The safety, drivability, and performance of your vehicle relies on high-quality tires. These ensure the car can move and stop on demand while helping cushion impacts from ever-changing road conditions. If you're in the market for a new set, look for the traits below to help you make a reliable investment.

What Should You Prioritize When Shopping for Tires?

1. Get the Right Size

On the sidewall of every tire, you'll find a series of numbers and letters. This code tells you the width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter of the model. To ensure you find the right replacements, look in the vehicle's owners manual or sticker located inside the driver's side doorjamb for the recommended size. Matching your vehicle with this tire code will provide the best performance and protection, helping you avoid premature replacements in the future.

2. Consider Driving Needs

Different tires are match varying road conditions, so think about the location and conditions that you normally drive in. For example, all-season options work well in most temperate environments, but don't offer specialized traction. Alternatively, if you regularly travel off-road, you may need larger models to traverse rough terrain. Also, car and truck tires are not the same, and you never want to mix and match options that are not meant for your vehicle.

3. Check the Age

As you shop, look at the sidewalls of potential options to determine how old they are. At the end of the letter and number code, you will see four digits that indicate the week and year of manufacture. For instance, if the numbers are 3119, the tires were made in the thirty-first week of 2019. Age is crucial, as rubber naturally wears down and becomes less effective over time. Aim to find the newest possible set for maximum dependability.

When you need new tires, trust Mullanphy Tire & Automotive in Florissant, MO. For more than 30 years, they have been providing auto repairs and maintenance to drivers throughout the area. From brake service to oil changes and transmission work, they will help keep your vehicle working properly. Call (314) 921-4961 to schedule an appointment. Visit them online for more information about their services.