Which Tires Are Right for My Car?

Valerie Raskovic

Feb 25, 2025

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Choosing the right tires for your car is important as it will directly affect the vehicles handling, safety, longevity and performance. While the tire size remains one of the primary considerations, it is only one of many important factors. In order to outfit your vehicle with the tires that best suits the year, make and model of the vehicle as well as the weather conditions in which it will be operated, it is vital to understand the various markings and information on a tire. Knowing and understanding tire ratings and thresholds can help you make an informed decision.

We highly advise against buying preowned tires simply because each and every tire has an expiration date and we feel strongly that used tires present a whole slew of potential issues including a limited life as well as potential safety risks.

Understanding Tire Markings

The first thing we must review before making our purchasing decision is all of the tire size and rating information typically indented on the sidewalls of most modern tires. These markings provide critical information about the tire's specifications and capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of what each part means:

1. Tire Size (e.g. P215/65R15 95H)

• • P: This letter indicates the tire is for a passenger vehicle. Other common codes include "LT" for light truck and "T" for temporary spare.
  • 215: This number represents the tire's width in millimeters. A wider tire can provide better traction but may increase rolling resistance. We highly suggest that you select the tire size as designated on the vehicle information plaque typically available in the door jamb of most cars. The vehicle wheel size information may also be available in the vehicles owner’s manual.
  • 65: This is the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire's height to its width. A lower aspect ratio (e.g. 50) means a shorter sidewall, which can improve handling but may result in a harsher ride. Just as with the tire width it is best to stick with the aspect ratio as designated by the manufacturer for your specific vehicles.
  • R: This letter indicates the tire's construction, with "R" standing for radial. Radial tires are the most common type and offer better fuel efficiency and handling.
  • 15: This number represents the wheel diameter in inches. It’s crucial to match this with your car’s wheel size.
  • 95: This is the load index which indicates the maximum weight the tire can support. Higher load indicates how much weight a tire can handle.
  • H: This is the speed rating, which indicates the maximum speed the tire can safely handle. Common ratings include S (112 mph), T (118 mph), H (130 mph), V (149 mph) and Z (exceeding the 149 mph rating). In some cases, this letter may be placed in front of the “R” such as “Z” it will indicate a high-performance use with a higher top speed.

2. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature Ratings

• • Treadwear: This is a numerical rating that indicates the tire's expected life and may range from 100 to 1000. Higher numbers mean the tire is expected to last longer. This may be a bit tricky to understand because naturally people may gravitate towards tires with higher tread wear numbers such as 800 however, there is an important trade off that occurs when picking low or high treadwear numbers as the higher the number is the harder the rubber compound of the tire is. This is important because choosing a treadwear should depend on the type of vehicle as well as the conditions it is being used for. For example, when choosing a tire for a high performance vehicle being driven spiritedly on dry or wet surfaces a stickier lower treadwear number tire such as 400 may be ideal as it will provide additional grip in cornering. Just keep in mind lower treadwear sticky tires come at the cost of the overall life and typically do not last as long as the higher treadwear tires. 
  • Traction: This rating (AA, A, B, C) indicates the tire's ability to stop on wet surfaces. AA is the best. This rating should not be confused with actual Treadwear, they are only an indication of how well the tire is able to displace water. AA is the highest traction rating available.
  • Temperature: This rating (A, B, C) indicates the tire's ability to resist heat. A is the best. This is important to note in high-speed driving or in high temperature climates.

3. Additional Markings

• • M+S: Indicates that the tire is suitable for mud and snow.
  • DOT Code: This is a Department of Transportation code that provides information about the tire’s manufacturer, plant and production date. The last four digits of the DOT code indicate the week and year the tire was made (e.g. 4522 means the 45th week of 2022). This is very important to understand as tire compounds and materials can break down over time even if they are not in use. Elements such as heat, humidity, oxidation effect the tires elasticity, structure and performance. Most modern tires have a life of 6 years. According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations) drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a car crash if the vehicle they are operating have old or worn tires.

Why Avoid Used Tires

While used tires might seem cost-effective, they come with significant risks:

1. Lifespan and Dry Rot: Tires have a limited lifespan, even when not in use. Over time, the rubber can degrade, leading to dry rot. Dry rot weakens the tire, making it more susceptible to blowouts and other failures.
2. Harder Installation: As tires dry over time, they may lose some of their elasticity and may be more difficult to install, especially if they have been stored improperly. This can lead to additional costs and potential damage to the tire or rim.
3. Unknown History: Used tires may have been subjected to harsh conditions, such as overinflation, underinflation, or excessive wear. These tires may also have patches that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. These issues can compromise the tire's balance, integrity and safety.
4. Warranty Issues: Most tire manufacturers do not honor warranties on used tires leaving you without protection if the tire fails.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tires for your car involves more than just matching the size. Understanding the various markings and specifications can help you select tires that meet your vehicle’s needs and provide the best performance and safety. Always opt for new tires