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Tires July 27, 2021

How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Car

Shopping for tires can get really overwhelming really fast. What tire size fits your car? What are the best tires on the market? What features do you need to stay safe on the road? How do you get the best value for your money?

We know it’s confusing to pick the right tires for your car—that’s why we have tire experts on call to help you decide! But before you pick up the phone, take a moment to think about these 5 factors.

How to pick the right tires for your car

Wondering How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Car? 5 Factors to Consider

1. What Tires Fit Your Car

Before you start shopping for tires, you need to figure out what type of tires fit your vehicle. Tires are not one-size-fits-all—different vehicle makes and models require different tires. And the required tire size can vary widely even within vehicle models depending on the trim package. Take a Toyota Corolla for example: Corollas can need up to 5 different-sized tires depending on which trim package they have.

A tire size is also much more than just a letter or number; it’s a string of letters and numbers representing everything from the physical dimensions of the tire to how much weight the tire can handle to how fast it can go.

If you’re not sure what tire size your car needs, there are a few ways to find out.

  • Check out your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended tire size.
  • Look at the sticker inside the driver-side door to find the recommended tire size.
  • Find the tire size on the sidewall of your current set of tires.
  • Call or drop by your local Virginia Tire & Auto to let one of our tire experts take a look.

Read: What Do the Numbers on My Tires Mean? How to Read Tire Size

2. What Tires You Currently Have

If you’re in the market to buy new tires, it’s important to first know what type and size are currently on your vehicle. Once you’ve figured that out, ask yourself a few questions to figure out if you need to make a change.

  • How long did your current tires last? Did they last as long as you expected them to?
  • Did you experience frequent issues requiring unexpected repairs?
  • Did you like their handling and performance?
  • Have your driving needs changed since your last tire purchase?

If you are happy with your current tires, shopping is easy: buy the same model you already have! But if you’re ready to mix it up, talk to us! The tire experts at Virginia Tire & Auto will help you evaluate the quality of your current tires and choose the best option for your next set.

Read: How to Tell if You Need New Tires

3. What Benefits Matter to You

Another thing to think about before investing in a new set of tires is what benefits are most important to you in a tire. There are 5 primary benefits to look for:

1. All-Season Dependability

Although most of the tires we sell are rated for all-season use, some of them go above and beyond to provide traction and versatility in all types of weather (including light snow) along with good wear and ride comfort.

2. Comfortable Ride

Are you tired of feeling every bump in the road? Does getting up to speed require turning up the radio volume? Look for tires proven to have a smooth, comfortable ride with little to no road noise.

3. Fuel Efficiency

Thanks to advancements in tire technology and design, many tires now are engineered to require less energy (i.e., fuel) to propel them forward.

4. Long Tread Life

All tires come with a Tread Life Warranty from the manufacturer. You can expect your tires to last as long or longer than the warranty mileage, helping you go the extra mile.

5. Sport Performance/Confident Handling

If you love to drive and feel the road beneath you, check out tires designed for high-performance vehicles or rated well for steering and braking response.

Figure out which benefit matters most to you will help make your decision easier when you start comparing tires.

4. Where You Drive

Do you frequent high-traffic areas like I-95 or I-66, or are you more likely to be cruising along open highway roads? Where and how you drive will affect which tires are right for your vehicle.

Tires respond well to sustained speeds on smooth surfaces like highways, while short, stop-and-go trips tend to wear on your tires more.

You also need to choose the right tires for your climate. In a seasonal climate like Virginia, we recommend that you buy a set of all-season tires to use year-round. Drivers living further south will want to look at all-season or summer tires. And drivers regularly dealing with freezing temperatures, ice, and snow should invest in a set of winter tires to use during colder months.

Read: Do I Need to Buy Winter Tires in Virginia?

5. How Many Miles You Drive Each Year

It’s important to consider your daily commute and travel habits when shopping for new tires. Those who rarely drive and just need to get from Point A to Point B will have different tire requirements than heavy commuters or cross-country travelers.

Northern Virginia commuters might not drive long distances every day or travel at high speeds, but they’re frequently stuck in stop-and-go traffic. In fact, the I-95 South corridor that runs through Prince William, Fairfax, and Stafford counties is one of the most congested traffic spots in the country. Averaging nearly four traffic jams a day, commuters who regularly navigate this crowded area will most likely see abnormal tire wear.

Ready for New Tires?

Within any given tire size, there are anywhere from 20–100 different tires to choose from ranging in capability and quality. Virginia Tire & Auto offers all major tire brands, guaranteeing that we have the tires your vehicle needs.

It’s our priority to make sure your vehicle is outfitted with the safest, most appropriate tires. Find your tires today using our online search tool or give us a call at 855.425.3677 to get a personalized recommendation from our tire experts.

 

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