The right car tires can enhance your car’s comfort, performance, and fuel-efficiency. That’s why you need to make sure you’re buying the right ones.
Car tires are classified into three main types – all-season, summer, and winter tires. All-season tires are easier to use because you can use one set through the year and save money. All-season tires deliver a well-rounded performance throughout the year, whereas summer tires are excellent in the heat but horrible in winter. Winter tires are excellent in snow but degrade quickly in the heat.
Check your owner’s manual or the placard on the driver’s side door jamb to know the recommended tire size. Ideally, match the tire you buy to the given measurements, load index, and speed rating to ensure predictable performance.
The Types
Each tire has a speed rating that can help you identify the one you need. All-season tires have S and T speed ratings and are made to fit mainstream cars and SUVs. Performance all-season tires for enthusiasts and upgraded wheels have H and V ratings, while the ultra-high-performance all-season and summer tires for high-performance cars have ZR, W, and Y speed ratings. All-season and all-terrain truck tires have A/T or All Terrain written on them and will feature an aggressive tread pattern for off-road traction. Winter/snow tires have a mountain and snowflake symbol on them with a busy tread pattern packed with slits.
Selecting Tires
People often choose direct replacements for their tires when the car is new. This means that most choose the same type and brand of tire that the car came with. As the vehicle gets older, people are willing to experiment with different brands and types of tires based on their performance and price. Check online tire ratings if you plan to switch tires. You’ll find information on manufacturer websites, online retailers, and some sites also offer personalized choices and include installation in their price at a local retailer. Online retailers are good. But there are local tire dealers, big-box stores, and tire-company-owned retail outlets that can also offer great deals. When you’re looking for a new set of tires, make sure you shop around to find something that works for you.
