If you own an automobile, replacing its tires on time and as needed is essential. Driving on old, worn-out tires can be very dangerous, so if you notice that there is very little tread left on your tires or if you notice any cracking on the walls of your tires, it is important to visit a tire dealer as soon as possible in order to have new tires put on your vehicle. Buying tires is an investment, so you're sure to want to spend your money wisely. Ask the following questions when you visit a tire dealer to buy new tires and have them installed:

What Type of Tires Are Best for Your Needs?

A tire dealer will have employees who are tire experts. Thus, if you are wondering what type of tires you should buy when your old tires need to be replaced, the best place to get that question answered is at a tire dealer. If you tell an employee at a tire dealer your driving habits, he or she will be able to recommend the best tires for your needs. For example, if you live in an area with snowy or icy road conditions, you may need winter tires for part of the year. Likewise, truck owners who like to drive off road will have different tire needs than someone who drives a sedan on the highway each day.

What Is the Pricing?

A tire dealer will carry a wide variety of tires made by different manufacturers. Price points for tires can vary greatly, so it is always a good idea to speak about pricing before you make your purchase. It is often recommended that you replace all of your tires at the same time, so make sure that you're talking about a full set of tires. You should also ask if there is an additional cost to have the tires put on your vehicle and properly balanced.

What Type of Warranty Is Available?

Since buying a full set of tires is not cheap, having a good warranty can give you peace of mind. When narrowing down your options, you should always ask about what type of warranty is offered by different tire manufacturers. An employee at a tire dealer should have no problem explaining the warranty terms to you. In many cases, it can make sense to spend a little bit more money if a particular brand of tire comes with an excellent warranty.