Tires: How to choose them and how long they will last.
Jul 01 '00
When it's time to purchase new tires for your vehicle there is a long list to choose from. The market today features hundreds of brands of tires who make hundreds of different types of tires. The possibilities are endless so when heading off to the local tire shop to purchase your new tires you need to know exactly what your looking for. It's really very easy.
First you need to know what type of terrain that you will be driving on about 75% of the time. From there it's simple:
If you will be driving on 75% paved roads and highways and 25% off-road:
When you drive on highway most of the time your vehicle deserves a smooth road tire or possibly a street tire. You want a tire that gives crisp handling and increased ride quality. A street tire handles curves well and sharp turns easily. You might want a more wider tire than normal if you do most of your traveling on the street as well. A tire that is preferred for rain is a good tire for driving on the street. These tires feature grooves that run all the way around the tire that allows for perfect traction when driving in the rain. All of these tires carry a very small amount of road noise for a smooth, quite ride.
Recommended by Epinions User:
BF Goodrich Touring T/A TR4
Pirelli P400 Touring
Goodyear Eagle GT+4
If you will be driving on 50% paved roads and highways and 50% off-road:
When you are on the highway as much as you are off the highway then I would recommend an all-terrain tire. These tires feature an aggressive tread but not aggressive enough to cause a bunch of road noise and a bumpy ride. These tires are usually very long lasting and won't wear down as much as a street tire will. They sometimes feature a larger ply than a street tire and may not be as wide. These tires are great for winter terrain and for water and mud. They have great traction on all surfaces of land.
Recommended by Epinions User:
BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A
Goodyear Wrangler AT
Firestone Wilderness AT
If you will be driving on 25% paved roads and highways and 75% off-road:
This criteria deserves an off-roading tire. This is a tire that features a highly aggressive tread and a large ply rating. These tires work great in mud, rocks, sand, and all other off-road terrain. They may wear a little quicker if used for mostly highway use, but use on the trail makes them last for years. These tires are used by 4 wheel drive enthusiasts that want tons of traction on slick rock and hard terrain.
Recommended by Epinions User:
BF Goodrich Moab Edition MT
BF Goodrich Mud Terrain
Goodyear Wrangler MT
Second you need to know what size of tire to use. Most off-roaders want a taller and wider tire for more of a "paddler" and for more ground clearance when driving on the trail. A tire with a diameter from anywhere
around 33" to 44" are acceptable for this type of driving. Forty four inches is a little extreme though.
Most street tires are in the area of 28" to 30" and may be thinner or wider depending on what the driver wants. It really doesn't matter though.
Get the tire size off of your old tires before you head off to the store to buy new ones. This is an essential. Some tires these days can be guaranteed for the life of your car and you won't ever have to buy new ones. If your like me and drive really fast then tires will last you about a year. Otherwise most tires with normal driving will last from anywhere in five to ten years. Happy driving and happy buying
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