Tire Basics

Some General Info Before You Start Shopping:

Performance Ratings or 'Speed' Ratings: determined by the tire's maximum sustainable speed

Performance Ratings
M -- up to 81 mph, (130km/h) N -- up to 87 mph, (140km/h) P -- up to 93 mph, (150km/h) Q -- up to 99 mph, (160km/h) R -- up to 106 mph, (170km/h) S -- up to 112 mph, (180km/h) T -- up to 118 mph, (190km/h)	U -- up to 124 mph, (200km/h) H -- up to 130 mph, (210km/h) V (VR) -- up to 149 mph, (240km/h) W (ZR) -- up to 168 mph, (270km/h) Y (ZR) -- up to 186 mph, (300km/h) Z -- for cars speed rated 149 mph and over, (240km/h)

S and T are the long-time standard tire for mini-vans and passenger cars.
H, V, and Z are high performance and ultra high performance tires.
H rated tires are starting to be standard on many cars.

BMW, Volkswagon, GM, and Chrysler use high-performance Goodyear Eagle as their standard tire.

How Much Performance Do You Want?

Standard Tires (S and T rated)

High and Ultra High Performance Tires

You don't need to own a high-performance tire, if it doesn't suit your needs. T and S rated tires are significantly cheaper, have a longer tread life and warranty, and a better quality ride.

Now that you understand speed rating, there are still a few more things to consider...

When Will The Tires Be Used?

All-Season Tires
The best for most people.

Overall good traction.

Long treadwear (Between 40,000 to 100,000 miles).

Comfortable ride.

Not the most precise handling.

Sizes range from 13-16 inches.

S and T performance ratings available.

Summer Tires
Some of the best performing tires around.

Cannot be used in winter conditions.

Snow Tires
Also known as Winter Tires.

Not recommended for "non-winter" conditions.

But, I Want It All

All Season Performance Tires
Best for those who want better handling and grip.

While still getting good treadwear and comfort.

Treadwear is 40,000-70,000 miles.

Wheel sizes from 15-17 inches.

H and V performance ratings.

Max Performance Summer Tires
For those who want the best wet and dry braking and handling and short treadlife.

Summer versions are the fastest but cannot be used in winter conditions.

Willing to forgo a warranty entirely.

Wheel sizes range from 16-20 inches.

Performance Winter Tires
Performance snow tires are available for more responsive snow tire.

Almost all performance winter tires are H-rated but a few V-rated are available.

Winter performance tires come in sizes up to 18-inch wheel diameters, cross section widths up to 285 mm, and profiles as low as 40 series.

Something Entirely Different

Self Sealing Tires

Self Supporting Tires

Tire Size

Make sure to match new tire specifications to those of your existing tire.
You'll need a tire that fits your existing wheels and has the same or greater load rating for your vehicle.
Be cautious when considering the latest trend, "plus-size" tires and wheels, which means larger sized wheels and shorter, wider tires than car really requires.
You can find out what size tires are right for your vehicle by consulting your owner's manual.
You can also look at your current tires for a sizing reference:

The ratio is the width in mm over the percentage of that width that makes up the profile (distance between rim and outer edge), so a tire with a size of 215/60 16 is 215mm wide, 129mm (60% of 215) from the ground to the rim, and is intended for a 16-inch wheel.

When Will The Tires Be Used?
All-Season Tires The best for most people. Overall good traction. Long treadwear (Between 40,000 to 100,000 miles). Comfortable ride. Not the most precise handling. Sizes range from 13-16 inches. S and T performance ratings available.	Summer Tires Some of the best performing tires around. Cannot be used in winter conditions.	Snow Tires Also known as Winter Tires. Not recommended for "non-winter" conditions.