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Replacement Tires: Where to Buy Them

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When it comes time to replacing tires, you have several places to consider for new ones. Ideally, you’ll swap out the original employment manufacturer (OEM) with the same set, but keep in mind that you have choices, depending on the brand, tire tread, and warranty miles. The following are five places to consider when shopping for new tires.

tire
Pictured: Continental ContiSport Contact 225/45 R 18 Y XL tire.

1. Automotive Dealership

Purchasing tires from a new car dealership is typically the most expensive option. When you go to the dealership you can get high-quality OEM tires. Further, going to the dealership affords flexibility when it comes to scheduling your service.

For instance, there are usually multiple tire technicians working during the day and some dealerships keep their service department open well into the evening. Additionally, most dealerships provide a shuttle service so that you can get to work while your car is being maintained. Moreover, some dealers provide loaner cars you can use while your car is out of commission. However, these special benefits come with a price. In some cases, you can expect to pay significantly more than at other tire retailers.

2. National Tire Chain Retailer

Most cities have numerous national tire chains. When visiting a shop, the service manager will obtain your information. Next, this individual will supply you with a few tire choices. Importantly, they will work within your budget.

Some national tire chains have branded credit cards that you can apply for on the spot. You can then use the card to pay for the work, including the tires, taxes, installation costs, and warranty. You may even find a discount by using this card and in some cases receive rewards each time you use it.

In most cases, you will wait to have your tires installed but generally, you can make an appointment for a time that fits your schedule.

When it comes to replacing tires, the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM)
choice is always a safe bet. Pictured: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox.

3. Locally-Owned Tire Shop

Locally owned tire shops probably won’t have instant credit available. However, they usually accept major credit cards. A local tire shop may have a supply of used tires on hand for purchase. Used tires usually cost much less than new tires.

If financial issues are a concern, you should let them know — a local shop may be willing to work with you, especially if you’re a regular customer. A local shop can order new tires if they don’t have your size tire in stock. You will need to wait for your tires to be installed.

4. Discount Tire Retailer

If you concerned about the cost of new tires, you can use a discount tire retailer. In many cases, you’ll find deep discounts from wholesale distributors. If you have one in your area you, then stop by to learn if the business has your tire size and which brand choices are available.

Typically, you can purchase tires and bring them to a garage to have them mounted and balanced for a separate fee. If they have a contract with a local tire store, they may offer you a discount to take the tires there.

Retread tires were once an option for consumers looking for low-cost replacement tires. As discount chains proliferated, the practice eventually faded. This shop in West Virginia once supplied retread tires. Photo credit: West Virginia Collection within the Carol M. Highsmith Archive,
Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

5. Online Tire Retailer

You can also purchase tires from a wholesale distributor online with the tires shipped directly to your home. You’ll need to find a local garage to have them installed.

This option has become increasingly popular as shipment costs are a reasonable expense. Be certain you understand the retailer’s return policy before you make a purchase.

Let’s Make a Deal

Finding places to purchase tires gives you much to consider. That said, once you decide on a retail option you prefer, you’ll be glad you shopped around. Keep in mind that installation costs, taxes, and an extended warranty will cost you extra.

See Also — Tire Sidewall Code Deciphering 101

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine, except for the Bluefield Retread photo secured from the Library of Congress via Wikimedia. All rights reserved.

VinFast Rolls Out $17K Hatchback

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This tiny hatchback launches the VinFast car brand.
You probably haven’t heard of VinFast, the local Vietnamese automaker. But VinFast aims to get its name out there, by producing a succession of new models, beginning with a $17,000 hatchback debuting this month.

VinFast is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Vingroup, one of the largest private enterprises in Vietnam. Up to now, this southeast-Asian country of nearly 100 million citizens has relied on foreign manufacturers to supply its burgeoning consumer base with new vehicles. The automaker launched in 2017, relying on homegrown and foreign talent to shape the company. They’ve also partnered with some of the most influential names in the business to develop its own models, including BMW, Pininfarina, General Motors, and Magna Steyr.

Now Launching: VinFast Fidal

The VinFast Fidal has the distinction of launching this company’s production aspirations, a subcompact hatchback retailing from $16,900. The company claims 10,000 early orders for the hatchback and plans to make upwards of 250,000 vehicles during its initial stage of operation.

By 2025, the automaker expects to double production capacity. In about a year, we’ll see the first exports shipped abroad. The U.S. market, however, is not included, although that may change.

The VinFast Fidal is only slightly larger than the Chevrolet Spark.

A quick examination of the VinFast product line reveals that the vehicles aren’t fully built in Vietnam. For example, the hatchback’s chassis comes from Opel’s Karl Rocks’ model. Opel was recently owned by GM and is now a PSA Groupe subsidiary. As for the upcoming sedans and utility vehicle, both are based on BMW frames. The vehicles were designed by Pininfarina, the Italian design studio.

VinFast boasts 32 dealerships and showrooms nationwide, as of this writing. At the beginning of the month, the company started offering test drive opportunities for shoppers. Those who participated in the initial test drive program will also have an opportunity to receive a car in a handover ceremony on June 17.

“With the delivery of VinFast Fadil on schedule with customers, and the opening of a car factory only 21 months after the commencement, we have completed a huge amount of normal work. Other manufacturers take 36 to 60 months. The test drive program at dealers is organized before customers officially receive the car is the affirmation of our commitment to do everything to bring the best satisfaction and experience for Vietnamese consumers, ” said Mr. James Deluca – General Director of VinFast.

Fidal Overview: Specs and Key Features

The VinFast Fidal has a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 98 horsepower and 128 foot-pounds of torque. A continuously variable transmission sends power to the front wheels.

The Fadil is available in six colors and has an adjustable steering column, 7-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system. All models come with aluminum wheels, six airbags, a parking assist system, stability control, and a rear vision camera.

Modern conveniences, including a touchscreen display, are among the Fadil’s standard features.

Two Additional Models Planned

VinFast will follow up with two additional models — the Lux A2.0 sedan and the Lux SA2.0 SUV. Both vehicles will ride on a rear-wheel-drive platform powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque. A ZF 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to the wheels. Both models were showcased at the most recent Paris Motor Show.

VinFast’s success is not assured, despite its homegrown appeal. Indeed, the Vietnamese consumer has shown its preference for foreign brands, most notably for their “high-quality products,” reports Bloomberg. Nevertheless, the company has invested the equivalent of US$3.5 billion to ensure VinFast products have what it takes to meet the country’s growing demand for passenger vehicles.

See Also — Meet VinFast, an Emerging Automaker From Vietnam

Photos copyright VinFast.