How to Choose Tires

With so many brands, qualities, styles, prices and dealers, choosing the right tire for you vehicle isn't always easy. Tires are an important component on your vehicle because they're the only thing separating your vehicle from the road. There are a few minor things to consider before going to a tire dealer.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Locate the tire label of your vehicle with a pen and paper in hand. This label is most commonly located on the driver's side door frame. It may also be located on the inside of the door itself. In some rare cases, it might be located on the bottom of the glove box or in the passenger side rear door frame. This tire label will tell you what size and type of tire your vehicle was manufactured with. Write all information on this label on the paper. You can also learn the recommended tire pressure setting for the tires on your vehicle by reading this label.

2. Take the paper to a tire dealer and ask questions. Ask the representative to explain the tire number to you in detail--the entire number, not just the size. If this representative doesn't know or has to ask someone else, seek a different representative or a different dealer. The entire tire number on the label can provide the tire height, width, diameter, load rating and speed rating. When choosing a tire, you may be able to deviate from size a little bit in width and height, but never downgrade in load or speed ratings.

3. Discuss what different types of tires are in stock or that could be ordered through catalogs in a timely fashion. Be sure to ask what kind of warranty comes with the tread wear on the tire options and consider that with the prices of the tire. Find out if a tire road hazard warranty is offered on the tires and whether you're paying for it. In some cases it's a good idea.

4. Compare the tread patterns of the tire options available and determine whether you're using them year-round in all weather. Although most all-vehicle tires are steel-belted all season radials, there are some that are designed for more street pattern or cruising that may not handle very well in adverse weather conditions. If you use snow tires, perhaps having a touring or cruising tire may be a consideration.

5. Read the last four numeric digits of the DOT number on the sidewall of the tire you're considering. This number will tell you how old the tire is and how long it's been sitting on the shelf. The first two digits are the week of the year it was manufactured; the last two digits are the year it was manufactured. This four-digit date stamp began in 2000. A displayed date stamp that reads 3808 indicates a tire that was made in the 38th week of 2008. Don't buy tires that are over 2 years old at full price.

6. Ask the representative what the uniform tire quality rating (UTQG) is on each tire available you're considering. This measures the value and worth of the tire in three categories: tread, traction and temperature resistance. The higher the quality, the better the tire--and the more expensive.