People shopping for used cars may have bigger things on their mind than the type of tires loaded on the vehicle. But these wheels can have a major impact on how satisfied you are with the ride, so it's important to take the tires into account as you're looking around. 

Customers strive for happiness with their tires
A recent study from J.D. Power showed that certain tires may be the downfall of customer satisfaction. According to the report, drivers of vehicles with run-flat tires are more likely to be unhappy with the car's driving performance. These wheels are designed to keep functioning for hours after a puncture, allowing owners to get their cars to a repair shop without needing a tow. It also eliminates the need for a spare tires, which reduces the total weight of the vehicle and makes things a bit easier on shoppers. 

While this is nice in theory, the overall performance of cars with run-flat tires leaves much to be desired. Drivers reported being underwhelmed with the ride and wear of the wheels, and they often had to replace the equipment more frequently than the traditional tires. 

"The use of run-flat tires is likely to increase as automakers continue to view them as a viable option for improving fuel efficiency by eliminating the need for a spare tire, thereby reducing the weight," said Brent Gruber, the director of the global automotive division at J.D. Power. "It's vital that auto and tire manufacturers address the ride and wear issues, which are still not meeting customer expectations. Customers expect that run-flat tires won't compromise tread life or the ability to provide a quiet and comfortable ride."

Used cars may the answer

There is good news for drivers: Many high-quality used cars still offer top-notch tires that put driving performance first. Run-flat tires may be the choice for many new models, but slightly older vehicles often have traditional wheels to go along with more modern technology and features. This gives drivers the best of both worlds. 

The next time you're browsing through the wide selection at New Jersey Auto Auction, make sure you're taking a good long look at the wheels on each model. A thorough test drive can reveal a lot about each option, but it doesn't hurt to ask questions or research peer reviews as well.