Choosing the Right Tires For Your Kia

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right tires for your Kia that will enhance your vehicle’s performance. Although the decision-making process requires some research, it doesn’t have to be painful. Here are some of the top things to consider when you’re ready for new tires.

Dimensions

When you’re stuck wondering “what tires to put on my car,” you first need to look at sizing. Knowing the correct tire dimensions ensures your vehicle reaches maximum performance. Here are a few ways you can learn this important information:

• Visit tire manufacturer websites. Online sites for Michelin and Pirelli offer tire catalog tools to guide you through the discovery process. Enter your vehicle’s make, model, year, and engine for an accurate recommendation of tire choices.
• Look inside your vehicle. Check the owner’s manual and the special placard on the driver’s side door jamb that lists the information regarding tire dimensions.
• Consult with a tire salesman. If you’d rather not go through the searching process alone, visit your local tire dealer to get recommendations for your specific model. They often have sales on in-stock products and a service department that can install the new tires for you.

The alpha-numeric sequence related to tire size looks similar to this: P255/55R18 97 T. On first glance, this information may seem quite foreign to you, but once you know how to dissect its meaning, the dimensions become clearer.

The first part of this number sequence, P255/55R18, references the tire’s width and diameter. The letter “P” stands for passenger, while “R” stands for radial construction. The last double-digit segment, 97, refers to the load index that states the weight each tire can support. The final letter “T” refers to the tire’s maximum speed in relation to the load index.

Model Type

Your exact Kia model ultimately determines what tire size you’ll need to purchase. Kia vehicles encompass a wide range of cars and SUVs that require a specific speed rating. This helps determine your best tire type.

• Performance all-season tires: Ideal for car enthusiasts with upgraded wheels, performance all-season tires with “H” and “V” speed ratings grip corners better but wear faster than standard tires.
• All-season tires: Perfect for all types of weather and major mileage, all-season tires with an “S” and “T” rating work well for most Kia cars and SUV models.
• Ultra-high-performance all-season and summer tires: Made for sports cars and performance sedans, tires with a “ZR,” “W,” or “Y” speed rating are not recommended for mud and snow.
• Winter and snow tires: Just look at the sidewall of the tire to identify the snowflake and mountain symbol, which indicates winter use. The treads of winter tires also feature slits known as sipes.
• All-terrain tires: Featuring an aggressive tread pattern, all-terrain tires provide off-road traction in rough areas. Look for the “A/T” or “All Terrain” designation in the model name for easy identification.

Vehicle Usage

Another important factor to consider when choosing the right tires is how often you drive your vehicle. The majority of tires need replacing after three to four years. Buying high-performance tires will suit your needs for all seasons.

• City driving: If you’re constantly cruising around town, look for tires with the optimum braking distance on wet and dry roads. Frequent driving in traffic congestion causes tires to wear faster. To save on fuel while you’re moving slowly through traffic, get tires designed for increased longevity.
• Highway driving: Because you’ll be driving at higher speeds on freeways and highways, you’ll want to choose a tire that provides the greatest braking distance for wet and dry roads. Longer trips necessitate driver comfort when it comes to vibration and noise level. Choose tires that have the least amount of impact on your body and that offer superior stability and grip.
• Unpaved roads: If you’ll be spending a great amount of time on rocky and uneven roads, you’ll need tires built for rough terrain. SUV owners and people who frequent places off the beaten path should research tires with off-road traction and maximum durability.

Before making your final decision, consider how often you drive in the city, on long highways, and off-road. You may not need a tire that handles rougher terrain, but if you do, there are plenty of options to make the drive more comfortable.

Driving Style

Every person has a unique driving style. The way you turn corners and the pressure you exert on your brakes gradually impacts your tire tread. For an enhanced driving experience, consider the following preferences:

• Quiet, comfortable rides: Do you enjoy driving because it helps you feel relaxed? To achieve this laid-back driving experience, get tires that cater to a smooth and comfortable ride, or request ones with low road noise. In general, touring tires are built for comfort rather than speed and come with a lower speed rating. Tire tread designs that look aggressive typically result in greater road noise.
• Steering precision: If you’re looking for a tire that offers greater precision and handling, seek out a high-performance tire with high-speed ratings. These tires offer greater road control that helps you experience every curve in the road.

Weather

When choosing the right tires for your Kia, it helps to consider the weather patterns where you live. Most people buy all-season tires because it is more affordable than buying two sets of tires for summer and winter. For areas that receive heavy snowfall every year, drivers should think about investing in winter tires for increased traction on icy roads. If you live in an area that never gets snow, you won’t need tires rated for winter conditions or a vehicle with all-wheel drive.

Once you’ve considered the many factors involved in buying tires, you’ll have a better idea of what you need for your Kia vehicle. Our service team at Tom Kadlec Kia can help you decide which tires are best. Give us a call or stop by our Rochester, Minnesota, dealership and we will be happy to assist you.

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