Tire Basics

Part of our series on tire codes, this post explains tire size, load index, and speed rating. Dive into our comprehensive guide to decode tire markings and ensure you’re well-informed for your next tire purchase.

All-season and all-weather tires both stay on your vehicle year-round, but all-weather tires are built for tougher winter conditions. All-season tires work well in mild winters and light snow, while all-weather tires use colder-weather rubber compounds and carry the 3PMS rating for stronger traction in snow and slush.

What are UTQGs? How do they help consumers know which tires to buy? This guide to UTQG ratings explains what they are, what they measure, how tires are rated, and how you can use the ratings to evaluate tires.

Tire tread does more than give your tires a distinctive look. It plays a major role in traction, braking, handling, and safety—especially in wet or slippery conditions. This guide explains what tire tread is, how different tread patterns work, and why tread depth matters when choosing or replacing tires.

What is a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)? This modern tire technology alerts drivers when tire pressure is low, helping to prevent accidents and improve fuel efficiency. Learn about the different types of TPMS.

Dry rotting in tires occurs due to age, lack of use, and harsh conditions, leading to dangerous cracks that compromise safety. Regularly inspecting your tires and understanding these causes can help prevent catastrophic failures, ensuring safer driving experiences. Don’t risk dry rot.

While A/T tires offer superior grip for off-road adventures, they can reduce fuel efficiency by about 3% compared to highway tires. However, advancements in tire technology mean you can enjoy versatile performance without sacrificing too much at the pump.

This guide explains the UTQG system, helping you understand how treadwear numbers reflect a tire’s durability and expected lifespan. Uniform Tire Quality Grading is an industry standard among manufacturers. Learn how it works.

Belted tires are the standard in modern automotive design, offering better stability, longer tread life, and improved handling. This guide breaks down what tire belts are made of, how they’re structured, and why construction methods like radial and bias-ply matter.

Are new tires louder? Is there a weird smell from new tires? Why do some tires have hairs? Learn what’s normal and what’s not so normal about new tires.

Mixing tire brands, sizes, or tread types can harm handling, safety, and vehicle components. See how mismatched tires affect FWD, AWD, and 4WD systems.

How to interpreting DOT tire codes. We help you decode where and when your tires were made, so you can make sure you aren’t buying outdated tires. This is part of our series on smart shopping tips for tire buyers.