TIRES – How to choose the right tire

Choose your tires with total confidence!

CHOOSING YOUR TIRES

Choosing the right type of tire for your vehicle is crucial for your safety and comfort on the road, no matter the season.

Automobile tire technology has improved considerably over the years. Improvements in construction, geometry and materials have significantly increased tire durability and efficiency for all types of vehicles. There are many things to consider when choosing your tires. In addition to its size, each tire has specific features.

Would you like some help to find the best tires for you? Contact us and one of our advisors will be happy to assist you!

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Below, you’ll find all the information you need on tire features and how to choose your tires.

When you look at a tire closely, you’ll notice that its main features are written on its sidewall. Information such as the speed code and the load capacity index are critical when choosing the tires that will perform just as well or better than your vehicle’s original tires. When you understand this information, you realize that not all tires are created equal!

In addition to the model and manufacturer names, each tire is identified by a coded sequence molded on its sidewall. For example, a tire with the designation “P215 / 65R15 89H” can be described as follows:

• P: It is specific to passenger cars.
• 215: Its width is 215 mm (about 8.5 in).
• 65: It has a 65% profile (the tire’s height equals 65% of its width).
• R: This is a radial tire. A “B” would indicate a belted diagonal carcass tire and a “D” (for diagonal), a diagonal carcass tire.
• 15: This tire is for 15-inch wheels.
• 89: It is the tire’s load capacity index. 89 is for 580.66 kg or 1,279 lb. This number, multiplied by four (2,322.64 kg or 5,116 lb), indicates the maximum total weight that your car, along with any load it may carry, can bear.
• H: It is the speed code, which indicates the maximum speed the tire allows. For example, code H is for 210 km/h, which is the norm for most passenger vehicles.

The tread’s wear index is also written on the tire. It indicates the tire’s rate of wear. For example, a tire with an index of 420 should last approximately 4.2 times longer than a tire with an index of 100. Obviously, the conditions under which the vehicle is used, and the type of driving may affect the rate of wear in different ways. This index should not be used to compare tires from different manufacturers.

The tire’s traction index indicates its braking capacity on a wet surface. This index is measured when braking in a straight line and does not qualify the tires’ grip in corners.

The temperature code indicates the tire’s resistance to heat: code “A” corresponds to the greatest resistance while code “C” represents the minimum level of resistance currently required for standard vehicles.

The tire’s manufacturing date is written on the inside edge of the tire, near the rim. The last four digits of the serial number (called DOT) indicate the week and year of manufacture: for example, 1107 means that the tire was manufactured in the eleventh week of the year 2007. Note that a tire’s lifespan is 6 to 7 years. We recommend that you check these numbers on all the tires you buy to make sure they are not too old. Tires begin to deteriorate after 6 years, even if they have never been installed on a vehicle.

The tire’s maximum pressure is printed on its sidewall as well. Make sure you never exceed it! Check your vehicle owner’s manual or look in the driver’s door for the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.

There are, of course, several tire brands. At Autotech Performance, we have a wide selection of top-quality tires from leading manufacturers. 

READY TO CHOOSE YOUR TIRES?