Are you trying to buy new tires for your vehicle? If the answer is yes, you need to learn more about tires. Placing the wrong tires on a car or truck can be dangerous. Here are a few helpful tips for selecting tires.
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All-Season Tires
All-season tires are made of rubber that stays flexible in warm or cold weather. Further, the tread is designed to work in all types of weather. All-season tires can be used year-round depending on where one lives. They don’t handle as well in areas where the temperature frequently falls below 45 degrees. All-season tires should not be used in heavy snow. Visit telletire.com to learn more.
Snow Tires
Snow tires are made with slits in the tread block called sipes. Sipes help vehicles plow through snow with ease. Snow tires are made of a softer rubber than won’t freeze in very cold temperatures. Some snow tires are made with studs for extra traction. However, studded snow tires are illegal in many states.
Low Profile and Touring Tires
Low profile tires have a shorter-than-average sidewall. Drivers often prefer the way the tires handle when compared to those with taller sidewalls. The consumer can also use the tires with larger rims. Low profile tires have wider tread that hugs the road, especially when going around a corner. Meanwhile, touring tires are for consumers who want a smooth, comfortable ride. Likewise, touring tires are durable and offer a quiet ride.
Mud Tires and All-Terrain Tires
Mud tires and all-terrain tires are very similar. They’re both used for off-roading. Indeed, the major difference is in the tread. Mud tires have a deep tread for driving on softer surfaces like mud and sand. The tread on all-terrain tires is not as rugged. Hence, the tires can be used on pavement.
Performance Tires
Performance tires are low-profile tires with large tread blocks. They are mainly used on sports cars and sports sedans. Performance tires are designed for higher speeds and usually cost more than other tires. The ride may be bumpier because the tires often have stiff sidewalls.
Truck and SUV Tires
Almost any type of tire can be used on a truck and SUV. Consumers may only need a special tire if the vehicle will be used for hauling. Light truck tires are designed with thick sidewalls to help carry a heavy load. Passenger truck tires have thinner sidewalls.
Summer Tires
The tread on summer tires has orbital grooves and lots of patterns. The grooves and patterns allow summer tires to give the best dry-road performance of any tire. However, the tires do not handle as well in cold temperatures or during heavy rains.
Measuring for Tires
Check the owner’s manual to get an idea of what size tires are needed. Owners can also locate the size on the driver’s side door. There’s a series of numbers, and the first numbers refer to width and diameter. The last two numbers are followed by a letter. The letter points to the tire’s speed rating. Further, the numbers indicate the load index, which is how much weight each tire can hold.
Hopefully, this information takes some of the mystery out of tire shopping. Check with three dealers before buying to make sure you’re getting the best price. Online retailers will ship tires to the installer of your choice.
