{"id":869,"date":"2017-05-21T21:35:13","date_gmt":"2017-05-21T18:35:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/?p=869"},"modified":"2025-09-08T12:19:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T09:19:06","slug":"an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/","title":{"rendered":"An Ultimate Guide to Buying Tires: What to Look for"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When buying tires, you should look for the following things:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tire code.<\/li>\n<li>DOT code.<\/li>\n<li>UTQG code.<\/li>\n<li>The type of tire.<\/li>\n<li>Fuel economy.<\/li>\n<li>Warranty.<\/li>\n<li>Noise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Besides that, you should consider the following things:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Manufacturer\u2019s placard information.<\/li>\n<li>Whether to buy a new model or the same tire you currently have.<\/li>\n<li>What your needs are.<\/li>\n<li>Whether to buy a new or used tire.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Buying_Tires_Check_List_Things_to_Look_for_in_a_Tire\" title=\"Buying Tires Check List: Things to Look for in a Tire\">Buying Tires Check List: Things to Look for in a Tire<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Tire_Code\" title=\"Tire Code\">Tire Code<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#DOT_Code\" title=\"DOT Code\">DOT Code<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#UTQG_code\" title=\"UTQG code\">UTQG code<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#The_Type_of_Tire\" title=\"The Type of Tire\">The Type of Tire<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Fuel_Economy\" title=\"Fuel Economy\">Fuel Economy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Warranty\" title=\"Warranty\">Warranty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Noise\" title=\"Noise\">Noise<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Things_to_Consider_Before_Buying_Tires\" title=\"Things to Consider Before Buying Tires\">Things to Consider Before Buying Tires<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Current_Vs_New_Tire_Model\" title=\"Current Vs. New Tire Model\">Current Vs. New Tire Model<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Same_Model\" title=\"Same Model\">Same Model<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#New_Model\" title=\"New Model\">New Model<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Your_Needs\" title=\"Your Needs\">Your Needs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#New_or_Used\" title=\"New or Used\">New or Used<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#New\" title=\"New\">New<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Used\" title=\"Used\">Used<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/#Choose_Tires_Carefully\" title=\"Choose Tires Carefully\">Choose Tires Carefully<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buying_Tires_Check_List_Things_to_Look_for_in_a_Tire\"><\/span>Buying Tires Check List: Things to Look for in a Tire<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tire_Code\"><\/span>Tire Code<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Before buying tires, it\u2019s vital that you check the tire code; as it contains info about the main specs, such as load and speed ratings, rim diameter, etc.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_870\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-870\" style=\"width: 980px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Tire-code-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Tire code on a sidewall\" width=\"980\" height=\"551\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-870\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wheels.ca\/guides\/torque-mean-gearhead-terms-explained-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/www.wheels.ca<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Tire type.<\/strong><br \/>\nThe first letter of the code may be:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>P for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/t-passenger\/\">Passenger tires<\/a> \u2013 regular tires fit most passenger cars.<\/li>\n<li>LT for Light Truck \u2013 tires with enhanced load-carrying capacities.<\/li>\n<li>ST for Special Trailer \u2013 tires with thicker sidewalls for larger vertical loads.<\/li>\n<li>T for Temporary \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/temporary-spare\/\">spare tires<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Thread width.<\/strong><br \/>\nThis three-digit number represents the distance between sidewall edges in millimeters.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aspect ratio.<\/strong><br \/>\nThe aspect ratio follows a slash and indicates the relation of section height to section width. For example, aspect ratio 65 means that the section height is 65% of the section width. The lower the ratio is, the better the steering of the tire will be.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Internal construction.<br \/>\n<\/strong>You may see:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>R for Radial (the newest construction which has become widespread for the last 25 years; steel, nylon cords, or cords of other origins are placed under the tread in a radial pattern).<\/li>\n<li>B for Bias-Belt (a transition from bias-ply tires providing a smoother ride due to the belt-like layer under the tread).<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;\u2013&#8221; for Bias-ply (cords are placed diagonally under the tread, providing a rather rough ride).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>On some tires you may also see D for Diagonal, which is the same as bias-ply.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rim diameter.<\/strong><br \/>\nA one- or two-digit number expressed in inches identifies the diameter of the wheel the tire is designed to work the best on.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Load rating (index).<br \/>\n<\/strong>A two- or three-digit number will show how much weight the tire can hold. Be aware that the index is introduced for one tire only \u2013 to get the full number, multiply it by four. You may see numbers from 60 (250 kg or 550 lb) to 139 (2,435 kg or 5,357 lb).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_871\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-871\" style=\"width: 546px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/load-index-chart.png\" alt=\" Load index chart\" width=\"546\" height=\"225\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-871\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Load index chart. Image source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.goodyear.ca\/en-CA\/tires\/tire-guide\/load-index\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.goodyear.ca<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It\u2019s important that when buying tires, you don\u2019t choose one with a lower load index than specified in the recommendations.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Speed rating (index).<\/strong><br \/>\nThis is a letter that indicates to\u00a0what speed the tire dissipates heat efficiently. The more heated the rubber is, the faster it wears. And if you exceed the fixed maximum your tire has, you risk tire failure.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_873\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-873\" style=\"width: 555px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/tyre-speed-rating.jpg\" alt=\"Tire speed rating chart\" width=\"555\" height=\"270\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-873\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Speed rating chart. Image source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.free-ed.net\/sweethaven\/MechTech\/Automotive01\/AutomotiveSystems.asp?iNum=125\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.free-ed.net<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The most common rates are T (118 mph or 189.9 km\/h) and H (130 mph or 209.2 km\/h). These will be the most suitable for you if you travel for long distances on highways. However, if you aren\u2019t a traveler, the S (112 mph or 180.2 km\/h) rating may be enough for you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are different variations of tire code indexes, and every number and letter has to be considered and checked with the manufacturer\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DOT_Code\"><\/span>DOT Code<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>DOT stands for the US Department of Transportation and its code is usually a combination of 10-13 digits and letters.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_874\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-874\" style=\"width: 745px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/dot-code.jpg\" alt=\"Tire DOT Code\" width=\"745\" height=\"256\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-874\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.discounttire.com\/en\/learn\/reading-tire-sidewall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">discounttire.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Plant code.<\/strong><br \/>\nEvery manufacturer\u2019s plant in every country has its own 2-3-symbol code. Tire Safety Group provides a\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tiresafetygroup.com\/tire-dot-plant-codes-sorted-country\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">database<\/a> with all plant codes available, so you\u00a0could check this information.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tire size.<\/strong><br \/>\nThe two following symbols show tire size. However, this code translation isn\u2019t for customers. It concerns manufacturers, and is mostly molded for them. These codes make it easier for them to find tires that have to be recalled. There is a\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.barrystiretech.com\/rmadotcoding2009.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">document<\/a> by the Rubber Manufacturers Association that is updated every now and then. However, it shouldn\u2019t be considered as the main manual, as it isn\u2019t full and not all manufacturers use this system. For drivers, understanding the <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/does-tire-size-number-mean\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"539\" data-end=\"561\">tire size meaning<\/a> is more practical, since it helps in choosing the right replacement tires.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Manufacturer identity number.<\/strong><br \/>\nThis 3-4-symbol code is molded solely for manufacturers\u2019 purposes: they identify a tire by this code and recall it if necessary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Date code.<br \/>\n<\/strong>The main thing for the driver is the tire\u2019s 4-digit date code. The first pair of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/\">tire numbers<\/a> means the week of manufacture, and the second pair indicates the year. In our case, the tire was made during the 39<sup>th<\/sup> week of 2009. To learn more about reading date codes before buying tires, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/read-date-code-motorcycle-tires\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">read this article<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The date code is vital for any driver, as it says precisely how old the tire is. A tire lasts for a maximum of 10 years, no matter whether it\u2019s ridden or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/how-long-do-tires-last-if-not-used\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>stored in your garage\/a store<\/strong><\/a>. Most manufacturers recommend buying tires once your old set turns 6 years old.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UTQG_code\"><\/span>UTQG code<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The UTQG code shows estimates of 3 tire characteristics based on the tests conducted by a particular manufacturer.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_875\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-875\" style=\"width: 735px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/utqg-code.png\" alt=\"UTQG code\" width=\"735\" height=\"362\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-875\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">UTQG code. Image source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaltire.com\/utqg-ratings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">kaltire.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Treadwear.<\/strong><br \/>\nThis rating is a 3-digit code, where 100 is standard wear, 200 \u2013 twice as much, etc. This is an estimate that is based on the tests run by the respective manufacturers. In extreme conditions or improper maintenance, the index may become irrelevant.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traction.<br \/>\n<\/strong>This quality is evaluated in letters: AA, A, B, C, from the best to the worst. Traction test assesses stopping a vehicle on wet asphalt and concrete, measuring the coefficient in g (g-force).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Temperature resistance.<\/strong><br \/>\nThis characteristic is also measured in letters: A, B, C. It shows up to what speed a tire can safely dissipate heat, and is measured in mph. A goes for over 115 mph, B \u2013 100-115 mph, and C \u2013 85-100 mph.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Uniform Tire Quality Grade code isn\u2019t required for tires less than 12\u201d in diameter, spare, winter, and deep-tread <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/v-light-truck\/\">LT tires<\/a>. All other tires that are sold in the US are required to be coded.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Type_of_Tire\"><\/span>The Type of Tire<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The most common tire types are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>All-season.<\/strong><br \/>\nThese are the most common tires of 14-18\u201d sizes that provide a driver with an all-year grip, comfort, and a long lifespan. They can go 40,000-100,000 miles and usually have speed ratings of S (112mph) and T (118 mph).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Performance all-season.<br \/>\n<\/strong>These tires will provide you with a whole-year traction and improved handling. They have speed ratings of H (130 mph) and V (149 mph) and a mileage of 40,000-80,000. Their sizes usually vary from 15 to 20 inches.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ultra-high performance.<\/strong><br \/>\nThere are all-season and summer (three-season) UHP tires. The first type will give up some wet and dry traction to perform better in snowy conditions. The second has improved grip on wet and dry surfaces and none on snow and ice. Among the drawbacks, there are fast wearing and harsh rides \u2013 consider this when buying tires. Their speed ratings are ZR (above 149 mph), W (168 mph), and Y (186 mph). Their mileage is usually 30,000-60,000 miles. The common sizes are 17-22 inches.<\/li>\n<li><strong>All-season <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/v-truck\/\">truck tires<\/a>.<br \/>\n<\/strong>These tires are manufactured to withstand exceed loads, suitable for SUVs and pickups. Other characteristics like grip and wear are within adequate parameters. The speed ratings are usually S (112 mph), T (118 mph), and H (130 mph). The mileage can go from 40,000 to 80,000 miles, and the sizes vary from 15 to 22 inches.<\/li>\n<li><strong>All-terrain truck tires.<\/strong><br \/>\nSuch tires are designed for heavy duties and applications. Think of buying tires like these if your car is frequently ridden with high loads. They work well both on paved roads and off-road, providing adequate traction on all surfaces, including snow. The speed rating is usually S (112 mph), the mileage is 50,000-60,000 miles, and the sizes can be from 15 to 20 inches.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Winter\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/sn-snow\/\">snow tires<\/a>.<\/strong><br \/>\nWinter or snow tires provide you with amazing grip, braking, and cornering on snowy and icy surfaces. The rubber keeps pliability in extremely cold temperatures, but it wears faster and brakes slower on clean roads. Speed ratings for these tires start at Q (99 mph), there\u2019s no precise mileage guarantees. The sizes are quite diverse, going from 14 to 22 inches, so buying tires like these shouldn\u2019t be a trouble.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Performance winter\/snow tires.<\/strong><br \/>\nSuch tires come in 4 sizes to fit the cars that use UHP tires during all other seasons. They offer better grip on icy and snowy roads, with speed ratings starting at H (139 mph). As with regular winter tires, these also have no stable mileage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Truck winter\/snow tires.<\/strong><br \/>\nAs suggested by the name, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/sn-winter\/\">best winter tires<\/a> are manufactured specially for SUVs and pickup trucks. Their speed rating is usually S (112 mph), there\u2019s no guarantee of certain mileage, and size range is 15-20 inches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_877\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-877\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/tire-types.jpg\" alt=\"Tire types\" width=\"522\" height=\"137\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-877\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tire types. Image source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.suretyres.co.uk\/page16.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.suretyres.co.uk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fuel_Economy\"><\/span>Fuel Economy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Bridgestone Firestone North America reports that buying tires of different types can show a difference of 15-20% in fuel usage.<\/p>\n<p>Some things you can do to determine which tire will provide the best fuel economy:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Look for tires with <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Low_rolling_resistance_tire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">low rolling resistance<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>One of the best options for fuel saving on your particular vehicle is the original equipment tire.<\/li>\n<li>Check the tire\u2019s specs for fuel efficiency grade \u2013 dome manufacturers provide this information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There were attempts to implement a law that would demand fuel economy rates molded on tire sidewalls. However, it\u2019s difficult to create standards, as not all the drivers know their <a href=\"http:\/\/www.latimes.com\/business\/la-fi-garage3-2008may03-story.html\">tires can affect fuel usage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Warranty\"><\/span>Warranty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are two types of warranty a tire manufacturer can provide you with: defect protection and tread warranty. The most popular <a href=\"http:\/\/www.trendingtopmost.com\/worlds-popular-list-top-10\/2017-2018-2019-2020-2021\/business\/largest-tire-manufacturing-companies-world-best-selling-famous-revenue-market-cap\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">world-class manufacturers<\/a> usually provide both, offering a guarantee that the tread will last for several years.<\/p>\n<p>However, think twice before purchasing a warranty. They are provided on a particular number of miles, and it often happens that the tire wears out faster. In such a case, there\u2019s a possibility that you will get a replacement. However, most manufacturers will thoroughly check whether you have been taking good care of your tire(s). They will check whether you rotated them every 5,000-7,000 miles, whether they were properly inflated all the time, etc. So it\u2019s not a given that you will eventually get the service you paid for.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Noise\"><\/span>Noise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When buying tires, choose less noisy models. When you\u2019re driving in the city on low speeds, this factor doesn\u2019t make much difference. However, you may want your car to be as quiet as possible when you drive on a highway, especially if you have an SUV.<\/p>\n<p>All tires make some noise due to air flowing through the tread, but you can choose a quieter one. Treads of the same type can also differ in the level of noise, so it\u2019s better to consult a shop assistant before buying tires.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_Consider_Before_Buying_Tires\"><\/span>Things to Consider Before Buying Tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Such placards include recommendations on the tire choice according to the size, speed and load capacity, steering, on- and off-road specifications, etc. of your particular vehicle. Buying tires that are bigger or smaller in size or aspect ratio can change:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The vehicle\u2019s condition.<\/strong><br \/>\nTires keep your vehicle over the ground, so mounting a tire that is smaller in size will put more pressure on the rubber and increase the risk of crashing the car. Both bigger and smaller tires may need new wheels to operate well.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The speedometer reading.<\/strong><br \/>\nThe reading of your car\u2019s speedometer usually depends on a full rotation cycle of the tire. When you change the size of your tire, you change the length of one circle. And considering that such speedometers are manufactured for a particular rotation length, increasing or decreasing it will provide you with wrong readings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The automatic transmission shifts change time.<\/strong><br \/>\nBuying tires of a different size will give your wheels different rotation and speed, so smaller tires will have to rotate more to achieve the speed you need. And considering that your transmission shifts according to the speed, the shifting time may change. Aside from that, there may be an impact on your fuel consumption and uphill\/downhill shifts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s possible to change tire size while avoiding these problems, but you should still consult your manufacturer agent. Also, you will need to keep the load of your car within the established parameters and adjust your transmission and speedometer.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t have your vehicle manufacturer\u2019s manual, the same information can be found on the car. You can find it at the door edge, glove compartment door, trunk lid, or door port.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_878\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-878\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Door-tire-Placard.jpg\" alt=\"Door placard\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-878\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.autoguide.com\/auto-news\/2013\/02\/how-much-air-should-i-put-in-my-tires.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">autoguide.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you bought a used car and the information is painted over, you can find it on the manufacturer\u2019s website or third-party services.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Current_Vs_New_Tire_Model\"><\/span>Current Vs. New Tire Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Same_Model\"><\/span>Same Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If you are satisfied with your current tires, the choice shouldn\u2019t be a problem. If you\u2019re still using your original equipment tires, note that they are made to perfectly match your vehicle and show all its benefits. If you notice your tires have bad grip and slip on wet surfaces, recall whether you had such problems when you bought them. If yes, you may need to try something new; if no, your tires are just old and\/or worn out.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_879\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-879\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/tire-tpc-spec-300x178.jpg\" alt=\"General Motors TPC spec code\" width=\"300\" height=\"178\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-879\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">General Motors TPC spec code.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When buying tires that were on your car originally, expect the price to be pretty high. However, car manufacturers usually pair every vehicle with at least two different brands to match any driver\u2019s budget. If there\u2019s no information about this fact in your information placard, you can find the necessary alternative on websites that sell tires. There you will have to insert some information about your car to see the tires marked with OE (original equipment).<\/p>\n<p>You can also find exact tires by knowing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tirerack.com\/tires\/tiretech\/techpage.jsp?techid=23&amp;\">code<\/a>, which is different for many vehicle manufacturers.\u00a0For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/b\/General\/\">General Motors<\/a> it\u2019s a TPC Spec code; for Porsche it\u2019s N and numbers; for Mercedes \u2013 MO, MO1, or MOE, etc.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"New_Model\"><\/span>New Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If you aren\u2019t fully satisfied with the current tires, determine the issue and search for tires that meet your needs.<\/p>\n<p>There is a trend on low-profile tires and larger wheels, but many people complain about the harshness of their ride. In such a case, picking touring or grand-touring tires instead of high- and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/perf-ultra-high\/\">ultra-high performance<\/a> ones will make driving softer.<\/p>\n<p>If you want more performance from tires in summer and don\u2019t mind sacrificing your comfort a bit, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/sn-summer\/\">buy\u00a0summer tires<\/a> instead of all-season ones. They will provide you with excellent grip on dry and wet surfaces, but no traction in snowy weather.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure you do your research by reading about different brands of tires, their benefits, drawbacks, and pricing. Also, read reviews on official and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.1010tires.com\/Tires\/Reviews\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">independent services<\/a> to be prepared for what you will see in a store. \u00a0And if you aren\u2019t sure whether it\u2019s even time to buy new tires, find out <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/how-often-buy-new-tires-for-car\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">how often you should purchase new rubber for your car<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_Needs\"><\/span>Your Needs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When buying tires, analyze your needs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Driving style.<\/strong><br \/>\nDetermine what you need from your tire.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you need comfort and good response, choose <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/t-touring\/\">touring tires<\/a>. They will provide you with a soft ride and good grip on dry and wet surfaces.<\/li>\n<li>If you need performance for your sports car, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/perf-high\/\">buy\u00a0high performance tires<\/a>. They will provide you with good traction on dry and wet surfaces at higher speeds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Road.<\/strong><br \/>\nDo you drive more on highways or off-road?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you drive a lot off the road and own a SUV or a pickup truck, consider off-road (all-terrain) or light-truck tires. They will provide you with sufficient grip on uneven surfaces.<\/li>\n<li>If you own a SUV or a pickup but drive on the road, think of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/v-suv-crossover\/\">SUV tires<\/a>. They will provide you with a comfortable on-road application of your car.<\/li>\n<li>If you own a regular passenger or sports vehicle, think about touring or high\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/perf\/\">performance tires<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regular load.<br \/>\n<\/strong>If you drive a lot with large loads on your vehicle, consider getting tires with a higher load index. If you own a SUV or a pickup truck and\/or have a loaded trailer, consider buying tires of LT (light-truck) or ST (special trailer) type. LT tires will withstand extended loads and carry them in off-road conditions. ST tires are designed especially for trailers: their sidewalls are thicker so they can carry more vertical load.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The number of tires you need.<\/strong><br \/>\nIf you just need one or a pair, don\u2019t buy the whole set, as the other tires may age and deteriorate by the time you will need them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"New_or_Used\"><\/span>New or Used<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"New\"><\/span>New<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Why buy new tires:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>They will provide you with 100% tread.<\/li>\n<li>There will be no patches and repairs.<\/li>\n<li>There will be no external and internal damages that may lead to an accident.<\/li>\n<li>New tires have warranty and you are notified if the tire is recalled.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Read more information on why you may want to buy new tires <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/why-not-buy-used-tires\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Used\"><\/span>Used<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Why buy used tires:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>By buying used tires you get up to 90% of tread for 50% price.<\/li>\n<li>Used tires can be in quite good condition, as some of them are taken off new cars after a couple hundred miles.<\/li>\n<li>You can help the environment by buying tires that were used, as otherwise they may end up in landfills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Find some more information on why you may want to buy used tires <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/why-buy-used-tires\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_Tires_Carefully\"><\/span>Choose Tires Carefully<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your tire choice determines the quality of your ride, as well as the speed and load of your vehicle. It also indicates whether you have wasted your money on nothing or the tire will serve you for years. If your tire choice is wrong, it can also jeopardize yourself and your car. The wrong size can become troublesome for your vehicle functions, and tire age can cause tire failure. So, make sure you have a serious attitude towards choosing the best tires for your vehicle when you go to a tire shop.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, don\u2019t wait until spring to buy tires, as their traction ability differs on different surfaces when they wear a bit. Grip increases on dry surfaces due to more contact patch exposure, meaning more tread touches the ground. However, as the tire wears, grip decreases on wet and snowy surfaces due to the inability of tread to dissipate water and \u201cbite\u201d into the snow. So, buying tires in spring will leave you with less tread in winter, which is when you need the most grip.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When buying tires, you should look for the following things: Tire code. DOT code. UTQG code. The type of tire. Fuel economy. Warranty. Noise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[8,28],"class_list":["post-869","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-buying-tires","tag-buying-tires","tag-car-tires"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>An Ultimate Guide to Buying Tires: What to Look for<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Interested in what to look for when buying tires? 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