#tirebrands

There are over 400 tire brands operating in the US right now. Most of them are hoping you don't look too closely. This is the complete 2026 tier list — every major brand ranked using tread life data, independent test scores, and long-term consumer records.

Buying a new set of tires can be simplified if you know what you want. You can single out almost any product in the offering based on its features, brand, price, utility, rating, longevity, stability, ride quality, and a lot more. This means that there's no hard and fast rule to buy a tire online or even at your local store but there are a few considerations and factors at play here. Once you have understood them, it will become much easier for you to purchase a set of tires that is not only suitable but affordable as well. Let's have a look at the first few very important factors that you should have a look at before you buy a new set of tires:

  The code of the tire

 DOT code

 UTQG code

The type of tire you looking for

Fuel economy you expect

Warranty on the product

Noise and balance

Manufacturer's placard information

Choice between a new model or the same tire that you are using

Your current needs

Choice between used and brand-new tires

 These are very initial and basic factors that are going to determine your choice of tires in the first place. Remember, you know your car better than anyone else. It is entirely upon you as to what kind of product you choose for your vehicle. Let's have a look at a few more considerations that are going to determine this purchase of yours:

 1.     The Right Type Of Tire For Your Vehicle

The type of tire you select is going to depend largely on the type of vehicle you drive. If it is a large SUV, you would have to invest in a solid set of tires with larger grooves and deeper tread patterns. The width of the tire is also going to vary according to the type of vehicle you drive. A hatchback may need a smaller and leaner set of tires. As you move across the various categories of vehicles, the type and category of tires are also going to change.

 2.     Size Matters A Lot When Buying A Tire

This is a very important factor that should never be ignored. You will have to refer to the manual that came along with your vehicle to understand the size of tires that is going to suit your car the best. Remember, if you go for a smaller car tire set than the one that you are already using, you may put your vehicle at risk of an accident. Similarly, if you opt for a much larger tire, you could hamper the fuel economy of the vehicle. There is a specific range of tire sizes within which you can move up and down rather easily. Going beyond that threshold is going to compromise the overall drive quality and safety.

 3.     Longevity That You Should Not Ignore

The longevity of your tires is very important. You will have to look up a few reviews and testimonials about the product that you are looking to purchase. Their durability is going to be determined by the rubber quality that has been used to manufacture the product. If you are an adrenaline junkie and like to go for off-roading adventures, something that offers you more traction and balance is going to be more suitable for you. In addition to this, that set of tires will be able to bear the wear and tear more easily. This is where the question of longevity and durability comes into play.

  4.     What Are The Driving Conditions?

This also brings us to a very important question of driving conditions. Depending upon where you are going to be driving your vehicle, you can choose from the following options:

  Summer Or Winter Tires

As the name suggests, summer tires will be able to bear a lot of high temperatures which can go as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, winter tires will be able to bear temperatures as low as -7 degrees Celsius.

  All-Season Tires

All-season tires are for mild to moderate weather conditions. You cannot really expect any high-performance from these tires. But they offer good stability and reliable traction in reasonable weather.

  High-Performance Tires

High-performance tires are ideal for luxury cars. They are much like all-season tires but give you a better grip on the road. These may not have a long-running life but they are probably the best performance-cum-luxury product your money can buy.

 All-Terrain Tires

All-terrain tires are able to offer you a comfortable ride even when you venture into off-road conditions. Some of the leading brands in the industry currently offer all-terrain tires that are considered ideal for almost all conditions. However, these are not suitable for extreme weather conditions.

 5.     Should You Select By Brand?

A lot of people prefer to shop for tires online based on the brand that is more popular. Some people prefer a particular brand and would only go for that product and nothing else. It is all about their personal preference and their faith in the particular brand. However, this does not mean that any other brand of tires or a generic product is not going to deliver a similar performance. It is all about the durability, quality of rubber used, optimal traction, and the balance that a tire can provide you. And all of this is possible even on a small budget.