Practical guide to choosing the right tires for your car

Are your vehicle’s tires showing signs of wear? So you’re thinking about changing them and wondering which tire is best for your car? Choosing the right tires for your car allows you to ensure safe, comfortable and optimal driving according to your needs and road conditions. Here is a short practical guide to help you choose the right tires for your vehicle.

Characteristics of the main types of tires

Before choosing the right tire for your vehicle, you need to know the different types of tires. Indeed, tires are classified into different categories according to their design, their use and the climatic conditions for which they are optimized. Here are the 3 main ones:

• All-season tires. They are designed to provide good grip on the road all year round, in moderate conditions. Versatile, they can handle mild temperatures, rain, and even light snow. However, they are not ideal for harsh winter conditions or sporty performance.
• Winter tires, also called snow tires, are made to cope with low temperatures, snow and ice. Their rubber remains flexible despite the cold, and their deep tread patterns provide better grip on slippery surfaces. They are identifiable by the mountain-shaped logo with a snowflake in the center.
• Performance tires. They are geared towards sports performance, offering excellent steering precision and maximum grip on dry roads. Often used for sports cars, they have a softer rubber and specific tread patterns. They wear more quickly and are less suitable for cold conditions.

How to choose the best tires for your car?

Choosing the right tires for your car requires considering several factors including:

• Weather conditions. In Quebec, to ensure excellent road holding in the sometimes extreme conditions during winter, you must by law equip your vehicle with winter tires between December 1 and March 15 at the earliest. In the spring, consider installing all-season tires, because winter tires in summer increase the risk of hydroplaning and braking distances.
• Vehicle type. If you have a large SUV or 4×4 or a light truck, you may need off-road tires to provide good traction on rough roads. For sports cars, performance tires provide increased grip and precision.
• Driving style. If you prefer sporty driving, opt for performance tires. On the other hand, for regular driving in the city or on the highway, all-season tires ensure comfort and durability.
• Your budget. The quality and type of tires influence the price. Investing in tires from the biggest brands on the market like Michelin, BFGoodrich and Uniroyal allows you to save money in terms of lifespan and fuel efficiency.

Are you hesitating between Michelin and BFGoodrich tires? You don’t know which tire is best for your vehicle? Make an appointment with the specialists at Pneus Groupe Unik. These professional mechanics will be able to advise you on finding the best tire for your car according to your needs.