Driving into the Future: Buying Replacement Tires

And we're back with our ongoing series, Driving into the Future, exploring the future of electric and hybrid vehicles. Okay. And this week we are talking tires and what to know when you need to replace them. Arran now with the details. Electric vehicles are built differently, which means the tires on them are different, too. Use the wrong tires, and that could impact the car's performance as well as the battery life. At Premier Auto in Oxford Circle, Tom Polarmo and his team of mechanics are busy under the hood. But Polarmo says optimum performance on your EV actually starts with the tires your vehicle rolls on. It's important if people replace tires on a hybrid or an EV that they replace them with the correct tire. Polarmo says two things impact the tires on your vehicle. Maintenance and driving style. If you're out, you know, on the highway all the time, they're probably going to last a really long time. probably almost as long as a regular vehicle if you're in that situation. It's when you start doing a lot of either aggressive driving or city driving. That can change the the the outcome. EVs are much heavier vehicles mainly due to the battery. Polarmos says that weight impacts the treads, meaning EVs need tires with additional traction. It's the rubber compound that's made a little bit differently. Um, and that's how that's one of the ways they try to get the range if it's an EV or the mileage out of a out of a hybrid. EV tires are designed to minimize resistance on the road. Polarmo says the right tire could mean not only improved range but longer battery life, but expect to pay more. I would plan to spend an extra 10 to 15, you know, percent depending on the size. So, per tire. Tire experts also offer these tips when shopping for replacement tires. First, look at the type designed for EVs or those with low rolling resistance. Tire size should match your vehicle specifications and tread pattern. Choose one that aligns with both your driving style and your climate. I'm Nia, Channel 6 Action News.