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How to Select Tires

by Anthony Smith

Overview

For car owners who have never purchased a new set of tires, the idea of selecting the right tires for their vehicle while getting a fair price can seem daunting and even a little intimidating. There is a wide variety of brands, sizes and types of tires from which to choose, but with some step-by-step guidance, anyone can feel confident in buying their own tires.

Step 1

Figure out what size tires your vehicle needs. You can locate this information in a number of ways. The owner's manual will list the tire specifications, you can read the size off the sidewall of your current tires or you can ask a tire sales professional to look up your vehicle and the recommended tire size for it. The sidewall will have three numbers separated by forward slashes that define tire size. The number will be of the format 215/65/15, which in this case means the tires are 215 mm wide, have a 65 percent height-to-width ratio, and will fit on a 15-inch wheel.
Step 2

Categorize the type of vehicle for which you are buying the tires. This will serve to point you towards the correct type of tire to buy. Look again to the sidewall of your tire or the specs in your owner's manual. If you have a passenger car, the tire code is simple--it begins with a "P." Light truck and SUV tire codes begin with an "LT." This code is generally listed as a prefix to the numbers detailed in Step 1--for instance, P215/65/15.
Step 3

Base the next part of the decision process on the type of driving conditions that you most often face. Consider also the extreme driving conditions that you will face a few times each year. For mud and snow condition, look for tires that have the letters "M+S" in the code. These tires will have the appropriate tread pattern for mud and snow.
Step 4

Narrow your choices down and make a short list of tires that fit your criteria from Steps 1 through 3. Look at the manufacturer's durability rating for each tire you are considering. Tires are rated in this way by referring to a mileage that reflects their expected life. All other things being equal, a 40,000-mile tire should last longer than a 25,000-mile tires.
Step 5

Compare prices for the tires on your list at local tire shops. Weigh the price of the tires and their durability ratings, then make a choice based not on which is the least expensive, but on which set gives you the best combination of price and quality.

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Budget for the additional costs that go along with buying a new set of tires. There will be charges for mounting and balancing your tires, valve stem fees on the new tires, and disposal fees for the old tires.
Budget for the additional costs that go along with buying a new set of tires. There will be charges for mounting and balancing your tires, valve stem fees on the new tires, and disposal fees for the old tires.