Buying tires online: find the best treads for your vehicle

How to know when to replace your tires

A good way to know when it’s time to change your tires is to use the penny test. Stick a penny in your tire’s middle tread. If Abe Lincoln’s head disappears in the tread, then your tires are still good. If the head is still poking up, then it’s probably time for you to get new tires. There’s no golden rule for when to replace your tires, because all tires are different. People also drive differently, and in different conditions, and some people also take better care of their tires and their vehicles. Also, different sizes and types of tires wear down at different rates. That’s why measuring your remaining tire tread is the best way to know when it’s time to go tire shopping.

Trust us, the last thing you want is for a tire to go while merging into freeway traffic or ascending a steep hill during rush-hour. Best to sort things like this out ahead of time lest it become a costly mistake.

There are many places to go to look for tires. The Internet is a great place to find bargains on tires that would cost more at the local tire shop. Many online tire vendors also allow comment sections where customers can write short reviews about different sets of tires. These tire reviews aren't always helpful, but often you can find tidbits of information that might help you choose between one set of tires and another.

Used tire vendors also make for good places to find deals on high-quality tires. Most used tires have barely been used, or they sustained minor damage but have been completely repaired. Structurally, there is rarely a difference between a quality used tire and a brand new tire. It's a lot like buying a new or quality used car; in many cases, the only difference between the two is that the new car costs a lot more money.

Start your tire search online

If you’re in the market for new tires, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve pulled information from all over the Internet to show you what to look for as you’re shopping for new tires. We’ll walk you through the steps for buying tires for your truck, SUV or sedan. There are certain things you’ll look for when shopping for any kind of tire, such as tire width and seasonal models to account for harsh weather conditions.

Finding suitable tires that come with a satisfactory sticker price has never been easier.

Best time to buy tires

You should replace your tires as soon as your treads fall below safe levels. Don’t put off replacing your tires until the middle of winter; instead, take care of it during the late summer or fall, before the weather has a chance to turn bad. Also, it's wise to buy new studded snow tires for next winter in spring. Sale prices are usually in effect and bargain hunters are always keeping an eye out.

If you have snow tires, remember to change them out with regular tires before winter fades into spring. Some states actually have (and enforce) laws against people who drive on dry roads with snow tires. That's because some snow tires can actually cause damage to dry pavement over time. Many people who have snow tires keep them on a separate set of wheels to make changing them out with regular tires extremely easy.

Are different tires really that different?

Shopping for new tires can seem overwhelming. Check out an online tire vendor or visit a tire store, and you'll find a vast assortment of rubbers of various sizes, widths and tread patterns. Ultimately, though, what are the noticable differences between all of these different tires? What will you notice -- or what won't you notice -- as you're driving down the street?

The answer to this question depends on the conditions you typically drive in, as well as the style of your driving. For example, drivers who follow the posted speed limits and live in areas with mild weather probably won't notice much of a difference between a set of all-season tires and a set of performance tires. On the other hand, someone in the same area who drives more aggressively is very likely to notice the improved handling provided by performance tires. Conversely, the improved grip on wet roads by all-season tires may be more notable in regions with lots of rain.

The difference between snow tires and non-snow tires is extremely noticeable in winter driving conditions; however, many people don't drive in places where conditions are bad enough to need snow tires. Similarly, the high-speed smoothness of performance tires is noticeable at speeds far beyond posted speed limits, but most people never drive that fast.

In the end, the subtle differences are more important than giant noticeable difference. All-season tires are great for most drivers. Performance tires are good for those who want a boost in handling. Winter tires are good for those who regularly drive in ice and snow. Different sizes and widths of tires allow you to buy your ideal rubbers for cars, trucks or SUVs.

One thing is certain: you'll definitely notice a difference when you replace an old set of tires with a new set of tires. You'll instantly notice improve handling and a smoother, quieter ride.

Understand your tire size