Tips for selecting new tires

If your tire treads have worn down, your tires are over six years old, or they’ve been exposed to extreme temperatures like cold and/or heat, it may be time to replace them. After all, new tires with good treads will grip the road and enable your car to handle better in all weather conditions, keeping you and passengers safer.

• Know your tire size. To find the size tire your car needs, look on the placard on the driver’s side door or look on the side of your current tires. Your tire size might read something like P215/65 R15. The string of numbers and letter denotes the tire width, the height compared to the width, and the diameter. If you’re shopping for tires online, use those numbers to search for the tire size that will work for your car, then compare tire reviews and prices.

• Don’t overload your tires. When selecting new tires for your vehicle, it’s important to pay attention to your tire’s load index. That is the amount of weight the right tires at the right pressure can safely carry. If you overload your tires, you may wear them down prematurely and risk a tire blowout.
• Keep the speed rating in mind. Tires are designed to go at a certain speed. Their speed rating indicates the speed they can go safely over time. So, make sure you match the speed rating or increase it on your new tires. 

• Be realistic about your driving. Your driving style can have a major impact on the type of tires needed for your vehicle. Whether you’re a city driver or a long-distance driver, or if you’re a driver that encounters smooth roads or poor road surfaces, it’s important to select a tire type that will support your driving style and keep you safe, no matter how you drive or what condition the roads. 

• Understand that weather conditions matter.  Since tires come in a variety of styles for different conditions, consider the type of weather you typically encounter. When selecting new tires, be sure to pay attention to their cold weather climate and dry climate characteristics.