Tire Buying Guide
Tire Types
Understanding all the different tire types can be overwhelming. Lets break them down so you know what to look for.
Understanding all the different tire types can be overwhelming. Lets break them down so you know what to look for.
Most common tire types
All season tires (Car)This is the do-it-all tire. A middle ground between a summer and winter tire, you get a compound that grips enough for normal conditions, but still offers some traction for driving in mild snowfall.
All season tires (Truck/SUV)Much like their car counterparts, these tires are made to be used year-round, but are specifically made for pickup trucks and SUVs. These tires are built to offer great grip on the road and even some good off-road traction, provided the conditions aren’t too extreme.
All weather tiresIt might sound like just another name for “all season”, but these tires are made to excel in more harsh winter conditions. They can provide traction in severe snow and ice while still rivaling all season tires in more mild weather. Plus, their tread life is much longer than traditional winter/snow tires.
Performance tiresIf you’re after precision handling and great traction in wet and dry conditions, look no further. These tires are made for use during the warmer months, or year-round if you live somewhere that doesn’t see cold or wintery conditions.
All terrain tiresVersatility is the name of the game. If your treks take you off of the pavement and onto some dirt, rock, gravel or mud, these tires have you covered. Get good, predictable grip on the street and confidence-inspiring traction on the soil.
Winter tiresThese are built for treacherous conditions. If you’re headed out in heavy snow or live where the temperatures frequently drop into the 30s, be sure you’re rolling on winter tires. Better skid control, superior traction and increased stability are just a few of the benefits.
Run Flat tiresWhen the unexpected happens, it’s nice to have some backup. These tires are built to keep rolling for up to 50 miles at 50 mph with little or no air pressure. A must-have for cars that didn’t come with room for a spare, or if you just don’t want to deal with changing a flat on the side of a busy highway.
Mud terrain tiresThe name says it all. These tires are made to get down and dirty. Head off-road and into wet, dirty or muddy conditions while still maintaining traction. These beefy treads are constructed to keep you solidly connected to the earth no matter what gets in your way.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make my money go farther?A first glance, it might seem like the best value tire is the one that costs less. But instead of looking at up-front costs, it might be worth looking at the cost over time. When we break down the cost-per-mile, a higher quality tire might end up being the better value. Not to mention improved ride quality, superior handling and enhanced safety. Depending on your driving habits, spending a bit more now could save you money down the road.
When should I replace my tires?Knowing when to replace your tires boils down to two simple words: safety first. Keeping track of your tread depth and the age of the tire are two important factors in determining if they’re still safe and road-ready.
Understanding the differences between tire typesAll season, winter, all-terrian? Knowing and understanding the differences between tire types can help you choose the right set of tires.
Don’t keep your new tires waiting.
Don’t keep your new tires waiting.
We’ll help you find the perfect tires in a few steps.
We’ll help you find the perfect tires in a few steps.
