How to Compare Pricing of Brand Name Car Tires

Prices on tires reflect the quality and handling characteristics of the tire. As the quality increases, the handling characteristics, ability to dissipate heat, treadwear, load bearings, ability to prevent punctures due to internal steel belts and the speed ratings increase. After comparing all of the factors of a tire's rating, you will be able to choose a good brand that meets your needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the proper size for the vehicle, using either the owner's manual or the gross vehicle weight and tire size plate on the door jam. Another way to determine if the vehicle has the proper tire size on the vehicle is to call a tire store and have them look the vehicle up in the tire guide. Size, load factor and speed rating are the key items.

2. Look at the sticker on the new tire or the side wall and the necessary numbers will be displayed. The sticker will have a series of numbers such as 225/60/15. These numbers are interpreted as follows: the 225 is the width of the tire, the 60 denotes that the tire is 60 percent as high on the side as it is wide and the last figure is the size of the rim.

3. Compare the load ratings. It will have a load rating, which is the amount of weight the tire was designed to carry, written on the sticker. Always demand the same or better, never less.

4. Compare the traction rating. It will say traction A, B or C. A is the best in wet weather.

5. Compare the treadwear rating. The treadwear denotes how long the tire will last. The treadwear will be from approximately 150 for a poor treadwear or low-mileage tire to a 450 for a high-mileage tire.

6. Compare the speed rating. This denotes the tire's ability to dissipate heat at high speeds or more importantly at freeway cruising speeds. The cooler the tread stays when cruising the longer it lasts. Since natural rubber wears faster than synthetic material but dissipates heat much faster than synthetic and is more expensive, the manufacturer puts it under the synthetic tread to keep it cool. The more natural rubber the better and the higher the speed rating.
   
   When all the figures and configurations in Steps 1 through 6 are compared, keeping in mind that the better the tire, the more expensive it will be. If Brand A is cheaper than Brand B, you will be able to see where Brand A is lacking after making all of these comparisons. A tire that is lacking in quality in any one or more areas will be cheaper.

Tips & Warnings

• All tires have two distinct sections, the carcass and the tread. The carcass is round and smooth before the tread is installed. The tread is held on with glue and then heated to seal it in a clam-shell mold. An easy demonstration as to the difference in tires is to lean on a vehicle with standard inexpensive tires. Rock the vehicle sideways and look at the tires. The tires will flex considerably and the vehicle rocks excessively. Do the same thing to a vehicle with an upgraded tire, and the vehicle will barely move at all. The sidewall is thicker, so there is less movement. The speed rating is based on the combination of natural rubber and synthetic in the tread. Natural rubber dissipates heat well and has the best traction; however, rubber wears at a rapid rate--like an eraser. The better the combination the longer they last. These are the points that need to be considered in comparing prices.

Resources

• Additional Information on Tire Specs

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