Buying new tires is easy. It’s finding the right ones that is difficult. If you get it wrong, you’re putting your safety and car’s performance at risk. Since car tires need to be replaced quite frequently (at least every four years), we tell you how to go about choosing the right set of tires for your car.
Getting the Size Right
The first thing you should do is find what size of tires you need to get. You can do this by consulting the owner’s manual. While the tires you get should match the size measurements specified in the manual, you have some flexibility with regard to the speed rating and load index.
Determining What Type of Tires to Get
A number of websites will give you listings of all the tires that are available in different sizes. But, there are five main types of tires that you need to be aware of – all-season tires, summer times, performance all-season tires, all, season tires, and winter/snow tires. Most people can make do with a set of all-season tires. However, based on the weather conditions of the place you live in, you may have to get season-specific tires.
Knowing Your Priorities
We’ve found that most people get a direct replacement tire when their car is still pretty new. But, as the vehicle ages, most car owners become inclined to get new tires based on the price or performance. If you’re looking to make a switch, ensure that you check the ratings of different tires, especially if you are looking for a set of tires that offer an all-weather grip and maximum tread life.
Keep in mind that it’s likely your car manufacturer will help you choose the right set of tires on their website. But, you can also check other online resources to know what other types of tires will be a good choice for your car. Also, it’s a good idea to check with big-box stores, local tire dealers, and tire companies. You can start shopping around as soon as you’ve found the right type of tires for your car.
