Selecting the right tires for your light truck or SUV

If you are looking for new tires for your SUV or light truck, there are several factors to consider.  You have to begin by thinking about how you use your vehicle.  If you haul large loads, you will need to look for tires with the appropriate load rating.  The load ratings are included on the sidewall of your tires.

Tires are designed to support a specified amount of weight – this is defined as the maximum load. Since the tire’s carrying capacity can be affected by the inflation pressure utilized, maximum loads are determined with the tire inflated to the industry assigned inflation pressure.  Additionally, load ranges are used to distinguish between tires that share the same physical size, but differ in strength due to their material composition or fabrication process. “Higher” load ranges are used to identify tires that have a stronger internal construction, and therefore can hold more air pressure and carry more weight.

Each load range has a specified air pressure measured in pounds per square inch (psi) at which the tire’s maximum load is rated. The table below lists the air pressures at which maximum load is rated for common P-metric and LT tires:

It is important to note that some tires are designed to work for light trucks or SUVs, while others are designed to work better for one or the other.  Dunlop’s Radial Rover RT tire, which is designed for maximum traction, is an example of a tire that is specifically designed for light trucks.

If you don’t plan to haul loads with your light truck, but may encounter a lot of wet weather conditions or if traction is especially important, you might want to consider performance tires designed to meet these needs.  Uniroyal’s Laredo AWT II, for example, is a performance tire for light trucks.  It is designed for wet and dry conditions so it can perform well in a variety of climates.

If you drive a pickup truck, jeep, or SUV, tires such as the BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A can be used for a variety of vehicle types.  These all-terrain tires provide great traction, rugged looks, long treadlife, and a smooth, comfortable ride. These tires are an excellent replacement for the original equipment all-terrain tires.

SUV drivers might gravitate towards something like Michelin’s Cross Terrain SUV tire.  These all-season tires are engineered to provide a quiet, smooth ride while providing the driver with extra control in wet driving conditions.  It all depends on what you are looking for.  An SUV owner who likes a powerful ride might opt for a performance tire designed for maximum power while a driver who craves a sleek ride might choose a tire designed for comfort and smooth driving.

Is there a certain look you want for your vehicle?  Perhaps you want to match your tires with a custom rim that personalizes your vehicle and helps you achieve the style you are looking for.  If that is the case, you need to make sure your tires and your rims are compatible.

Whether you are looking for tires that will simply get you from Point A to Point B safely or you want a specific type of performance tires for your light truck or SUV, there are optimal tires for you.  You don’t have to do the research yourself, especially if you are new to buying tires or want assistance sorting out the various options available.  The Tire Pros can help you determine which tires will work best for your vehicle and the specific conditions you will be facing.