How to Select Auto Tires

There's more to tire shopping than getting the right size. You may need to decode the tire information to find out if the manufacturer has applied a load- or speed-rated tire with the vehicle. If you bought the vehicle used, it may not have the original tires, and the size and capacity of the tire may have been altered. It's easy to learn how to decode this information and select the right tire size. With this information, you can find out what types of tires are available in the size, speed rating, and load capacity and make a better choice in selecting tires for your vehicle.

Instructions

How to Select Auto Tires

1. Locate the tire information label on your car. Most vehicles will have it on the driver's side door frame or the side of the open driver's side door itself. Other vehicles might have it pasted on the bottom of the glove box shelf, and some might have it in the passenger-side rear door frame, but those are rare vehicles. The information on the tire label will disclose what the manufacturer has supplied the vehicle with and what they are recommending for tire pressure.

2. Read the tire size displayed on the label. For example, a P195/65/R15 88 H would tell you the tire is a passenger rated tire by the P. The height, width and diameter of the tire are the next numbers, with the R standing for radial. This size of the tire can be altered a little. Tire retailers may have tire size-conversion charts where aftermarket tires can be purchased that are a slight deviation from the original tire. The important thing is to not deviate from the size too much and to never alter the speed rating and load rating. That's the last 3 digits of the tire number. In this case the 88 H. You can always upgrade, but it is never suggested to purchase a lower grade tire than what came with the vehicle.

3. Learn what tire size the vehicle calls for and compare it to the tire number actually on your car. The tire number is stamped on the sidewall of each of your tires. It should match the number on the tire label.

4. Price out the tires. Find out what options the car dealer has available in your size. There are many brands and price ranges. A quality brand tire will have a higher limited tread wear warranty but will also come with a steeper price.

5. Compare the tread of the tires available in your size, since most common tires available for automobiles and light truck are steel-belted radials. Again, you may have to pay a little more for a tire with a decent tread pattern, but this could be important if you're choosing an all-weather radial with the intent of year-long use in all kinds of weather.

6. If you're looking to upgrade the tire or increase the size, the tire dealer can help you determine the best tire for your vehicle without compromising the load and speed ranges. Most upgrades will increase the price of the tire.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain the tires once selected and purchased. This is one of the most overlooked parts of a maintenance schedule on vehicles. Passenger cars should have their tires rotated every 6,000-9,000 miles, while all wheel drive, four wheel drive, and light trucks should have their tires rotated every 6,000 miles. This will optimize the life and performance of your tires. Also, keep records of your tire maintenance for your tire tread warranty information. You can void a limited tread wear warranty by not taking care of your tires.