There are four parts of your car that

control traction, speed, and control, and over-all ride quality. What

are they? Your tires. You already know that having tires with worn treads,

or not enough air, is a detriment to your driving, if not a danger to

yourself and others on the road with you, but did you also realize tires

(and wheels) are a fashion statement as well? Why else would vintage

car owners be so proud of their wire rims? Why else would wheel/tire

upgrades be part of most premium trim levels on new cars?

Once you’ve decided, that you, too,

want to change the tires and wheels on your car from the original models

to something new and different, here are some things to know, that may

help you choose the right style for your vehicle:

Those Letters on the Side Mean Something

The first step in choosing a new set

of tires is to crack the tire code, you know, those numbers and letters

you see on the sides of your tires. Typically the sequence will look

something like this:

P195/60R16 63H M+S

Broken down, the individual numbers

and letters represent:

• Type of tire. P for PassengerCar or LT for Light Truck. LT tires are designed
• to carryhigher loads(more weight), and are usually found on full-sized SUVs
• and pickup trucks,although if you check the owner’s manual for such
• vehicles, it maystate that Passenger car tires are fine.

   

• Width of the tire acrossthe tread, in this case 195 millimeters.

   

• Aspect ratio of the sidewallto the width (60)

   

• Type of construction (R-Radial)

   

• Diameter of the rim, inthis case 16 inches

   

• The next number (63) representsthe tire’s load rating. This is the load capacity of a single tire.

   

• The next letter (H) representsthe speed rating, from 99 to 186 MPH, with
• T meaning 118 MPH and H meaning130 MPH, which involves the tires
• ability to dissipate heat (more heat= faster breakdown of tire). These two
• numbers are recommended for peoplewho do a lot of highway driving,
• but if you’re a senior citizen orteenager, and all your driving is within
• cities at relatively low speeds,a type S tire (112 MPH) would probably
• work for you.

   

• And the final letter orletters (M+S) means the tire is designed for
• all-season driving.

   

Why are these numbers important?

Because the tires you choose must fit the way you drive, as well as the specifications

for your car. If the original tires have a load rating of 63, any new

tires you purchase should have an equal or greater load rating.

As well, it’s important to consider

where you live. If you live in a place like California or Texas where

the weather is fairly warm all year, with only occasional moments of

actual “winter,” and all-season tire will work well for you, but

if you live in the mid-west or northeast, where winter involves many

months of snow, ice, and slush, you’ll want to get winter tires, at

least for that season. It’s also good to know that new tires have

better snow traction and wet traction, while older, worn tires have

better dry traction, so if you do live in a place where winter means

rain and snow, make sure you purchase your new tires in the fall.

How Do You Drive?

Now that you know how to read the

tire code, consider your own driving habits, as these will inform the

best choice of tires for your car. Specifically, consider the following:

• The size and type of tirerecommended by your owner’s manual, always the best guide.

   

• Your needs: What kind ofdriving will you be doing? Long jaunts on highways or mostly in town?What about dirt roads?

   

• Your preferences: Do youlike a firm ride, a soft ride, or something in-between?

   

• Your vehicle’s needs:Be sure you purchase tires that meet the load-bearing
• demands of yourvehicle, but don’t over-buy. All-season tires will probably
• be perfectlysufficient, even if a touring tire is being pushed at you. Getting
• thewrong tires could lead to unnecessary wear-and-tear and maybe even to
• an accident later on. Ultimately, the right tires may help to save money on
• car insurance along with other unseen benefits.

   

• The style factor: If ahot look is your goal, you may be thinking about
• plus-sizing – that’swhen you mount larger-than-spec wheels and tires
• on a car or truck (it’sespecially popular on mini-pickups), to make
• them look different, butit can also improve cornering responses and
• increase traction. The down-sideis that plus-sizing can mean a harsher
• ride, and there is often lessdurability. If you do opt to plus-size, only
• choose tires and wheelsthat are approved for use on the vehicle you
• drive, have the same (orgreater) load rating as the original tires, and
• are within 3% (in eitherdirection) of the original tire diameter.

   

Is Fuel Economy a Factor?

While fuel economy should never be

the only basis for choosing your new tires, it is a valid point to consider,

especially since, according to a spokesperson from Bridgestone Firestone

North America, there may be a “15-20 percent difference” in fuel

economy depending on which tires you choose. What tires are best for

increasing fuel economy? Usually OEM tires will give the best results,

but only if they’re properly inflated and in good condition.

Where to Buy

The last piece of the tire purchasing

puzzle is where to buy them. You can go back to the car dealer, where they will

offer replacement OEM tires for roughly twice the price you would pay at

, were you will find a blend of better-than-dealership

prices and better-than-discount-shop service, and the people working in

them are generally pretty savvy about tires in general, and can answer

questions, as well as mount and balance the tires you select.

When it comes to tires, think of it

this way: your tires are like your car’s shoes. You wouldn’t play

golf in wingtips, or hike in roller-blades, and tire choices can be

just as specific. Ultimately, you should balance performance, preference

and the price you’re willing to pay.