How do I choose the right tires for my car? 

No matter where you roam, whether that is only around Huntington Beach or all up and down the Pacific Coast, your vehicle will eventually need new tires. Why are there so many choices? Because it is the one wear-and-tear part where you are free to choose the replacement.

How can I tell what tire is right for my SUV or EV?

Open your driver’s door and look for a sticker mounted to the frame. The sticker tells you what size and type of tire is currently installed on the vehicle. The information should match your owner’s manual, which you can download from the manufacturer’s site or look in your glove box. Your manual will always have the most accurate information for a safe and proper match.

Copy the size information from the sticker and give it to your auto technician or enter it into a tire sales site to find a comparable new tire.

What do the tire numbers mean?

The information sticker and your tires should have the same numbers. Typically, it is a 9 or 10-digit code with a slash between the fourth and fifth digits.

• First Letter (if included): P stands for passenger and LT is light truck. HL is high load intended for electric vehicles.
• Next 3 Numbers: Indicates the width of the tire in millimeters.
• Two Digits After the Slash: This is the aspect ratio or height of the sidewall in millimeters.
• R or RF: How is the tire constructed? R refers to radial and RF is a run-flat.
• Last 2 Digits: This refers to the wheel size of the tire that will fit.

No matter what brand of tire you decide to buy, the numbers should still match the old ones.

Why does my hybrid or electric vehicle need specialized tires?

An energy-saver tire sounds like it will be more efficient, but the tires manufactured for electrified vehicles do more than optimize your fuel mileage. They are called High Load and are much sturdier because EVs and hybrids are heavier than gas-powered vehicles. The extra weight adds additional stress to the structure of your tires, so the tread compounds and interior fabric of the tires are beefed up to prevent failure while in motion.

Using a tire that is not rated for your electric vehicle is unsafe.

 Is there a difference between all-season and summer tires?

Summer tires have a softer tread compound compared to all-season versions. They give superior traction over dry pavement and are often mounted on performance sports cars or classic cars that will be driven only on fair days. Summer tires do not perform well in cold, wet, and icy weather.

All-season tires give you good control in a wide range of road conditions and are engineered to withstand sub-zero temperatures while still maintaining traction. Summer tires can be less expensive than all-season ones but also tend to wear out faster.

Should I use the same brand of tire that came with the car?

Many new cars are not sold with a particular brand of tire. The automakers look for a tire that matches the specs for size, durability, vehicle type, and advertised performance. Tires are often not included in the vehicle warranty. It’s one item where you can comparison-shop when replacing.

You can repurchase the exact tire, but you can find others that match or exceed the OEM specs. Just remember to check the owner’s manual for the minimum required specifications.

Shop for Tires with Confidence at Your Local Service Center

If buying new tires has you confused or intimidated by all the options, you can always visit one of our certified service centers on the Beach Boulevard of Cars. Our technicians will help you find a new set of shoes for your truck, SUV, or EV that matches the vehicle specs and your budget. Click or call to schedule an appointment today.