How to Compare Tires for an SUV

Choose a tire that fits your driving environment.

Comparing different tires for an SUV can be confusing if you're not sure what to look for. Which tire you choose depends on what kind of driving you will be doing. If you drive on the highway in the desert every day to get to work, you will want different tires than if you drive frequently through the woods on dirt trails in the snow. Your tires will serve you best if you choose them based on your needs rather than on what they look like on display in the store.

Instructions

1. Look for tires categorized as "light truck tires." These are the tires that are used on small trucks, vans and SUVs.

2. Inspect the tires you have now to see what size you are looking to buy. You may choose to buy tires that are the same size, or you may decide to buy a different size. For an SUV, factors such as speed rating, load index or mud and snow standards are all affected by the size of your tires.

3. Consider your regular driving habits and the environment you usually drive in. There are several different types of SUV tires, made specially for the environment or the habits of the driver. For example, touring tires and high-performance tires are designed to make an SUV more easy to handle. Off-road tires are made for adventurous types, while winter or all-season tires are made to match the typical seasonal conditions of a certain area.

4. Write down the best- and worst-case scenarios you drive under. Consider driving conditions that you may not face every day when buying new SUV tires so you do not end up in a bad situation with the wrong tires.

5. Avoid buying single tires if possible. If you must replace one or two tires on your SUV instead of all four, place the new tires on the rear axle. New tires grip the road better, so having them on the back will prevent steering issues. Never mix radial with bias tires, and do not mix tires of different sizes.

6. Talk to an experienced SUV tire dealer before making your final decision. He or she may be able to offer some professional advice on why you may or may not want a certain type of tire.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let an attractive sale or similar incentive divert your attention from what you really want. Your safety and the safety of your family may ultimately depend on the type of tires you decide to purchase.

References

• Uniroyal: Choosing the Right Tire
• Michelin: Tire Buying Guide
• Tire Information World: Light Truck Tires are an Important Segment of the Market

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish