The importance of tires for a vehicle can often be taken for granted. All of the maneuvers that a car makes as well as a whole variety of attributes depend on tires; such attributes include power, safety, and maximum speed. With such importance and value being placed on them it’s only right that you make the effort to choose the best tires for your car. We’ll cover five key factors to consider when choosing tires and hope you make the right choice for your vehicle, for the sake of safety and performance.
Advertisement
Driving Conditions
An important step in choosing tires is analyzing your average driving conditions, also factoring in possible seasonal extremes. Someone who lives in South Florida will probably choose a different tire for their car than a person who lives in Alaska. Most tires purchased today are all-season and are effective across the range of possible driving conditions through all seasons.
Size
The first requirement of a tire is that it must be able to support the weight of the vehicle. With that being said, be sure not to undersize. To determine the right tire size for your vehicle you can check a number of locations; the most ideal locations being the sidewall of the tire on your vehicle, the owner’s manual, or your vehicle’s tire placard.
Performance/Speed Ratings
You need to choose a tire with the appropriate speed rating for your vehicle. The handling response of a tire corresponds with its speed rating, which signifies its safe top speed under ideal conditions. The most common speed ratings are T (118 MPH) and H (130 MPH). The more time you spend on the highway, the more important a factor speed rating is to be considered.
Tread Life
Consider the projected life expectancy of a tire. To get a handle on such a projection take a look at the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) rating. The tread wear of a tire receives a comparative rating based on wear rate in government specified field testing. A simple example of the rating and its significance is such: A tire with a grade of 150 has 50 percent longer wear than a tire with a grade of 100.
Noise
With significant variations between tire brands and tread designs, some designs are noisier than others. This is more of a factor for highway driving rather than lower-speed city streets. The tire salesperson you speak to should be able to tell you which tires are quieter among your considerations.
Great tires can do wonders for a car, especially as tire technology continues to advance. On the other hand, not-so-great tires can hurt even the best of cars. Because tires are the link between the vehicle and the road they travel they are a serious matter and care should be taken in buying them. Not only performance but safety is at hand so consideration of factors such as the five we have covered is key. Once you buy the right tires for your car be sure to regularly inspect them and perform maintenance when necessary. These measures reduce risk of tire-related accidents.
Advertisement
Gabe Verity is a freelance writer working in conjunction with Tire Connection. Offering accessories and wheels for your luxury cars.
