What to Look for When Buying Car Tires

Buying the wrong tires costs money. It reduces your car’s performance. It affects your safety. You need the right information to choose well. This guide covers the essential factors.

Buying Car: Find Your Correct Tire Size

Your car needs a specific tire size. The wrong size will not fit. It will damage your car. Check your current tires for the size. Look on the sidewall for a sequence like P215/65R16. Your car’s owner manual also lists the size. Use this exact size when you buy new tires.

Choose the Right Tire Type

Tires are designed for different conditions. The right type depends on your climate and driving.

All-Season Tires

Most drivers use all-season tires. They provide good performance in dry and wet conditions. They offer light snow traction. They are a general purpose tire.

Winter Tires

Buy winter tires if you drive on snow and ice. They use a soft rubber compound. They have deep treads for grip. Use them when temperatures stay below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summer Tires

Summer tires are for high performance. They excel in wet and dry warm weather. They offer superior handling. They are not for cold or snowy conditions.

All-Terrain Tires

These are for trucks and SUVs. They handle pavement and light off-road conditions. They are more aggressive than all-season tires.

Understand Tire Ratings

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system provides ratings. These ratings help you compare tires.

Treadwear Grade

This number estimates tire life. A higher number means a longer lasting tread. A rating of 400 lasts longer than a rating of 300.

Traction Grade

This grade measures wet braking ability. AA is the highest. A is good. B is average.

Temperature Grade

This grade shows a tire’s heat resistance. A tire must dissipate heat to be safe. A is the best grade. B and C are acceptable for some speeds.

Check the DOT Date Code

Tires age, even if unused. Old rubber cracks and fails. Find the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits show the week and year of manufacture. For example, 3521 means the 35th week of 2021. Avoid buying tires older than five years.

Read Professional and Customer Reviews

Reviews provide real world data. Look for reviews from drivers with your car model. Note common complaints about noise or wear. Professional tests from organizations like Consumer Reports offer unbiased comparisons. They test braking distances and handling.

Consider Your Budget and Warranty

Tire prices vary. More expensive tires often offer better performance and longer life. Check the warranty. A longer treadwear warranty protects your investment. Include installation costs in your budget.

Choosing tires requires attention. Check your size first. Match the tire type to your driving. Compare ratings and reviews. Check the manufacture date. This process ensures you buy tires that are safe, effective, and a good value.