Although often overlooked, tires play a crucial role in the overall performance of your vehicle. They help support the load, provide traction, and even absorb road shocks to some extent. But shopping for the right tires can be a harrowing experience. This is especially true if you’re new to the automobile industry and don’t know where to start. Below, we’ve listed three things you should keep in mind when buying new tires.

Your local weather conditions
When buying new tires for your vehicle, consider the weather in your locality – the amount of rain, heat, snow, ice, etc. If you live in a warm region, go for all-season or summer tires. Similarly, go for winter tires if the weather is cold. The air pressure in the tires can change depending on the climate, and so you need ones that can withstand your local weather.

The roads and terrain
Another factor to consider is the terrain. Will you be traveling on roads or mud? If roads, what kind of roads? Driving inside the city is pretty different from driving on the highway. If you’re traveling on mud, what kind of mud? You’ll find many tires in the market, each meant for a particular surface.

Your driving conditions
It’s essential to pick a tire based on your driving conditions. If you drive around but make numerous stops, choose tires that have longevity. If fuel saving is what you want, invest in ones with low rolling resistance. If braking distance is your priority, choose tires with more resistance on both wet and dry roads.

Here are some top tire brands to look out for:

Bridgestone
One of the best in the industry, Bridgestone offers a wide range of tires for different vehicles. You can shop in categories like all-season, summer, winter, light/medium trucks, and performance.

Michelin
Michelin has a solid global reputation for its sturdy ultra-performing tires designed for safety. The brand is a one-shop-stop for all tires, including those used for bicycles, sportscars, and airplanes.

Continental
Continental is a top manufacturer offering well-performing tires while being environmentally conscious. The tires have an excellent grip, making them perfect for driving in harsh terrain and weather conditions like rain, sleet, and ice.

Cooper Tires
Cooper Tires is the go-to brand when you’re on a budget. And make no mistake, the company doesn’t compromise on quality. They offer some of the best tread-life warranties and sell tires in different styles and prices.