Getting the best deals on tyre purchases

Other than the engine, tyres on a car are one of the most crucial parts without which a car would be useless. Tyres, like other parts of a car, need pretty good and regular checking, and eventually replacement.
According to Bruno Serunkuma, a motor-vehicle mechanic in Seeta, the regularity with which one changes their tyres is dependent on how often it is driven, where it is driven and for what purpose.
“There are people who just drive their cars around town for very shorter distances. These may not need to change their tyres as often as the long distance travellers who need to change theirs almost after every journey or after every week,” says Serunkuma.

Buying the right tyre
Serunkuma recommends buying new tyres because then, one is able to determine or estimate how long they can use it for since they are sure that it has not been used before.
“You know, new is new! You can be sure of the time it has worked and so plan accordingly. But also, used tyres are risky since you can’t determine for sure how long they have been used for,” cautions the mechanic.
Sula Katumba narrates how he bought one from a neighbour who was shifting only for it to burst when he was pumping it, before even using it. “I had a long journey and had bought it as a spare tyre so you can imagine the inconvinience this caused me. I’m never buying a used tyre again,” narrates Katumba.

What to look out for
According to Uganda National bureau of Standards (UNBS), there are many tyres on the market and there is need for one to know which tyres on the market are safe.
Eng Jackson Mubangizi, the manager surveillance UNBS, says you need to be keen on the expiry date of the tyre, and do not buy a tyre which does not indicate this.
“The expiry date is normally indicated by the number of the week of the year in which it was manufactured. For example, 24-15, would mean it was manufactured in the 24th week of the year 2015. Be mindful of the time it takes in storage,” says Eng. Mubangizi.
“You have to also test the tyre before you buy it even when new,” says Serunkuma. He adds; “Some tyres tend to become irregular and so can’t be steady on the wheel while others get punctured as soon as they are pumped out.”
He tips that a tyre which is light in weight is most likely a duplicate.
“Make sure you weigh the tyre before you leave the place you have bought it from,” he says.

Important to note
Before or when you buy tyres,
1.Asses the need first. Perform a quick visual inspection. If you see excessive tread wear, cracked sidewalls, or any discolouration or bulging, it is probably time for a new set. If they are more than 10 years old, consider replacing them even if they look fine - rubber deteriorates with exposure to oxygen.

2.Manual. Check your owners manual and information placard for your car manufacturer’s recommendations on size and type that work best with your vehicle.

3.Buy a full, matching set. Though you may be tempted to cut corners, and just replace the tyre/s that are most worn, modern suspension technology is designed to work best with a matching set. By replacing all four at once, you will be able to maintain them better.

4. Consider the rims. If your current wheels/rims are worn or damaged, consider buying a new set when you replace your tyres. Try to match size to the manufacturer’s originals; there is some complicated math to making sure that the tires and rims match the car.

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