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Season

In winter, road conditions deteriorate significantly, which directly affects driving safety. In this case, summer tires cannot perform their functions; driving them in winter is simply dangerous—only one collision with ice, and you risk losing control of the Ford Ranger and flying into a ditch.

Remember, you need specific rubber for winter and summer. Winter tires are hard, which makes them suitable for driving on icy or wet roads.

Winter tires can be divided into studded and studless (friction) tires.

Studded tires



Studded winter tires have small metal studs or pins incorporated in the tread to provide better traction on icy and snow-packed roads. These metal studs easily penetrate icy surfaces, providing outstanding grip and stability. Studded tires are especially effective on icy surfaces, which makes them a popular choice in areas with harsh winters.

However, they are quite noisy and can cause damage to asphalt road surfaces, leading to restrictions or even limitations on their use in some areas. Studded tires are an appealing option for those who travel on icy roads during the most severe winter conditions.

Studless (friction) tires



Studless, friction winter tires are engineered to provide outstanding grip on icy and snowy roads without metal studs. These tires utilize a special rubber blend that remains adaptive even in below-freezing temperatures, promoting a firm grip on slick surfaces.

Deep grooves and sipes in the tread patterns of friction winter tires generate numerous biting edges for improved traction. They are an excellent choice for areas prone to winter weather and ice because they offer confident handling and braking while avoiding damage to road surfaces.

However, the winter tire type choice depends on the climate where you live.

If the place where you live has a warm summer but a very cold and fierce winter with low temperatures and constant snow, you need to have two sets of tires—the winter and summer—and with the onset of the first frosts, you need to change the tires:
You may choose an all-season tire if you have a temperate climate and the winters are mild. It doesn`t need to be changed at the onset of another season, and you can ride it all year round.

However, don't expect to get perfect numbers for both seasons. On the contrary, such a tire will show a slightly worse grip on the road in winter than a winter tire, and at the same time, it will have lower speed indicators than a summer tire. Still, you can ride on it all year round and not think about anything;

If, in your area, winter is only in pictures, then you can drive and not think about changing tires.

Presence of the tire`s inner tube



To perform its functions adequately, the tire must have air inside. The whole difference is where exactly this air is located.

In tube tires, air, as the name implies, is pumped into special airbags in the middle of the tire. In tubeless, the air is filled directly.

Each type of tire has its advantages and disadvantages. Tube tires are more difficult to puncture; even if the outer layer of the tire is damaged, you will still be able to drive, while tubeless tires will leak air through the smallest puncture, and you`ll need to repair it to continue driving.

On the other hand, there are also disadvantages. Among them is the increased weight of the wheel, which carries a greater load on the suspension.

Manufacturers increasingly prefer tubeless tires, and tube tires are gradually becoming a thing of the past.

However, this is how you can determine the tire type by its marking:

• Tube tires have a “Tube” or “T” mark on the sidewall.
  
• Tubeless tires are designated as “Tubeless,” “TL,” or “TLess.”
  

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How do you understand that it is time to change the tires on the Ford Ranger?



Unfortunately, like everything in this world, tires aren't eternal. Moreover, using tires that have already worn out is dangerous for you and other road users. Old tires affect handling; the Ford Ranger behaves less predictably and may lose grip on the surface.

The following signs may indicate that it is time to change the tires on your Ford Ranger.

• Worn-out tread. The tread on your tire is critical to retaining grip on the road. A worn-out or destroyed tread reduces traction on wet and slippery surfaces and raises the likelihood of hydroplaning.
  
• Loss of control. The reason might be insufficient tire grip if you notice an excessive loss of steering control in your Ford Ranger, especially when making turns or sudden maneuvers.
  
• Frequent wheelspin. Tires should provide solid traction not only on wet and slippery surfaces but on dry tarmac, too. Frequent wheelspin, usually during acceleration or braking, is a sign that your tires have lost some grip.
  
• Strange noises while driving. Strange driving noises, such as excess road noise or tire screaming, can be related to the tread pattern and structure of the tire. Damaged or worn tires can also be the cause of strange sounds.
  
• Car vibrations. Imbalanced tires, which additionally have uneven wear, are to blame for vibrations while driving. Ensure your tires are balanced and properly aligned to provide a pleasant and quiet ride.
  
• Shaking or beating of the steering wheel. If you notice vibrations or beating through the steering wheel, the reason might be in the tires, which can signify that they need to be replaced soon.
  
• Extended braking distance. Excessive braking distances are an obvious sign of insufficient tire grip. Consistent braking performance is critical for your and other road users' safety.
  

How do you buy used tires for Ford Ranger?

Life is full of surprises, and buying wheels directly from the store is not always possible. Sometimes, due to a lack of money or needing Ford Ranger tires for specific purposes. There are many reasons, but that's not the main point.

When you buy tires that have already been used, you must be even more careful and attentive because you risk buying a bad product and getting hurt.

Even if the seller assures you that everything is fine with the tires and that after buying, you won't regret it for a second, we advise you not to be gullible and pay attention to the following signs:

The condition of the tread



It should be sufficient - the optimal depth is 8–10 mm (0.31-0.39 in inches). Wear should be uniform, and if the protector is "eaten" more, this indicates a violation of the rules of use.

Presence of cracks



If the tire is cracked or has other mechanical damage, it won't serve your Ford Ranger long enough. Such damage can lead to the destruction of the tire.

The presence of bulges



If there are "bubbles" or bulges on the tire, it is no longer suitable for use and dangerous.

Presence of traces of repair

Any repair doesn`t add to the reliability of the tire. Look for patches or seams on it. If you notice any, it is better to refuse the purchase because such tires may not withstand the next repair. Moreover, if the repair was done poorly, it may backfire on you.

Check the year of manufacture of the tire.



The normal service life of a tire is 5-8 years. Over time, the rubber loses its properties, cracks, and becomes harder, which affects its performance. The older the Ford Ranger’s tire, the more attention should be paid to its condition. If tires are already 10 or older, it is better to refuse the purchase.

Look at the general condition of the tire and check its properties

Normal tires for the Ford Ranger should be elastic and able to return to shape after deformation. Try to squeeze and touch them - if the rubber feels hard enough, it has almost lost its properties, and it is better not to buy such tires.

To Wrap Everything Up

The traction on the surface and the Ford Ranger's controllability in any weather or season depend on the tires.

You need to choose tires responsibly, considering all factors, such as your car and the conditions in which you will use them.

When choosing used tires, avoid buying damaged or old ones.

Sometimes, buying a new set of tires for your Ford Ranger is better. Yes, it will be more expensive, but you will always be sure of constant grip, precise handling, and safety on the road.