Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Replacing Worn Out Tires Is A Real Pain!

Replacing Worn Out Tires Is A Real Pain!


By: Robert Knechtel

OK - You've been putting off replacing those tread thin tires. Face it, replacing tires is a downright aggravating experience. Shopping for tires rests somewhere between doing your taxes or doing house cleaning. A dentist's waiting room, while you're hanging on anticipating that root canal, is unlikely to increase your anxiety. But, the bleak condition of most waiting rooms at tire dealers all too often propels us into an ambiance bordering on the repulsive.

Throughout our lives, the majority of us who drive will no doubt spend more than at least a day out of our lives marking time in a succession of these dismal dens. And then, we're left to pore over long outdated, pawed over magazines offering little worthy of our attention.

We tend to think of tires like we think of electricity. Electric power is taken as a given. Only if it shuts off, are we really forced to think about it. We're rudely reminded of our dependence on it when we lose it.

Our lack of consciousness about our tires is identical. Ignoring them seems to be the norm. All is well until we get a flat or blowout. All of a sudden we have to interrupt whatever we're doing. We can't get to a movie, miss picking up the kids or won't make yoga class. Or much more seriously, one of our tires gives out and causes an accident. It's not difficult to imagine any number of similar disruptions.

Fortunately, tire makers today are consistently improving tire performance and safety. Nevertheless, we, as car owners, have to cooperate. All things mechanical can only take so much wear and tear. Although excellent quality standards are built into tires today, they do have their useful life. It's up to us to provide ongoing maintenance in the form of correct tire pressure, regular rotation, proper alignment and balancing. Even though we may be scrupulous about tire maintenance, there will come a time when we simply have to replace them. We dread the root canal and we dread the tire dealer.

How about a little surprise? A lot of the aggravation in replacing tires can be bypassed.

To the rescue come the good people at websites such as The Tire Rack. Your computer becomes your tire store while you sip a cool beverage in the comfort of your home or office. That's right. All you need to do is log on. Now that's convenience you might not otherwise expect when buying tires.

Here's the rub. If you're shopping for Bridgestone, Michelin, Dunlop, Goodyear, Pirelli or any other major tire make, The Tire Rack maintains and ships a full inventory of tire sizes and models. An easy to use "search widget" will permit you to locate readily the right size and tire model for your make and year of car, truck or SUV. ATV tires are available, as well. You can peruse tire reviews.

There's more. The Tire Rack has made arrangements with tire dealers in your neighborhood to receive shipment and install them. If it's more convenient for you, The Tire Rack will ship to your office or home.

You'll want to consider these efficiencies when you buy tires online.

1. Save time shopping online.

2. You've selected the right tires.

3. No waiting at the dealer to complete the purchase.

4. Receive the tire maker's full warranty.

5. Less interruption to your busy schedule.

6. You're more likely to do it right now while you're thinking of it.

Wait! There's an even better idea. Have The Tire Rack mount your tires on a new set of wheels ready to stick on your vehicle. Very few things can rehab a worn looking jalopy better than a brand new set of tires and wheels.

www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com