Your tires are one of the most important parts of your car. If they are underinflated or over-inflated, lacking tread, or not the right size for your car, you not only deal with poor performance but could also be risking your safety.

Understanding how to choose the right tires for your car is an essential tool for vehicle ownership.

The Different Types of Tires

There is a wide range of tire options for your new Buick or GMC for sale. The most common type of tires that will come with your car are all-season tires. These tires provide a general purpose in that they can be used all year long. A subset of all-season tires is all-weather tires, which tend to perform better if you need to drive on ice or snow in the winter, but they also offer the right amount of traction during warmer months.

Another common type of tire is all-terrain tires. Typically, these are used on trucks or SUVs that do some of their driving off the paved roads. They have squared-off sidewalls and bigger treads to help them grip snow, mud, and anything else they come across when they're being used off-road.

Finally, you can purchase snow tires for your vehicle. These tires have more tread than all-season tires to provide a better grip in stop-and-go traffic during the winter. They also make it easier to take sharp turns in the snow, which is essential if you live in a rural area that has a lot of curvy roads. Keep in mind that if you use snow tires, you need to change all four of your tires to ensure safety.

Tire Sizing

Your car's owner's manual will tell you what size tires you need for it. You may also find a placard in the door jamb on the driver's side that provides this information. The first part of the label indicates the tire's width and diameter.

The second part is the load index. The load index is a number that determines how much weight your tires can support. You should always purchase tires with the right measurements, but you can be more flexible when it comes to the speed rating and load index. If you aren't sure which size tires to purchase, it's always a good idea to ask a professional for help.

Run-Flat Tires

You never know when and how you'll end up with a flat tire, which is why many manufacturers outfit their vehicles with run-flat tires. These tires are designed to drive for short distances even if they have a puncture, which makes it easier for you to get to an auto body shop, gas station, or home.

This is because changing your tire somewhere other than the side of the road is always safer for you as well as for other drivers. You do have the option of replacing your tires with traditional ones and carrying a spare with you, but some cars that come with run-flats don't even provide a space for you to carry a flat tire, so be sure to check your car's options first.

Choose the Right Tires for Your Car

Choosing the right tires for your vehicle is essential for your safety and the safety of others who are on the road with you. Always take your car to a professional to ensure it is fitted with the right type of tires and that they are professionally installed.