When it comes to a vehicle, every single part serves a unique purpose that lets your car function. Some parts serve a greater purpose than others, though, with tires being a very common example. The tires on a vehicle don’t only ensure your car can actually move, but they also help to create a smooth ride for the passengers in the cabin.

After a number of years, tires will begin to deteriorate, which will cause a driver to seek out replacements. Choosing the right type of tire for your car is extremely important, which is why learning the most important tips for making this choice is so important. Learn everything you need to know about tires and how to choose the best option for your vehicle.

Understanding Different Tire Types: What You Need to Know

First and foremost, many people confuse a tire with the wheel of a vehicle despite the fact that they are not the same. The wheel of a vehicle is the piece of metal that connects to the body of a vehicle, whereas the tire is the piece of rubber that goes around the circular wheel. Tires are what need to be replaced every few years due to wear and tear on the sidewall, damage from road hazards, or just because new tires are needed.

However, there are a variety of different types of tires ranging from basic to high-performance and everything in between. The following four categories are the most commonly seen tire types:

All-Season

All-season tires are the best tires for a basic driver and are likely the type that came on your vehicle when it was purchased. As indicated by the name, all-season tires can stay on your vehicle throughout the entire year, regardless of the season, and they will provide an average driving experience.

All-Weather

The second common type of tire seen on vehicles are all-weather tires, which are extremely similar to all-season tires. Truthfully, the only major difference between all-weather and all-season tires is that all-weather tires offer a better performance year-round and far better performance in the wintertime in particular.

Summer or Performance Tires

Third, summer tires, sometimes called performance tires, are geared toward warmer climates that don’t really see four seasons in a year. These tires offer strong performance starting at nearly 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so even if you live in a location with colder mornings or evenings, look into this type. These tires tend to be wider and lower than average, allowing for sharper handling on turns and better braking in rainfall.

Winter Tires

Finally, winter tires are designed for locations with intense winter conditions. They are typically narrow and taller and usually have deeper treads that allow for increased attraction to the ground, especially in slick conditions. They are not suitable for year-round use, however, so most drivers swap them out when the weather becomes warm.

What Are the Different Sizes for Tires?

In addition to there being multiple different types of tires, there are also multiple different sizes of tires to consider for your vehicle. The most common standards for tire sizes include the following:

• 8 inches
• 10 inches
• 12 inches
• 13 inches
• 14 inches
• 15 inches
• 17 inches
• 18 inches
• 19 inches
• 20 inches
• 22 inches
• 23 inches
• 24 inches
• 26 inches
• 28 inches

When looking at the side of a tire, you will see a string of letters and numbers that indicate the type of tire along with the sizing. In order, these items refer to the type of tire, the tire width, the aspect ratio of the tire, the construction type, the wheel diameter in inches, the load index, and the speed rating.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Tires for Your Vehicle

Settling on a new set of tires will be challenging, even after referring to your owner’s manual, so the following five tips should be used to make your decision:

1. The driving conditions your vehicle is subject to.

Perhaps the biggest factor to consider when choosing tires for your vehicle is the driving conditions you will subject your car to. Sports cars often require performance tires due to their hire speeds, whereas those in cold climates with larger vehicles may prefer snow tires for added safety.

2. The budget you currently have for your purchase.

Tires are expensive and can range in price drastically from $500-$1,000 per tire. Therefore, all tire shoppers should consider their current budget level to determine whether or not they can afford the tires they are considering.

3. The type of vehicle you own and its compatible tires.

A driver should always consult their owner’s manual first to see what tires are compatible with their vehicle, specifically from a size perspective. This can help guide your search to a more specific type of tire once you know what will fit your vehicle.

4. The ratings and reviews for certain tire types.

All tire brands will come with a slew of reviews for items related to tire pressure, quality of tire, cornering ability, treadwear over time, off-road capabilities, and much more. Consult these reviews and take to heart the most important factors to you personally when making your choice.

5. The speed rating of the tires you are looking at.

Finally, look up the speed rating of certain tires that you may be considering. While a tire may be advertised as having a high-rate maximum speed, it’s possible that the tire doesn’t actually handle well at normal speeds.

General Tips on Where to Buy Tires

Once you have determined which car tires are right for your vehicle, you will need to go about the process of actual tire buying. To be able to do this, however, you need to know where actually to buy the tires. The following are great tips to keep in mind:

• Look online for auto shops or tire shops in your area and check their sizes in stock
• Shop online through the above stores that you find
• Look on the dealership website to see if you can find where the tires are sold

The Importance of Regular Tire Maintenance

Once a person has actually put new tires on their vehicle, they will need to take steps to maintain them over time. The most important of these steps is to balance, rotate, and inspect the treads over time to ensure they haven’t worn down too much. Tires that have aged can have a detrimental impact on your vehicle’s performance and even put you in a dangerous situation on the road, which is why tire maintenance is so important.

How Endurance Auto Warranty Can Protect Your Vehicle

Tires help to ensure that your vehicle drives smoothly on the road, but they are not the only important part of your car. There are a variety of other intricate components under the hood that are crucial to the functions of your vehicle, but each and every one of those parts can have issues.

Having an extended warranty contract in place can allow you to fix covered mechanical breakdowns in a cheap and quick way. Endurance offers a few main plans (Secure Plus, Supreme, and Superior) and unlimited customizable options. We provide coverage ranging from high-level protection for older vehicles to near bumper-to-bumper coverage.

Additionally, all Endurance plans come with Elite Benefits, for a small activation fee, that offers bonus perks such as 24/7 roadside assistance, key fob replacement, and even reimbursements for up to four tires per year due to road hazards. This means you can be covered in the event your newly purchased tires become damaged.

To learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote online. Alternatively, consider exploring our eCommerce store to view instant price previews so you can shop more confidently.