Top 5 Questions to Ask When Buying Tires

What this blog covers:

  • Tips on what to ask when searching for tires
  • Advice on what to keep in mind when considering tire options
  • Insight into different types of warranty terms

What are the most important questions to ask prior to making a tire purchase?

Whether you’re searching for tires online or prefer to chat with a salesperson at a brick-and-mortar store, there are a few pivotal questions to keep in mind beyond making sure they have the correct tire size. Below are a few “must-haves” and then some other questions or considerations you may not have thought of when preparing for your next set of tires. Under certain circumstances, you may get a flat and have to get a tire replaced with whichever tire is in stock that happens to be the correct size. But even then you may have a couple of options to choose from, so keeping a record of these five questions should help guide you to the right choice for your driving needs and vehicle.

What tire size does my vehicle need?

It goes without saying the right tire size is a non-negotiable, but knowing your tire size in advance is helpful (you can find this on the sidewall) and will help you narrow down online searches. You may have a certain tire in mind but if the local dealer can’t get it in your size, or it’s going to take too long to order it in, you may need to pivot to another style. Two other important aspects are the load index and speed rating. A tire load index is a number that indicates the maximum weight a tire can safely carry when properly inflated and the speed rating tells you what the maximum speed is to travel at. These are also found on the sidewall. E.g. A tire speed rating with a letter H indicates the maximum speed a tire should drive is 130mph. If you have specific cargo requirements, this is especially important to check out.

What type of tire is best for how I drive?

If you consistently travel on the same kinds of roads, this should be an easy conversation. If you’re planning some off-roading or driving in snowy conditions, or planning to go cross country and not sure what the weather will be like, be sure to mention this to the salesperson. They might be able to recommend newer, more versatile options that have improved features. For instance, certain all weather tires are similar to all season tires, in that they have good tread life and low rolling resistance, but they also include a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Rated (3PMSF) rating, making them great options for less predictable weather conditions.

How long should these tires last?

If value for money is more important than performance, ask for the tires that will last the longest. Typically if you want tires to last longer, you may have to compromise on certain performance features because these use more tread in order to execute the better performance. But if you’re prioritizing higher traction and superior performance features and still want to make sure they have the longest tire life possible, ask about how to maximize their tire life. With proper maintenance like proper inflation, regular rotation, and correct alignment, you can help tires wear more evenly and last longer. Also ask about treadwear/mileage warranty, expected service life, and factors that can affect longevity.

How much do the tires really cost?

Before committing to a set of tires, ask if there are any specials coming up. If your tire purchase isn’t urgent, you may be able to hold off for another week or two if there’s a future promotion. Also be sure to ask for the all-in cost which compares the total installed price, including mounting, balancing, installation, disposal fees, taxes, and any applicable warranties. And keep in mind that tires are a five-year investment (on average) so spending an extra $15 on each tire might be a better idea than getting the cheapest deal if it means they will be safer, perform better, and have better warranty terms.

What warranty and protection are included?

Be sure to ask specific questions about warranties and who to contact should something go wrong with the tire. Certain warranties require you to go directly to the manufacturer and not through the tire store and they range widely in what they cover. Read more about warranties here and compare the quality of a warranty before making a purchase. Some have generous 60K mileage warranties that also include road hazard coverage. If two different brands have a similar price point and features, it might be worth choosing the ones with the better warranty.

Conclusion

While you may have a certain brand or features in mind when purchasing tires, asking these questions when doing an online or in person search will help eliminate some of the less desirable options and also make you aware of styles that you may not have thought of. Tire manufacturers are constantly releasing unique combinations of features in less traditional categories so be sure to be open minded when looking for your next set of tires.

*The content of this article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It reflects the author’s research and opinion based on publicly available sources and industry reporting. Brand names, tire “tiers,” and performance characteristics are presented as general observations and may vary by specific product, model, region, or seller. Readers should independently verify all information before purchasing tires or making business decisions. The author and publisher are not responsible for any damage, loss, or liability arising from the use of the information provided.*

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