, Wayne’s Automotive and Towing Center is your trusted source. Located in the heart of Aiken SC, our auto repair and tire shop is your one-stop shop for all of your tire replacement, automotive repair, and car maintenance needs. Whether you have a 4 wheel drive truck or compact car, our certified technicians know how to find you the best tires for your vehicle.  Whether you’re wondering if it’s time to replace your tires or you’d like to plan ahead to get the best deal for your money, Wayne’s Automotive and Towing is here to help.

People rarely think about their tires until it comes time to replace them.  Sometimes, it’s evident that your tire needs replacing: You may walk outside to see a flat or notice that one tire is leaking air.  Other times, your tires may show wear from use, and the worn-down treads are no longer providing adequate traction.  You may also want to replace your tires for optimal performance or aesthetic reasons from time to time. 

Tire quality is often measured in mileage.  A set of premium tires may last for 80,000 miles under perfect conditions, but most tires will be lucky to last more than a few years without needing to be replaced.  Tires are best replaced in pairs or all at once.  Otherwise, the uneven amounts of wear between tires will affect the overall performance of your vehicle. 

Since buying new tires can be a bit confusing and even intimidating, we’ve provided some information to help you understand what you’re buying and how different features affect the performance of your tires.

What Kind of Tires Do You Need for your Vehicle?

Start by making sure you know the correct size tire recommended for your vehicle. This will be in your car’s manual or just ask your Wayne’s Automotive technician. From there, you’ll need to decide which type of tire is best-suited to your needs.  In general, there are three categories of tires:  all-weather, winter, and summer, each of which is made with a different type of rubber compound and tread design to work best under certain conditions.

Summer Tires 

A summer tire is designed to work best in hot, dry weather.  The rubber compound is made to withstand high temperatures and provide excellent traction on hot asphalt.  Summer tires are not as common as winter and all-weather varieties, but they can be useful if you live in a hot climate.

Winter Tires

Just like summer tires are made to withstand high heat, winter tires are of a rubber compound that performs best at temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  These tires are designed to have superior traction in ice and snow, but they don’t perform well at higher temperatures. 

All-Weather Tires

As the name would suggest, an all-weather or all-season tire is generally ready for all types of weather conditions.  It performs reasonably well in all types of weather, and the tread design helps to push water away from the wheel to provide a stable grip on slippery roads.  All-season tires do not perform as well in extreme temperatures, although you may be able to boost the performance of your tires during the winter by applying chains. 

For most people, an all-season tire is the right choice, especially in the weather we experience in Aiken SC.  For those who travel outside of our area and encounter a lot of snowfall and cold temperatures, the better option is to have a set of winter tires that you rotate seasonally. 

Specialty Tires

For most people, one of the three tire types above will be sufficient.  However, some specialty vehicles may require a different kind of tire.  For example, hybrids and electric cars require a particular tire for maximum fuel efficiency.  Heavy work trucks and high-performance race cars also have unique tire needs. 

Tires and Tire Change Services at Wayne’s Automotive 

No single tire will be perfect for every occasion.  There is a trade-off between performance and comfort.  High-performance tires grip the road better and facilitate fast breaking and tight turns, but they also lead to a noisier ride and more sensitivity to bumps in the road.  A smoother, quieter ride comes at the cost of precision.  At Wayne’s Automotive, our certified auto technicians will help you pinpoint the perfect tire for your needs and budget. 

When you’re ready to choose the best tires for your car, contact Wayne’s Automotive. There’s no need to go to a specialty tire store where prices and brands vary greatly. When you work with Waynes’ Automotive, we’ll make sure you get the right tires for your needs at the best price available in our area. Contact Wayne’s Automotive and Towing to make sure you the best value for tires Aiken SC!