Choosing the right tires for your truck can be overwhelming. There are so many choices; it can be difficult to know where to start. The easy answer is to look at your current tires. Write down the size and type of your current tires and check your manual to be sure they are the same size and type that originally came with your truck. Try to stick with what originally came on the truck. Next, check tire ratings for things such as handling capabilities, braking, and hydroplane resistance. These aspects can help you to avoid accidents. After you have narrowed your search down to a few choices, think about what other aspects are important to you and what you must have for your truck.
Do you live or travel to areas with ice and snow? If this is the case, be sure to look for highly rated tires for good snow and ice traction. This can be instrumental in avoiding accidents and keeping your truck in good condition.
Another aspect to consider is tread life. Many tires last somewhere between 40,000 and 75,000 miles. If you want your tires to last toward the higher end, you need to be willing to pay a higher price as well. Most ratings indicate that when you spend more on your tires, you get higher quality. However, if you are not planning on owning the truck for much longer, the lower end tires might be just fine.
Once you’ve chosen your tires, the most important step to helping your tires last longer is to keep them inflated to the suggested pressure. This is vital not only to the longevity of the tire, but for safety purposes. Tires will wear faster and heat up quicker if they are underinflated.
When deciding you need new tires for your truck, be sure to do your homework and know what tires were originally on your truck and what aspects are important to you. This can make choosing the right tire an easier and more enjoyable task.