All the hottest trends in trucks, tires this fall

Houston company weighs in on lifts, all-terrain tires, matte black

Photo provided by Stephen Harden/Texas Truck Tire

When it comes to fashion, new trends burst onto the scene each season.

Sometimes, a color will get particularly hot, or you'll start seeing a certain style, time and time again, or even notice people wearing things that give a nod to an earlier decade or era: bell-bottom jeans, for example.

But what if we told you that when it comes to vehicles, the same sort of trends exist?

Yes: specific items, colors and looks can go in and out of style when it comes to cars and trucks, too.

Speaking of trucks, lately, it seems they sit at the top of the food chain, so to speak.

"Trucks are king. Everyone wants one," said Stephen Harden, of Texas Truck Tire. "They're the new SUV."

And some drivers want to keep up with the latest fads, looks and styles.

So, what are they buying, exactly? What are the trends these days?

Harden had all the answers for what's in this fall.

Black is the new black

In the ‘80s and ‘90s, Harden said, the big thing was chrome.

Now, people are leaning toward black. It's not a glossy black look they're after, but more of a matte finish, or a faded black look. And that goes for all vehicles, not just trucks.

Photo provided by Stephen Harden/Texas Truck Tire

 

"People come in wanting not just a black outside, but wheels and tires to match," Harden said. "We're trying to get it all to match. This is a kind of market where (people) come in looking for one thing, and there's nothing else that's going to satisfy them. Lately, it's the black look."

Duly noted.

It's all about that lift

A lot of drivers are also coming in asking for lifts, which are basically upgrades to the vehicle's suspension. Most people want to go between 2 and 6 inches up, or occasionally more.

Harden said 2 inches to 4 inches is about average these days.

Photo provided by Stephen Harden/Texas Truck Tire

That typically runs between $500 to $2,000, depending on your vehicle and how high you want to go.

Texas Truck Tire offers the service, and has experts equipped with the tools to match a perfect wheel with the 2- to 4-inch lift, for example. Harden said the business wants to help drivers complete the look and the lift, by offering products at a competitive price.

Lifts are definitely in.

All-terrain tires

Perhaps you've heard of highway tires and off-road tires.

All-terrain tires are a mix between the two. And they're having a moment.

Harden said people will typically pay $50 to $100 more per tire to get exactly what they'd like.

At the Houston-based shop, the company sells in packages, so it likely makes sense to a driver to buy the wheels and the tires together.

New wheel styles, by the way, come out about every two to three years. When was the last time you looked at yours?

Texas Truck Tire sees a good mix of people who come in regularly, seeking out the newest trends and toys, and another group consisting of drivers who are new to the shop.

Photo provided by Stephen Harden/Texas Truck Tire

The company buys wheels and tires, as well, so it gets foot traffic from people looking to sell.

Drivers like knowing that they're selling to a reputable buyer, so the process has a leg up on Craigslist or any other similar social media platforms or websites, Harden said.

Photo provided by Stephen Harden/Texas Truck Tire

And now you know: Fashion isn't just about clothes, hair and accessories. Next time you're looking to upgrade your car or truck, maybe you'll consider what's in style.

Are these current trends anything you find appealing? Weigh in using the comment section below.