Buying car tires is easy. It\u2019s finding the right ones for your car that can be difficult. Get it wrong, and you can hobble your car\u2019s performance and its ability to tackle any type of weather.<\/p>\n
Since car tires usually need to be replaced every three or four years, here\u2019s a refresher course on how to make sure you\u2019re getting the right ones. Most car tires fall into three main types: all-season, summer, and winter. Most people buy all-season tires because it\u2019s easier and cheaper than buying one set for the winter and another for summer.<\/p>\n
All-season car tires deliver a good, well-rounded performance but are never outstanding in any way. Summer tires deliver on handling and dry\/wet braking, but they have dismal snow traction. By contrast, winter tires have outstanding snow traction but just fair braking ability on cleared roads. Within each car tire category, there is a range of performance, as our tests routinely remind us. To see the basic differences in tire types, look at the chart below.<\/p>\n
First, consult your owner\u2019s manual or the placard on the driver\u2019s side door jamb to find the recommended tire measurements. The label will look something like this: P215\/60R16 94T.<\/p>\n
You should match the tire\u2019s size measurements, but you have some flexibility to go higher with the load index and speed rating.<\/p>\n
For more on how to read a tire label, go to our tire buying guide.<\/p>\n
Many retail websites will give you a listing of all tires available in your size. But in many cases, you\u2019ll need to dig deeper to match the speed rating. The list below can help ID your tire type.<\/p>\n