Finding Your Tire Size
Your correct tire size is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb and in your owner's manual. It looks something like P215/65R16. The numbers indicate width (215mm), sidewall height ratio (65% of width), and wheel diameter (16 inches). Never guess — the wrong size affects speedometer accuracy, handling, and safety. You can also find your exact tire specs by running your VIN through our lookup tool.
All-Season vs Summer vs Winter
All-season tires work adequately in most conditions and are the default choice for most drivers. They're a compromise — acceptable in light snow, decent in rain, fine in summer. Summer tires offer superior grip in warm and wet conditions but are dangerous in snow. Winter tires use softer rubber compounds that stay flexible below 45°F and have tread patterns designed for snow and ice. If you see real winter weather, a dedicated set of winter tires on cheap steel wheels is the single best safety investment you can make.
How to Compare Tires
The UTQG rating (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) on every tire gives you three scores: treadwear (higher = longer lasting), traction (AA is best), and temperature resistance (A is best). Compare treadwear ratings between tires in your price range — a tire rated 500 should last roughly twice as long as one rated 250. Read user reviews for real-world performance, focusing on noise, wet traction, and longevity. Avoid the cheapest no-name tires; mid-range brands like General, Falken, and Cooper offer excellent value.
Saving Money on Tires
Buy during sales — major holidays (Memorial Day, Black Friday, Labor Day) bring significant tire rebates. Warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's Club) often have the best installed prices including lifetime balancing and rotation. Always replace tires in pairs (both fronts or both rears) at minimum to maintain balanced handling. Keep your new tires lasting longer with proper inflation, regular rotation every 5,000–7,500 miles, and alignment checks after hitting potholes. Log tire changes in your garage to track wear and plan ahead.