Tire Ratings

What can you learn from auto tire ratings?

When you are looking to replace your current car tires, your two most pressing concerns will be the tire’s safety profile and performance. When you look at tire ratings or tire reviews, you can get a very good idea of what tires would work best for your vehicle and driving conditions. There are many vehicles out there and even more tires to choose from, but knowing the review process for automobile tire ratings and truck tire ratings can help you make your decision when it comes time to shop for new tires.

Types of Tire Ratings

There are two types of tire ratings. They include:

  • Car tire ratings. Consumer Reports is well-known as a leader in the industry of auto tire ratings because they buy their own cars anonymously and test them as typical drivers. In addition to the typical car tests, the staff at Consumer Reports also tests the tires in extreme conditions at their testing facility in Connecticut. They test the tires to see how quickly they stop when braking, how they respond to the driver’s steering and how they react to different weather and road conditions. All of these factors are taken into account when Consumer Reports puts out their report on various tires.
  • Truck tire ratings. Consumer Reports offers the most unbiased reviews of truck tires and SUV tires in the industry. The criteria are often the same as they are for car tires. Tests include how the tires respond to braking, how they respond to the driver’s steering and how they react to different road and weather conditions. Additionally, the tires are tested and reviewed for the grip to the ground to prevent the SUV from flipping over.

As you can see, safety and performance is at the top of the list when companies are testing tires for cars and trucks. The best unbiased company for this information is Consumer Reports. There are other companies that test tire ratings, but they often borrow the car from the dealers – meaning their data may be skewed. Be sure to check multiple Internet sites and even local tire dealers to see how they review a specific tire you are looking to put on your vehicle.

Tire ratings are important because they let you know how your tires stack up. Make sure to check your tire ratings the next time you buy tires.