Which Winter Tire Is Right for Me?

Our vehicle’s tires are something that we don’t often think about, but when you find out yours need replacing, you then realize that there’s a lot to consider when shopping for new tires.

You probably never realized that tires come in so many sizes, types, and brands. There are literally hundreds of tires to choose from, so how do you know which tire is right for you and your vehicle?

We’ve compiled a list of questions to answer when shopping for new winter tires:

1. What is my tire size?

Look at the side of your tires and you will see a number that will be something like P225/40R18. This is your tire size. In this example, P225/40R18 means that your tires are 225mm wide. It also means that they have a 40% aspect ratio, which is the ratio between the top of the tire (sidewall height) and the width of the tread (section width). This tire size also indicates that your wheel diameter is 18 inches. It’s important that you are looking at the tire size on your current winter tires, especially if you are going to mount the new tires on the same rims. Your all-season tires might not be the exact same size as your winter tires, so make sure that you are reading the size on the ones that you are replacing.

2. What type of vehicle do I have?

Every vehicle, even different models of the same vehicle, will have a different tire size, so make sure to let your service advisor know the make, model, and trim of your vehicle. The best thing to give them is your VIN, so they can ensure that you are getting the right tires for your vehicle.

3. What type of roads do I drive on?

The type of tire that you need could depend on the type of driving you do. Tires are designed with special features that make them better for city driving, highway driving, off-road driving, or winter driving, so make sure to let your service advisor know where you drive most often.

4. Do I need winter wheels?

If you currently only have one set of wheels that you use for both your all-season and winter tires, then consider buying a set of winter wheels. This will save you money on tire changeovers and keep your original wheels in great shape. Make sure to find out the bolt pattern for your vehicle so that the correct wheels are installed.

5. What is my budget?

The old saying goes that you get what you pay for, so when it comes to purchasing winter tires, we recommend buying the best ones you can afford. High quality winter tires will give you better traction, provide you with greater stopping distance, and last longer than cheaper quality tires.

If you need advice on which winter tires to purchase for your vehicle, visit your local Signature Tire location, and our service advisors will be happy to find you the perfect ones for your needs.

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest Signature Tire dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.

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