Replace or Upgrade Your All-Season Tires
All-season tires provide optimal performance in wet and dry conditions. Installing a well-made set of tires can improve your vehicles efficiency in a wide range of environments and terrains. Here are few tips to consider when perusing new all-season tires on eBay.
What is the load index and why is it important?
Load index is an industry-wide number corresponding to the amount of weight in pounds that a given tire can support and still function optimally. Generally, weight-bearing indexes go hand-in-hand with speed indexes, a letter denoting the speed rating, or the top speed at which a tire is certified. Speed rating doesnt denote a tires maximum performance capability. Knowing the indexes of your current tires helps you choose the right replacement. Its advisable to use tires whose indexes are equal to or greater than your manufacturers recommendations. Indexes go from 0 to 150 in single-digit increments. Each index denotes its own load in pounds. The corresponding poundage goes from 99 to 7385 lbs. The poundage increments vary from two to five pounds between each index.
How do you read the speed index?
Each letter in the speed index indicates maximum speed capability and common applications. The letters span "H" to "Z," although "Z" is not nearly as common as the letters before it. Consult a speed rating chart for a complete speed index. To find your current tires indexes, consult your tire sidewall or your owners manual. Here are some ratings to give you an idea:
- L: 75 miles per hour (mph)
- P: 93 mph
- R: 106 mph
- W: 168 mph
- Z: Speeds more than 149 mph
Are mud, all-terrain, and all-season tires the same?
Both mud and all-terrain tires share characteristics with all-season tires, namely the size of the tread. The tread must be substantial enough to create sufficient traction and grip for safety and stability in wet and inclement conditions, such as snow. At the same time, a tread whose size is too great can create too much traction and grip, compromising your trucks total fuel efficiency. Consult your tire sidewall or owners manual and, when in doubt, go with all-season tires to ensure your truck or car remains safe and efficient on roads that are wet, muddy, or covered with snow.
Should you get the same brand tires each time?
Youre welcome to do so, but you dont have to. Providing you adhere to your manufacturers info on your tire sidewall or in your owners manual, you can go with any brand you choose. Brand types include original equipment manufacturer (OEM), aftermarket, and private label. The tires come with your truck from the factory are an example of OEM. Aftermarket and private label include:
- Bridgestone
- Firestone
- BF Goodrich
- Goodyear
- Michelin