How to Choose Tires for Your Car
Buying tires? You might want to start by pinching pennies.
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You Will Need
- A penny
- Your car’s tire size and load rating
Steps
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Step 1
Check for wear
Check whether your tire needs replacing by placing a penny into different tread grooves across the tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head remains visible, the tire needs replacing.
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Replace one tire with the same kind of tire as the other three. Replace two tires with the same or better-quality tires. If four tires need to be replaced, you can tailor their size and quality to your driving needs.
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Step 2
Find the tire size
Check the vehicle owner's manual or the driver's side door placard for your tire size.
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Step 3
Visit a tire store
Visit a reputable, full-service tire dealer who carries your tire size in multiple brands.
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Step 4
Look at suitable tires
Ask to see a tire that is suitable for the conditions under which you drive while staying within the vehicle’s tire size requirements.
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All tires have a size code on the sidewalls that display the tire’s dimensions. Ask the tire dealer to explain the coding if you don’t understand it.
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Step 5
Determine the tire’s life expectancy
Consider the tire’s projected life expectancy. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading rating ranks tires from the same manufacturer, but not across brands.
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Step 6
Select an appropriate speed rating
Choose a tire with a realistic speed rating. While it is possible to buy a tire rated for 150 mph, opting for a lower, more realistic speed rating will save you money.
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Step 7
Consider how the tire rides
If you want a smoother ride, select a low-profile tire with a high aspect ratio.
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Step 8
Consider the tire’s noise level
If noise is a concern, ask to see a quiet tread design.
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Most people who purchase tires pay more attention to the reputation of the distributor than to the brand name of the tire.
