How to Pick the Right Tire for Your Car

Oct 12
07:22

2015

James Blanchard

James Blanchard

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Tires are actually a vehicle's most important safety feature since they are a vehicle's only contact with the road. Finding the right tires for your vehicle is a crucial decision. Choosing the right tire depends on your vehicle, your driving style and the conditions you'll be driving in. What kind of tire should you look for? Here are some factors to consider:

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Tire Size

Knowing your tire size can save you time and help you to make an informed purchase. Your vehicle's original tire size are located in your owner's manual or on the tire label located on the driver's doorjamb,How to Pick the Right Tire for Your Car Articles glove box lid, or inside the fuel hatch.

Driving Style

Be sure to take your driving style into account when shopping for tires. If you like a quiet comfortable ride, look for tires that specifically mention comfort, smooth ride, or low road noise.

If you like to feel every curve, look for tires that mention great handling or steering precision.These are often called high-performance tires and have higher speed ratings, which means that they are designed to provide better control and a stiffer, more precise ride.

Assessing the performance characteristics of a tire will help you find a tire that fits your style.

Driving Conditions

Pick a tire that suits the driving conditions you face most often. If you only drive around your neighborhood, almost any tire will do. But if you drive your car on congested city streets and expressways during rush hour you will be better served by more responsive tires.

If you drive extensively on the interstates you will want quiet, smooth riding, long wearing tires. Or if you like to drive quickly on twisting roads or through the mountains you will want good handling tires. And if you drive on the track or in autocross events, you will want the best competition tires available.

The Type of Vehicle You Drive

Like the vehicles we drive, not all tires are designed equally. Light-duty trucks and SUVs for example, need tires that will respond to heavy loads and extreme road conditions. The secret is to know exactly what type of vehicle you own and what you use it for.