Most people don’t really think about the tires on their car. But they are the most important safety feature, fuel economy factor, and comfort component on your vehicle. If your tires aren’t in good condition, none of the tech in your car matters. That’s why you need to ensure that you have a good set on your car. Here’s how you can be sure of it.
Originals
A good place to start is to consider buying the same brand and size of tire that your car originally came with when it was new. Those tires were designed for your vehicle and will be a good fit. If you like how your car rides and handles, just go for the same set. Check your car’s owner’s manual for details. In case you want to change the ride characteristics, you’ll need to do some research.
Size
Check the sticker in the driver’s side door frame for details about your car’s tires. You should see something like P215/65 R16. This code represents the width, height as a ratio of the width and the diameter of the tire. Your new tires should ideally match this description. Go online on tire retailer sites, and you can enter those details or the make and model of your car to see a list of tires that match. Then compare their prices and reviews.
Handling and Comfort
Always choose tires that are the right size and those that optimize the car’s handling and braking. Also, look for tires that reduce road noise and make your ride comfortable. The tires your car came with will offer these things in a way that suits your car’s original setup.
Season
Depending on where you live and the weather conditions, you’ll also need to decide between all-season, summer, and winter tires. All-season tires are popular because they work throughout the year. They have good grip in the wet and dry and some traction on ice. Winter tires are best for places that experience heavy snowfall. They have deeper treads that bite and break the ice for traction. Summer tires are great for high-performance driving and grip beautifully on dry roads. But they’re terrible if the temperature drops below 40.
