How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle

Which tires are the right ones for your car? Do you know how long your tires should last? Let’s learn how to choose the right tires for your vehicle.

Buying tires or any maintenance for your vehicle could be stressful, especially if you don’t know much about cars. It’s important to understand which tires will make your vehicle drive properly and which tires aren’t meant for your ride. Considering tires are the only part of your car that actually touches the road, they are very important to the overall safety and function of your vehicle.

Not all tires are the same

Tires are all round, made of rubber and steel, and have treads. But when you get past the basics of what a tire is, you’ll find out there are many aspects of them that require your consideration. Like many things, including your car, there are several brands to choose from. In addition to brands, you need to know which tires will be right for your car. You don’t want summer tires during winter and vice versa. The right tires make a huge difference.

Is it time to replace your tires?

The best way to know if it’s time to buy new tires is to use a penny. Turn the penny upside down, and if the tread still covers Lincoln’s head, you’re good for now. If the head is completely exposed, it’s time for you to choose a new set of the right tires for your vehicle. One important item to note: if you have a spare tire, check it, and make sure the tread is good and that it’s properly inflated.

You should know your tire size

If you’ve still got the original manufacturer’s tires on your car, you’ll want to understand the tire size and make sure you buy new tires that are the same size. It’s important to stick to the manufacturer’s tires if you don’t change the wheels, but if you do, make sure your new wheels and tires are right for your car. Most tires have a few numbers that tell you the size. For example, tires that are 235/45 R19 are made for wheels that are 19 inches in diameter.

If you change your tire size…

There are various tire options with different sizes. If you choose to fill the wheel well with your tires, make sure the tires that have wider sidewalls meet the speed rating and can handle the load of your vehicle. These are additional designations located on the tire side walls. You’ll want to choose the right tires to ensure your vehicle works for the wider tires that you’re putting on your ride. Make sure these tires fit and work for your car before buying them.

What do you want out of your tires?

The tires put on your car by your manufacturer are generally made to fit most models and be right for most driving conditions. If you want a more comfortable ride, better steering control, a set of off-road tires, or less noise, you’ll want to learn more about tires and what’s available to you. Ask your local tire experts to help you figure out which tires will give you the best driving experience and fit into your budget.

Shop around for the best prices

If you know you want a set of tires from a specific brand, you’ll want to find out what prices you can get from various locations. Ask about services and what those services include. It’s pretty easy to choose the right tires for your vehicle on Amazon, but these tires will still need to be mounted and balanced, which costs more. All it takes is a little shopping around to find the best deal on the tires you want to put on your vehicle.

Stick to your budget

Does it make more sense to buy tires that last 80,000 miles or 40,000 miles? Do you need the most expensive tires for your car, or will a set that’s more affordable work well for you? Most car tires last three to four years or 40,000-80,000 miles, depending on how much and how hard you drive. If you drive your vehicle for Uber, Lyft, or to deliver food from DoorDash or Grubhub, your tires won’t last as long as someone who only commutes to and from work every day. Keep this in mind when setting the budget for your new tires.

With a little information, it can be a lot easier to choose the right tires, or your vehicle and have a set of tires that will give you the confidence to drive for many miles.