Written by Kelly Burch
Updated Nov 13 | 8 minute read
Tires are where the rubber meets the road for your vehicle—literally. Given that they impact your car's reliability, performance, gas mileage, ride quality, handling and longevity, you want the right ones. Here's an overview of how to find the best tires for you, whatever your vehicle and driving habits.
As a rule of thumb, you should replace your tires every six years—and never drive on tires older than 10 years. Tire manufacturers also provide a specific time guideline. But how often you should replace your tires may vary based on your driving habits.
While having a timeline in mind is useful, it's more important to pay attention to your specific tires. You should check your treads frequently, especially before big journeys like a road trip. Signs that you need new tires include:
While it may seem obvious, make sure your tires actually need replacing. Not sure? Try the penny test. Insert a penny between the tire tread with Lincoln's head facing you and pointing down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head above the tread, it's probably time for a new set of tires. Ditto if you see uneven tread wear, cracked sidewalls, discoloration or bulging.
The best type of tires depends on your specific vehicle, where you live and what kind of driving you do. You can ask your mechanic, but it's also helpful to understand the basics.
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All-season tires are the most common type of tire and a good fit for most drivers. If you think of yourself as needing “normal" tires, all-seasons are a great option. Note that your all-season tires will still need to fit your specific vehicle. For example, if you have a pickup truck, you need all-season truck tires designed for towing and hauling heavier loads.
Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are great for driving in snowy climates. Snow tires have sipes, meaning a type of tread with lots of slits. These provide great grip and handling on snow and ice. If you live in a very snowy climate or spend lots of time in ski towns, you'll want to consider winter tires during the snowy season.
Performance tires deliver extra grip to sporty, high-speed vehicles. These tires can be used for daily driving, but they're designed to deliver great handling to vehicles with lots of horsepower. While performance all-season tires are a great option, performance tires generally don't do well in snow.
Not to be confused with all-season tires, all-terrain tires are for vehicles that are occasionally used off-road as well as on paved roads and highways. They're made from stiff rubber, which can stand up to rocks, dirt and debris, but isn't great in snow. Mud tires are a type of all-terrain tire.
Off-road tires are super durable and designed for vehicles that go four-wheel driving regularly. They're hearty, but they're typically loud on the road and don't offer a particularly smooth or comfortable ride.
Run-flat tires can maintain their shape even if they lose air because of a puncture. This can give you time to find a shop to repair the tire and help you avoid dangerous situations, such as changing a tire on the side of the highway. Run-flat tires are often standard on electric vehicles, since these vehicles typically don't have a spare tire.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has rated thousands of tire lines used on passenger cars, minivans, SUVs and light pickup trucks. Their lookup tool helps you compare the following performance factors by brand and tire line:
A tire's speed rating (see chart below) is an indication of how well it will perform at a particular test speed.
P - Up to 93 mph
Q - Up to 100 mph
R - Up to 106 mph
S - Up to 112 mph
T - Up to 118 mph
U - Up to 124 mph
H - Up to 130 mph
V - Up to 149 mph
W - Up to 168 mph
Y - Up to 186 mph
Z – 149 mph and over
The higher the speed rating, the better the handling will be. Generally, high-performance cars use H (130 mph) or V (149 mph) ratings, while passenger vehicles use S (112 mph) and T (118 mph) ratings.
A: For best performance, you should have four of the same type of tire on your car at a given time. However, you can switch between multiple sets of tires, such as winter tires for snowy months and performance tires for months with little snow.
A: A rule of thumb is that tires should be replaced every six years. However, you may need to replace tires before that. Check your tire tread quarterly to ensure your tires are still safe.
A: You can replace just two tires if you have front- or rear-wheel drive and the tires aren't too worn. However, if you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll need to replace all tires at the same time.
A: Yes, you should get an alignment when you get new tires. This helps ensure the tires hit the road at the correct angle, increasing the tires' lifespan and your fuel efficiency.
A: A road hazard warranty covers damage—including tire damage—from debris in the road. If you're considering one, compare the price of the warranty to the cost of getting four new tires if you were to pop one.
Tires are the lifeline for your car, so choosing the right set is important. Consider your driving habits and choose tires that will provide the performance, comfort and peace of mind you need. The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for car repairs promptly, keeping you on the road and where you need to be. Learn more and apply now.
Kelly Burch is a freelance writer with more than a decade of experience writing about automotive and finance topics. Her work has appeared in national and international newspapers and magazines, and she's created messaging for well-known brands including CarMax, Trivago and Synchrony. When she's not behind the desk, Kelly can be found in the mountains and lakes that surround her New Hampshire home.