Tire Buying & Selection Guide

Helping You Choose the Right Tires With Confidence

Buying tires should not feel confusing or intimidating. At Colony Tire & Service, we help drivers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia choose tires that match how they actually drive, not just what a dealer wants to sell. This guide answers the most common questions people ask when starting to shop for tires and making a smart, informed decision.

How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle

The right tire depends on four main factors:

  • Your vehicle type
  • How and where you drive
  • Your local weather conditions
  • Your budget and expectations for ride comfort, noise, and tread life

A tire that works perfectly for a daily commuter may not be a good fit for a pickup that tows or an SUV that sees gravel roads. Understanding a few basics makes it much easier to narrow down the best options.

If you want to skip the guesswork, our tire selection and installation team can help match the right tire to your vehicle and driving needs. Find your nearest location.

Types of Tires for Cars, SUVs, and Light Trucks

Different tires are built for different driving styles and conditions. Here are the most common types you will see when shopping.

Touring Tires

Touring tires are designed for everyday driving and comfort.

Best for:

  • Sedans, crossovers, and family vehicles
  • Long highway drives
  • Quiet ride and smooth handling

They typically offer longer tread life and lower road noise, making them a popular choice for commuters.

Performance Tires

Performance tires focus on handling and responsiveness.

Best for:

  • Sporty cars and performance sedans
  • Drivers who value grip and cornering
  • Warmer climates and dry roads

They often trade tread life and winter traction for improved control and braking.

Highway Tires

Highway tires are common on SUVs and light trucks that spend most of their time on pavement.

Best for:

  • Pickups and SUVs used mainly on roads
  • Towing and hauling on highways
  • Balanced ride comfort and durability

These tires are quieter than off-road tires and usually last longer on paved surfaces.

All-Terrain Tires

All-terrain tires are built to handle mixed driving conditions.

Best for:

  • Light trucks and SUVs
  • Gravel roads, dirt, and light mud
  • Drivers who need versatility

They provide more traction off-road than highway tires, with a slightly firmer ride on pavement.

You can explore options on our new tire inventory page to compare styles and brands.

Passenger vs Light Truck vs SUV Tires

Tires are built differently based on the weight and demands of the vehicle.

Passenger Tires

Passenger tires are designed for cars and smaller crossovers.

  • Softer ride
  • Lower load capacity
  • Focus on comfort and fuel efficiency

SUV Tires

SUV tires are a middle ground between passenger and light truck tires.

  • Stronger construction than passenger tires
  • Designed for higher vehicle weight
  • Available in highway and all-terrain styles

Light Truck Tires

Light truck tires are made for heavier loads and tougher use.

  • Reinforced sidewalls
  • Higher load ratings
  • Built for towing, hauling, and work use

Installing the correct tire type is important for safety, ride quality, and tire life. Our professional tire installation team can confirm the right fit for your vehicle.

Tire Load Rating and Speed Rating Explained

Tire sidewalls include important ratings that tell you what a tire can safely handle.

Load Rating

The load rating shows how much weight each tire can carry.

  • Higher numbers mean higher weight capacity
  • Especially important for trucks, SUVs, and towing vehicles

Using a tire with too low of a load rating can lead to poor handling and premature wear.

Speed Rating

The speed rating indicates the maximum speed a tire is designed to handle safely.

Common ratings include:

  • S and T for everyday driving
  • H and V for higher performance vehicles

A higher speed rating does not mean you should drive faster. It reflects how the tire performs under heat and stress.

If you are unsure which ratings your vehicle needs, our tire safety inspection service can help confirm the correct specifications.

What Size Tires Does My Vehicle Need

Your vehicle requires a specific tire size, which is based on factory specifications.

You can find tire size information:

  • On a sticker inside the driver’s door
  • In your owner’s manual
  • On the sidewall of your current tires

A typical tire size looks like this:
225/65R17

This tells us:

  • Tire width
  • Sidewall height
  • Wheel diameter

Choosing the wrong size can affect handling, braking, fuel economy, and speedometer accuracy. If you want peace of mind, our tire sizing and fitment experts can verify the correct size before you buy.

Why Local Tire Advice Matters

Driving conditions in smaller towns and rural areas can differ significantly from those in major cities. Road conditions, weather, and daily driving habits all affect tire performance. Colony Tire & Service helps local drivers choose tires that work for real-world conditions, not just ideal ones.

If you are ready to compare options or want guidance from a trusted local team, visit our tire services page or stop by one of our nearby locations.

Choosing the right tires is an investment in safety, comfort, and reliability. With the right information and the right local support, it does not have to be complicated.
Find your local Colony Tire & Service location today.