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There are several types of tires in Chennai, each designed to suit different road conditions and customer needs. Here are some common varieties:
All-season tires:
These tires are designed to offer reliable performance in wet and dry road conditions, making them a popular option for vehicles like cars. The tires have average tread depths and patterns that provide traction in diverse weather conditions. They are ideal for places with mild winters and adequate snow. However, all-season tires have low tread grips, making them unsuitable for off-road places like deserts and steep mountainous regions.
Summer tires:
Summer tires are built to offer optimum performance in hot weather conditions. They suit high-performance cars used on highways and racetracks. The tires have a rubber compound that offers sufficient grip on dry roads and adequate braking on wet surfaces. Tread designs are created to minimize hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a thin layer of water forms between the road and the tire, making the vehicle lose traction with the road. Summer tires are not suitable for snowy or icy roads due to their inadequate grip and hardening of the rubber compound in colder seasons.
Off-road tires:
These tire types are used on rough roads. They have a robust construction and aggressive tread patterns that enable them to travel on loose and uneven surfaces like mud, snow, and sand. They are commonly used on SUVs and trucks. Some off-road tires have self-cleaning treads that remove debris and mud from the tire treads. The feature improves the tire's traction on rough roads. The tires also have sidewall puncture-resistant features, such as thicker sidewalls.
Electric vehicle tires:
These are specially designed tires for electric vehicles. They are built to have lower rolling resistance and noise levels compared to traditional vehicle tires. The construction enhances the battery's range and quietness of the electric vehicle. Electric vehicle tires have adequate grip and stability for high-torque delivery experienced in electric cars. They also have temperature management features to improve the car's performance and safety.
Check tire pressure
The tire pressure is read at the beginning of every trip. It is crucial to have tires with the proper pressure. It aids in maintaining the ideal level of fuel efficiency and safety. The pressure is measured once a week when the tires are cold. The pressure is measured frequently in the morning. During the day, driving raises the pressure, which gives a false reading.
Inspect for damage and tread wear
The tires are examined for signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, or blisters. The tires are also examined for tread wear. The tires are replaced as soon as the tread wear reaches the manufacturer's limit. The limit is reached after about three years of usage.
Rotate tires
The rotation of tires is done every 5,000 km. It aids in maintaining even tread wear. The front and rear tires are switched. The pattern of switching is done in the same direction as the vehicle's movement.
Wheel alignment and balancing
A wheel alignment and balancing are done every 10,000 km or when uneven tread wear is noticed. It aids in maintaining the stability of the vehicle and even tread wear. The vehicle is placed on a wheel alignment and balancing machine. The machine's readings are used to adjust the wheels' alignment and balance.
Loading and speed limits
The loading and speed limits that the tires can handle are adhered to. Overloading and overspeeding can cause tire damage and increase the risk of tire failure. The vehicle's owner's manual is referred to for the loading and speed limits.
Use of tubeless tires
Tubeless tires are utilized; they are more durable and require less maintenance than traditional tires. If there is a minor puncture, a puncture sealant is used to repair the tire. The sealant fills the hole and allows the tire to be used without air pressure.
Proper storage
During the monsoon season, the tires not in use are kept dry and free from moisture. When the vehicle is not in use for an extended period, the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The inflation prevents the formation of flat spots on the tires.
When sourcing tires in Chennai, business buyers should consider the following factors:
Market Demand
Business buyers need to understand the tire market in Chennai. Are there more requests for low-profile tires for luxury vehicles or rugged tires for SUVs and pickup trucks? Studying the roads and prevalent vehicle types gives insights into what tires are in demand.
Branding Options
New tire wholesalers may sell unbranded or generic tires. These are excellent for budget-conscious end buyers. Wholesalers may also offer tires from well-known brands in specific markets. Stocking both branded and unbranded tires ensures business buyers meet all clients' needs.
Tire Specifications
Business buyers should select tires that suit their target clients. For instance, a tire retailer in a hilly area should stock more all-terrain and 4x4 tires than a dealer in a coastal town. It's also good to consider tire features such as low rolling resistance for fuel-efficient vehicles.
Legal Requirements
Chennai and Tamil Nadu have specific regulations regarding tire imports, distribution, and sales. For example, imported tires must have relevant certifications and meet Chennai's road safety and environmental standards. It's crucial to understand these regulations to avoid legal issues.
Storage and Distribution
Chennai's humid and hot weather can affect tire quality. Business buyers should partner with suppliers who store tires under optimal conditions. Furthermore, tires are bulky and heavy, so buyers must have efficient logistics to minimize transportation costs.
After-sales Services
Some wholesalers offer additional services such as tire fitting training and warranty support. Business buyers should evaluate these services to understand the wholesaler's value addition. Additionally, they should read existing customers' reviews to ascertain the wholesaler's reliability.
Payment Terms
Chennai's tire wholesalers offer various payment terms. Business buyers should select favorable conditions depending on their cash flow. Some wholesalers also provide discounts for bulk purchases.
Product Range
Buyers should partner with wholesalers who stock a wide tire range in various sizes and specifications. This ensures they source all tires from one supplier, thus enjoying economies of scale.
Business Reputation
Business buyers should partner with reputable wholesalers to avoid dealing with unscrupulous traders. Apart from reading online reviews, they can ask for referrals from other businesses in the tire supply chain.
It is important to have the right tools for changing car tires in Chennai. These include:
Below are the step-by-step instructions for replacing a tire:
Secure the Vehicle
Put on the parking brake and ensure the car is in ""Park"" or ""1st gear"" for manual transmission. Find a safe and level ground where the vehicle won't move. Secure wheel chocks, wedges, or blocks around the wheels that will stay on the ground to keep the car in place. The wheel chocks prevent the car from rolling off the jack.
Loosen the Lug Nuts
Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts that hold the tire in place. Turn the wrench counterclockwise. Don't remove the nuts completely; just loosen them a bit. Doing this while the car is on the ground provides more stability and prevents the wheel from moving.
Jack the Vehicle up
Locate the jacking point on the vehicle. Consult the owner's manual if unsure where the point is. Position the jack under the vehicle at the jacking point and start jacking the vehicle. The jack lifts the car until the tire to be changed is a few inches off the ground. After achieving this, place jack stands under the vehicle for added stability and safety.
Remove the Tire
Completely remove the lug nuts and take the tire out. Keep the nuts and tire in a safe place. The valve tool removes the valve core from the valve stem on the wheel. Doing this releases any remaining air from the tire.
Mount the New Tire
Position the new tire so it is aligned with the wheel hub. Then, replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand.
Lower the Vehicle
Unscrew the lug nuts counterclockwise with a wrench until the new tire makes contact with the ground. Then completely remove the lug nuts and the jack stand and lower the car by retracting the jack.
Final Checks
Tighten the lug nuts completely and in a crisscross pattern to ensure even tightening. Once satisfied, put away all tools used in the process.
Q1: Where to find the best deals on tires in Chennai?
A1: Customers can find the best deals on tires by comparing prices at local tire shops, checking online marketplaces like Chovm.com, and exploring promotional offers from manufacturers.
Q2: Are cheaper tires in Chennai worth the money?
A2: Cheaper tires can be worthwhile, but they have a short lifespan and lower quality. They may not offer the best value compared to mid-range options with durability and reliability.
Q3: How to make tire purchases in Chennai?
A3: To buy tires in Chennai, visit a tire shop, check the website of a tire dealer, or contact a tire distributor. Business buyers can place their orders online and arrange delivery with the dealer.
Q4: What is the importance of tire rotation?
A4: Tire rotation promotes even tread wear and extends tire life. It optimizes vehicle handling and stability by ensuring all tires wear uniformly.
Q5: What should the first-time tire buyer know?
A5: First-time tire buyers should understand tire sizes, types, and specifications. They should choose tires that suit their driving needs and budget and seek advice from experts if necessary.