As winter approaches, tires are on our minds. We recently talked about ways to make your tires last longer. But when it is time to replace them, how do you know what tire to choose?
Here’s a brief guide to choosing the right tires for your car.
Size
It’s important to choose a tire that is the right size for your car. Tire size is conveyed through a series of letters and numbers which might look something like this: P225/70R1691R.
The first number in the series indicates the tire’s width, while the number after the slash represents aspect ratio. This number shows how tall your sidewall is, in terms of a percentage of the tire’s total width. The last number represents the wheel diameter. The R at the end indicates a radial tire.
Type
Next, you’ll need to decide what type of tire will best suit your vehicle and your driving needs. A speed rating of S or T means you’re looking at all-season tires, which have good grip in all kinds of weather. A speed rating of H or V means performance all-season tires, which means the tires may handle better, but may not last as long. Other options are ZR, W or Y speed ratings for ultra-high performance tires that you would find on a sports car. And of course all terrain tires, with the designation A/T are best for pick-up trucks and SUVs, especially if you do a lot of towing or hauling.
Driving Style
Think about your driving preferences. Do you like a smooth, quiet ride? Then look for tires with a lower speed rating and a modest tread design. If you like some excitement on the curves, you’d probably prefer a tire with a higher speed rating. Such high-performance tires give you better steering control for navigating tight corners.
If you’re ready to replace or upgrade your tires, reach out to the team at McKinney Motor Company. We’ll help you choose exactly what you need.
