| If you have bought a new vehicle and come to the | | | | Actual performance of the tire can differ significantly |
| point where you need to replace the wheels and tires, | | | | depending on situations, but the tire's UTQG tread life |
| there are quite a few ways to precede further. How | | | | number can help you get an idea of how long a tire will |
| to select them with some ground-floor facts when it | | | | truly last. A low-profile tire such as a 50 or a 40-series |
| comes time to make a replacement tire purchase or a | | | | looks great, but can be harsh over bumps or potholes |
| wheel-and-tire upgrade? | | | | when compared to a 55 or 60. Lower profile tires also |
| Here is a list of what you should think about before | | | | have stiffer sidewalls, which improves handling but |
| choosing the tire to buy for your wheels and of course | | | | damage ride quality. Some tread designs are noisier |
| this information also applies when you are doing a | | | | than others and it varies significantly between tire |
| wheel upgrade as well. | | | | brands and tread designs. A good salesperson will be |
| Speed ratings signify the safe top speed of a tire | | | | able to tell you which tires are quieter among those in |
| under perfect conditions. The part of what you're | | | | road noise. Balancing is a must anytime tires are |
| paying for the speed rating is something you will never | | | | mounted on wheels. |
| use. Be alert that tires with higher speed ratings are | | | | One of the two main reasons the majority people |
| more often than not made from a softer rubber | | | | consider a wheel change is just for looks. Plus sizing |
| compound and generally will have shorter UTQG | | | | your wheels and tires is the most excellent way to |
| (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) tread life ratings and will | | | | improve both the performance and appearance of |
| not truly last as long in the real world. If you live in | | | | your vehicle. Besides plus sizing the benefits of a |
| Oregon or Washington you will want to look more | | | | good-quality alloy wheel are numerous. Either way you |
| closely at a capable wet-weather tire than if you are in | | | | end up with reduced weight compared to steel wheels. |
| Nevada or Arizona. The U.S. Department of | | | | This is a factor affecting a vehicle's road holding ability. |
| Transportation requires every manufacturer to grade | | | | The added strength of a quality alloy wheel can also |
| its tires under the UTQG labeling system and set up | | | | decrease tire deflection in cornering. Your life depends |
| ratings for tread wear, traction and temperature | | | | on a few square inches of rubber when you drive |
| resistance. | | | | your car or truck. |