What You Need To Know When Replacing The Tires On Your Vehicle

Buying new tires for your car or truck is not complicated, but there are some things you should know when selecting your tires. The size, style, and load rating on the tire can be crucial, but if you follow the recommendation from the vehicle manufacturer, getting the proper tires is not overly challenging.

Tire Size

One of the first considerations when buying new tires is getting the right size tire for your vehicle. Selecting the tire size is very straightforward as the vehicle manufacturer specifies one that is optimal for you.

In the owner's manual that came with your car, the vehicle manufacturer lists the tires that will fit and the recommended size for your vehicle as it came from the factory. Along with the tire size, the manufacturer also recommends the inflation specs for your new tires to ensure you get the best wear, handling, and ride from the vehicle.

If you do not have the owner's manual for the car or truck, you can look on the driver's side door sill for a sticker or metal plate that will list this information. Sometimes the sticker is on the door, while other times, it is on the car body, but almost all manufacturers put it there for auto repair shops to easily access.

Some manufacturers also list an alternate tire size if the vehicle had several trim levels, and one included something like off-road tires on a truck. However, if that is the case with your vehicle, you can look to see which size is on the car to verify the size you need.

Tire Style

Buying new tires often involves deciding the tire style you want to use on your vehicle. Modern vehicles use radial tires for strength and stability, but the tread designs can vary from one brand to the next. An offroad or all-terrain tire may have a more aggressive tread pattern, while sport tires for cars may have a tread design designed for maximum traction on asphalt.

The design differences can be confusing, but for most cars, a standard all-season tire will provide the best ride and performance for your daily needs. If you are driving in snow during the winter, you may want a tire that can handle that as well. 

Most drivers should use a tire that matches what came on their car when it was new. However, if you are unsure what that is, take the car to a tire repair shop, so they can help you choose the best tires for your vehicle. The brand and price ranges can vary, so you should review the tire features with the dealer to narrow down your final options.