Video How to Choose Tires for Your Car

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Buying tires? You might want to start by pinching pennies.

Step 1: Check for wear
Check whether your tire needs replacing by placing a penny into different tread grooves across the tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head remains visible, the tire needs replacing.

Tip
Replace one tire with the same kind of tire as the other three. Replace two tires with the same or better-quality tires. If four tires need to be replaced, you can tailor their size and quality to your driving needs.

Step 2: Find the tire size
Check the vehicle owner's manual or the driver's side door placard for your tire size.

Step 3: Visit a tire store
Visit a reputable, full-service tire dealer who carries your tire size in multiple brands.

Step 4: Look at suitable tires
Ask to see a tire that is suitable for the conditions under which you drive while staying within the vehicle’s tire size requirements.

Tip
All tires have a size code on the sidewalls that display the tire’s dimensions. Ask the tire dealer to explain the coding if you don’t understand it.

Step 5: Determine the tire’s life expectancy
Consider the tire’s projected life expectancy. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading rating ranks tires from the same manufacturer, but not across brands.

Step 6: Select an appropriate speed rating
Choose a tire with a realistic speed rating. While it is possible to buy a tire rated for 150 mph, opting for a lower, more realistic speed rating will save you money.

Step 7: Consider how the tire rides
If you want a smoother ride, select a low-profile tire with a high aspect ratio.

Step 8: Consider the tire’s noise level
If noise is a concern, ask to see a quiet tread design.

Did You Know?
Most people who purchase tires pay more attention to the reputation of the distributor than to the brand name of the tire.