How To Find Tire Reviews and Ratings

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Categories: Tires 101

How Do I Find Reliable Tire Reviews and Ratings Before Buying Tires For Sale Online?

Any time you need to purchase tires, it’s helpful to have ratings and reviews to assist you in your decision-making process. This is particularly true when shopping online. While searching the Internet for cheap tire deals, reviews and ratings can make the difference between a great purchase and a regrettable mistake.

Tire Ratings

Beginning an online tire search can be overwhelming as you become inundated with unfamiliar brand names and technical lingo. Even household names, like Goodyear and Bridgestone, can have confusing specifications and labels. To combat the rash of information about a brand regardless of its popularity, spend some time online looking at tire ratings.

What is the Uniform Tire Quality Grade or UTQG?

The UTQG is the US Department of Transportation’s way of helping consumers compare and rate tires based on tread wear, traction, and temperature. The UTQG usually appears as a number followed by two (sets of) characters. For example, the Toyo Extensa A/S has a UTQG rating of 500 A A. Below is an explanation of this basic tire (rating) criteria: 

Tread Wear Grade. Quality Control tires have a grade of 100. A tire with a grade of 200 would last twice as long. Grades range from 100 to 600. Over 50% of tires sold have a tread wear grade between 200 and 400.

Traction Grade. A vehicle with high traction grade tires will stop faster on wet pavement. Grades include AA, A, B and C, with AA being the highest grade. Most tires have a traction grade of A.

Temperature Grade. This grade includes A, B and C, with A being the highest grade. All tires must have at least a C grade, which means they can withstand the temperatures generated by prolonged driving at 85 mph. B means they can withstand prolonged speeds of 100-155 mph, and A is for 115 mph and above.

Tire Reviews

While ratings can indicate the general quality of the tire, tire reviews can also help you decide if any discount tire deals are really a good buy. By checking online review sites and reading what customers have to say about specific tire brands and models, you can gather more information to help you make a smart decision.

If you live in a moderate climate, drive infrequently and rarely use the highway, searching for tire discounts online may be the best way to find a perfect set of cheap tires for running errands. If, on the other hand, you drive frequently, log lots of miles, both on the highway and in the city, and want your tires to last for a long time, spending the extra money for a higher tread wear rating makes sense.

Finding Tire Ratings and Reviews Online

The fastest way to find tire information online is to search for the specific type of tire rather than sifting through a lot of reviews. You can also search the manufacturers’ sites to read ratings and reviews on a specific brand or model.

Beware of outliers when reading tire reviews. One bad review amidst scores of good ones is likely an isolated experience. The tire may still be an excellent product. On the other hand, if multiple people have experienced problems with a specific brand or model, you might want to consider other brands and models.

Your budget, the type of vehicle you drive, and the amount of driving you normally do will all factor into your decision. Tire ratings and reviews are just another set of guidelines you can use to help you make the best choice when buying tires online.

Experience The Next Tires Difference!

At Next Tires we have a wealth of automotive and tire experience that we’d like to share with you. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Some of the most popular tire questions we’re asked, we feature with answers in our blog as we try to improve your online tire shopping experience.

Call us at 1-800-713-4728. We’re here to help! You can also email us at support@nexttires.com. For a limited time, shop our new tires for sale and Save w/ Free Shipping and the Next Tires Risk Free Guarantee.** We look forward to speaking with and helping you with your next tires!

**Next Tires Risk-Free Guarantee: We guarantee the products you purchase will fit your vehicle. For a limited time, save money with Free Shipping on all sets of 4 new tires for sale online. See cart for details. Discounts applied at checkout. Have your tires installed by your local mechanic or professional tire installation center. Excellent Service. Top Brands. Great Deals. Affordable Prices. High Quality, Cheap Tires. Hassle-Free Delivery & more… Experience The Next Tires Difference!