We've heard this one before, and it's not an easy question. First off, you'll need to ask yourself what you intend to do with that SUV. Will it stay on the pavement, or will it go off road? Will it haul groceries, or will it tow a boat? What are you driving...a little Honda crossover, or a hulking Suburban or Expedition? These are all factors that will figure into your buying decision. Here are some general rules, though:
--Spend more and get more. Considering the weight of many SUVs, it just doesn't make sense to skimp on tires. A good set of all-season light truck tires for an SUV can go for 70,000 miles or more, but just be prepared to lay down some real money for them and pay a premium price for premium tires.
--Stick with the OEM tire sizes. Changing tire sizes and going to a bigger tire often ends up being a pain in the neck for various reasons. Bigger tires can throw off speedometer readings, cause your computer to alter the transmission's shift point, rub on wheel wells and generally be a headache.
--Opt for low-rolling-resistance tires if possible. Low-rolling-resistance tires can give you as much as a 1- to 3-mpg advantage in fuel economy.
--Check the original tires' speed ratings and load capacity, and make sure that your new tires match those numbers. It will pay off in the long run.
--Do your homework carefully. Read all the literature, reviews and online comparisons that you can, and you'll be pointed in the right direction. Look especially for tires that offer good all-weather traction, resistance to hydroplaning in wet weather and good braking and handling ability. Remember that compromising on price can often mean a compromise in these areas, or at least might mean ending up with a rougher-riding and noisier set of tires.
Did that help? We hope so! Make an appointment with us at 106 St Tire & Wheel and check out our lineup of tires for light trucks and SUVs!