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 Buying new tires can be one of the most confusing and intimidating buying experiences the average person has to deal with. With all the numbers we have to remember every day, knowing one’s tire size is not a priority. As a result, most people have no idea what size tire they need on their car. Of course, a tire professional can determine what size you need and also what type of tire is best suited for your car and your driving style. But just in case you’re interested, the actual tire size is printed on the side wall of the tire and indicates the height, depth and width of the tire.
There was a time when just a few basic sizes fit almost any car, but these days there are thousands of sizes, and the same style of car can come with several different sizes. In addition to sizing, there are several categories of tires; including performance tires, luxury touring tires, light truck tires, SUV and crossover tires. Each tire has a specific application for the car you are driving, and changing that application can sometime affect the overall feel and handling of the car.
Many cars now come with performance tires, which are designed to give the car the cornering and steering performance that helps that car grip the road. The sporty look of new cars today also has a sporty feel.
The luxury touring tire on cars such as Mercedes and BMW also combine the best in ride comfort with enhanced handling. With the growing popularity of the SUV and crossover vehicle, tires are designed specifically to give these vehicles the ride and feel of a car and not a truck.
Most tires today are considered all-season tires, for all year driving, however, snow tires are still popular in this area for winter driving. For maximum winter traction and safety, you should use four snow tires on the vehicle. Using only two snow tires on the front may not give the needed traction in snow and may cause the rear axle to lose control when braking. It is best to use snow tires only during winter months, since they tend to wear faster if driven on hot pavement. This is especially true for ice-gripping snow tires that provide extra traction on icy roads.
New tire sizes and tire styles are emerging every year, so the confusion over a tire purchase will certainly continue with each new model car. However, a little information can go a long way towards putting you on the right road. •
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