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Picking the Best Tires for You and Your Vehicle

Despite the many advancements in automotive technology over the years, maintaining good tire condition and proper tire pressure is crucial for the safety of your vehicle. And, just as important as their maintenance, having the proper tires on your vehicle plays a huge role in how they perform across all road conditions, as well as in good and bad weather.

So, there will be several things to consider when the time comes to purchase the next set of rubber. For most people, the price gets the most weight. But, because you may be driving on your new tires for many years to come, you should also consider other factors such as driving conditions, road noise, ride quality, and of course, safety. Here’s a quick rundown of the important facts when it comes to choosing the best tires for you and your vehicle. 

How to Find the Size

You will need your vehicle’s tire size to get an idea of just how much they might cost. To do this, simply look at the label on the frame of the driver's door, (or, of course, you could just ask your tire retailer). Or, look on the tire itself for a number that looks something like this - P225/55R17. This number holds all the information you will need to find your next set. And, here's how that number breaks down:

P- P stands for passengers. If you have a pickup, you may see an LT, (light truck), instead.
225 -  The 225 represents the width of the tire that makes contact with the road surface, in millimeters.
65 - The 65 means the sidewall's height is equal to 65 percent of the tire's width.
R - The “R” stands for radial.
18 - The 18 represents the wheel's diameter in inches. 

Your tires will also have a DOT code and a Uniform Treadwear Quality Grading Code. Want to know a tire’s age? Then check the last four numbers of the 12-digit DOT code. These digits represent the manufacture date of the tire. For instance, a DOT code that ends in 0719 would have been manufactured in the seventh week of the year 2019. And, even if the tire has lots of tread remaining, consider replacing those older than five years as their side walls dry and crack with age. 

Finding the Best Tire for My Vehicle 

It’s hard to go wrong with the same make and model that came on your vehicle from the factory. However, under certain circumstances, you may want to replace them with something different than what the manufacturer originally installed. For example, drivers in North Dakota may benefit from tires that handle the cold better, while drivers in Delaware may prefer all-season radials to deal with the range of road conditions that they encounter throughout the year. So, when choosing your next set of wheels, consider where you drive, as well as your specific needs and preferences.

Types of Tires

All-Season Radials - All-season radials are the most commonly used tire for passenger vehicles. They are engineered to provide consistent performance in different temperatures and weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and ice. These tires are convenient as they can be used throughout the year and are suitable for most driving conditions.

Touring Tires - Because they provide good overall handling and a smooth, quiet ride, many luxury brands equip their vehicles with Touring tires.

Performance - Performance tires offer improved handling and traction at higher speeds and in a variety of road conditions. They are made of a softer rubber than all-season radials, which means they have a shorter lifespan due to faster wear and tear.

Winter Tires a.k.a. Snow Tires - Contrary to popular belief, winter tires are not just for snow-covered roads. They are made of a compound that remains soft in cold weather, thus providing improved traction and braking ability when the temperature drops. 

Light Truck Tires - Light truck tires are specially designed for work vans, larger pickup trucks, and any large vehicle that carries heavy loads or pulls heavy trailers. They feature stronger sidewalls to support the extra weight compared to tires made for passenger vehicles.

All in all, choosing the right tire comes down to a variety of factors. Stop in at Integrity Tires today and we’ll make sure you get the perfect tire for you and your vehicle, the first time, every time.