Tire Replacement
I’ve put this off for quite some time but I was looking at the tread on the front tires of my car the other day. The tread wear is very low, probably 2/32 even though I don’t have an official gauge to verify that. While I’m still able to drive the car just fine, it still makes me nervous that the front tires really need to be replaced. I decided to look up what some tires would cost me to replace them.
The tires themselves run $91 a pop, just the tire. This place also has to add on fees to protect the environment, disposal, and installation of the tire itself. There’s an optional coverage or warranty that if something happens to the tire like a hole or sidewall damage, they will replace it. I have bought a tire from this store before, a month later hit a piece of scrap metal that was lodged in the tire causing a slow leak, and they replaced the damaged tire with a brand new one.
When all is said and done it will cost me $263.66 to replace the two front tires. I may have to resort to the EF to handle this expense and then balance it out next month. If I don’t replace these soon my concern is having a blowout or losing control when it rains, which would cost me much more later. I think I need to figure out some sort of way to account for car maintenance and repairs since the vehicles are starting to get older, and it takes more than gas and oil to keep them going.
Man that stinks! Can you switch your back tires to the front and get cheaper back tires? I’m not sure how cost-effective this is (I don’t drive!) but I’ve heard of other people doing this.
Everyday I become more and more aware of how lucky about my not-having-a-car situation (even though everyone makes fun of me).
For the sake of other people’s safety, bite the bullet and replace them. Rotating only delays the inevitable, though it’s always good to keep your best tires on your driving tires. (Unless, of course, you have all wheel drive. In which case it sucks to be you having to pay for all the extra gas the car sips to power two extra wheels.
Especially when most AWD vehicles are seen, gasp, on pavement.)
I appreciate how people try to put off car maintenance to save money, but it’s not saving you anything in the end. I hate hearing the cry of bad brake pads and the people driving the car with said pads seemingly completely oblivious. Perhaps I just have two spoiled cars who get what they want whenever they ask for it. Or perhaps I know that keeping my car in good running condition means she’ll be there for me when I need her to protect me.
Think of it this way: Tires are one of the most important components of a car. It’s your only connection between your car and the road, you need to trust that relationship with your life. You literally do, whether you realize it or not.
Also, not sure what store you use, but I swear by Tire Rack. They’re the absolute best, and you can either go through Ebates or MyPoints to get a little extra for your purchase. They’re shipping is very timely and they have excellent customer service.
Jim,
I enjoy your writing! Write more often pleeease