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Best 225/65R17 Tires in 2026: 15 Picks Compared

The Goodyear Assurance Finesse leads this guide for most 225/65R17 vehicles, offering a 102H load index and speed symbol, an all-season tread design, and compatibility with cars and SUVs. This guide examines 15 tires from a pool of 30 listings, using the seller's stated specifications, the manufacturer's published information, and federal tire standards to categorize choices by use case. Prices are displayed live on each product page and were read at the time of writing.

15 picks from 28 tires that match this guide with a price we can quote today. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.

Quick picks

#PickTirePrice
1Best overallGoodyear Assurance Finesse All-Season 225/65R17 SL 102 H Tire

$105.00 price as of 2026-10-05 05:46 UTC (Details)

2Best all-season for SUVsPirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 225/65R17 102H

$159.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

3Best touring all-seasonContinental ProContact TX All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

$143.97 price as of 2026-10-05 05:34 UTC (Details)

4Best grand-touring all-seasonYokohama Avid Ascend GT All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire
5Best warranty on a budgetBarkley Everlast Plus 225/65R17 102H All Season Tire UTQG 560AA / 50K

$85.78 price as of 2026-10-05 05:28 UTC (Details)

6Best all-terrain for light trucksFalken Wildpeak A/T Trail 225/65R17 102H All Terrain Light Truck Tire

$184.20 price as of 2026-10-05 05:40 UTC (Details)

7Best all-terrain for SUVsContinental ContiCrossContact ATR All Terrain 225/65R17 102H

$135.07 price as of 2026-10-05 05:33 UTC (Details)

8Best all-terrain with extra loadVenom Power Trail Hunter ATS 225/65R17 106H XL 17 inch Tire
9Best winter tire with studsNordman North 9 SUV 225/65 R 17 106T XL Studded Winter Tire

$158.08 price as of 2026-10-05 06:06 UTC (Details)

10Best studdable winter tireGeneral Tire Altimax Arctic 12 Studable-Winter Radial Tire-225/65R17

$150.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:45 UTC (Details)

11Best winter tire for SUVsFirestone Winterforce 2 UV Winter/Snow SUV Tire 225/65R17 102 S

$150.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:41 UTC (Details)

12Best winter tire for snowy conditionsHANKOOK Winter ipike X SUV W429A 225/65R17 102T

$130.06 price as of 2026-10-05 05:48 UTC (Details)

13Best entry-level all-seasonStarfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/65R17 102H Tire
14Best budget all-season with H speed symbolIronman iMove PT Plus All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

$92.08 price as of 2026-10-05 05:52 UTC (Details)

15Best budget all-season for commutersSailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

$92.06 price as of 2026-10-05 06:13 UTC (Details)

The best fit for you

  • For year-round commuting: A dependable all-season tire that handles dry and wet roads for daily highway or city driving. See pick 1
  • For light off-road and gravel: An all-terrain tire with a more aggressive tread pattern for dirt roads and mild trails, while still suitable for highway use. See pick 6
  • For snowy or icy winters: A dedicated winter tire with a studdable design or winter compound for maximum cold-weather traction. See pick 9
  • For a budget replacement: A low-priced all-season tire that meets basic size and load requirements without extra features or warranties. See pick 13

Our 15 picks

1 Best overall

Goodyear Assurance Finesse All-Season 225/65R17 SL 102 H Tire

Goodyear Assurance Finesse All-Season 225/65R17 SL 102 H Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$105.00 price as of 2026-10-05 05:46 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Goodyear Assurance Finesse combines a 102H load index and speed symbol with an all-season tread design, and its listing specifies car and SUV fitment. It is one of the few picks from a major manufacturer that does not trade off all-terrain or winter capability, making it a universal choice for paved-road driving.

Pros

  • 102H load index and speed symbol
  • All-season tread design
  • Listed for car and SUV fitment
  • Goodyear is a well-established tire manufacturer

Cons

  • No treadwear grade stated in the listing
  • No warranty information provided
  • Not intended for severe snow or off-road use

Good fit if

  • Daily commuters who need a reliable all-season tire
  • Crossover and sedan owners who drive on paved roads

Skip if

  • You drive regularly in heavy snow or ice
  • You need a tire designed for off-road terrain

Verdict: A reliable all-season option for most 225/65R17 vehicles.

2 Best all-season for SUVs

Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 225/65R17 102H

Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 225/65R17 102H

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$159.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is tailored for SUV and crossover use, with an all-season tread design and a 102H load index and speed symbol. Its listing specifies SUV fitment, and it comes from Pirelli, a manufacturer known for premium tire lines.

Pros

  • All-season tread design for SUV and crossover use
  • 102H load index and speed symbol
  • Pirelli is a recognized tire manufacturer
  • Listing specifies SUV fitment

Cons

  • No treadwear grade listed
  • No warranty information in the listing
  • Higher price point may not suit all buyers

Good fit if

  • SUV and crossover drivers who want a dedicated all-season model
  • Drivers who prefer a premium tire brand for road comfort

Skip if

  • You drive on unpaved roads regularly
  • You need a budget-priced tire

Verdict: A specification-rich all-season tire for SUV owners.

3 Best touring all-season

Continental ProContact TX All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

Continental ProContact TX All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$143.97 price as of 2026-10-05 05:34 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Continental ProContact TX is an all-season passenger tire with a 102H load index and speed symbol, designed for smooth highway driving. It is listed for car and SUV fitment and comes from a major tire manufacturer, making it a strong candidate for those who prioritize stability on paved roads.

Pros

  • All-season touring tread design
  • 102H load index and speed symbol
  • Continental is a major tire manufacturer
  • Listed for car and SUV fitment

Cons

  • No treadwear grade provided
  • No warranty details in the listing
  • Not suitable for severe winter or off-road use

Good fit if

  • Highway commuters who value a stable ride
  • Sedan and crossover drivers looking for a reputable all-season

Skip if

  • You need a tire for snowy or icy months
  • You drive on gravel or dirt roads

Verdict: A balanced touring all-season for everyday road use.

4 Best grand-touring all-season

Yokohama Avid Ascend GT All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

Yokohama Avid Ascend GT All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

View on Amazon

The Yokohama Avid Ascend GT is positioned as a grand-touring all-season tire, with a 102H load index and speed symbol. It is listed for car and SUV fitment, and Yokohama is a well-known Japanese tire manufacturer, offering a blend of comfort and all-season capability.

Pros

  • Grand-touring all-season construction
  • 102H load index and speed symbol
  • Yokohama is a respected tire manufacturer
  • Suitable for both cars and SUVs

Cons

  • No treadwear or traction grades in the listing
  • Warranty information not stated
  • May be more than needed for basic commuting

Good fit if

  • Drivers who want a refined all-season tire for long trips
  • Owners of mid-size sedans and crossovers

Skip if

  • You are on a very tight budget
  • You need an all-terrain or winter tire

Verdict: A specification-complete grand-touring all-season.

5 Best warranty on a budget

Barkley Everlast Plus 225/65R17 102H All Season Tire UTQG 560AA / 50K

Barkley Everlast Plus 225/65R17 102H All Season Tire UTQG 560AA / 50K

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$85.78 price as of 2026-10-05 05:28 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Barkley Everlast Plus lists a UTQG treadwear grade of 560AA and a 50,000-mile warranty, information that is often absent from other budget tires. It carries a 102H load index and speed symbol and an all-season tread design, making it a transparent choice for cost-conscious buyers.

Pros

  • Stated UTQG treadwear grade of 560AA
  • 50,000-mile warranty included in the listing
  • 102H load index and speed symbol
  • All-season tread design

Cons

  • Barkley is a lesser-known brand
  • Warranty details may require reading the full listing
  • No winter or off-road capability

Good fit if

  • Budget-conscious buyers who want a stated treadwear warranty
  • Daily drivers who replace tires on schedule

Skip if

  • You prefer a major premium tire brand
  • You need a tire for severe winter conditions

Verdict: A budget all-season with a transparent treadwear promise.

6 Best all-terrain for light trucks

Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail 225/65R17 102H All Terrain Light Truck Tire

Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail 225/65R17 102H All Terrain Light Truck Tire

Vehicle
Light truck
Tread
All Terrain
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$184.20 price as of 2026-10-05 05:40 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is an all-terrain tire designed for light truck and crossover use, with a 102H load index and speed symbol. It offers a tread pattern for gravel and light off-road, and Falken is a recognized brand in the all-terrain segment.

Pros

  • All-terrain tread design for light off-road
  • 102H load index and speed symbol
  • Falken is a respected tire brand
  • Listed for light truck and SUV fitment

Cons

  • May have higher road noise on pavement (not stated by seller)
  • No treadwear grade in the listing
  • All-terrain tread may affect fuel economy

Good fit if

  • Drivers who need occasional off-road capability
  • Crossover and light truck owners who want a rugged look and grip

Skip if

  • You never leave paved roads
  • You prioritize a quiet, fuel-efficient highway tire

Verdict: A capable all-terrain tire for light truck applications.

7 Best all-terrain for SUVs

Continental ContiCrossContact ATR All Terrain 225/65R17 102H

Continental ContiCrossContact ATR All Terrain 225/65R17 102H

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Terrain
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$135.07 price as of 2026-10-05 05:33 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Continental ContiCrossContact ATR is an all-terrain tire from a major manufacturer, with a 102H load index and speed symbol. It is listed for SUV and crossover fitment, and its tread design balances on-road stability with light off-road traction.

Pros

  • All-terrain tread pattern
  • 102H load index and speed symbol
  • Continental is a major tire manufacturer
  • Listed for SUV and crossover fitment

Cons

  • No treadwear or traction grades provided
  • All-terrain tires may reduce fuel economy (not stated here)
  • Not a winter-traction specialty tire

Good fit if

  • SUV owners who want an all-terrain tire from a major brand
  • Drivers who encounter gravel or unimproved roads occasionally

Skip if

  • You need a dedicated winter tire
  • You never drive off pavement and prefer a highway tire

Verdict: A balanced all-terrain tire for SUV drivers.

8 Best all-terrain with extra load

Venom Power Trail Hunter ATS 225/65R17 106H XL 17 inch Tire

Venom Power Trail Hunter ATS 225/65R17 106H XL 17 inch Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Terrain
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

View on Amazon

The Venom Power Trail Hunter ATS carries a 106H XL (extra load) load index, which is higher than most all-terrain picks in this pool. It has an all-terrain tread design and is listed for car and SUV fitment, making it suitable for heavier vehicles that need increased load capacity.

Pros

  • 106H XL load index, higher than many competitors
  • All-terrain tread design
  • Extra load (XL) construction for heavier vehicles
  • 17-inch rim fitment

Cons

  • Venom Power is a budget-oriented brand
  • No treadwear or warranty details stated
  • Aggressive tread may produce more road noise

Good fit if

  • Heavy SUVs or light trucks that need a higher load index
  • Drivers who want an all-terrain tire with extra load capacity

Skip if

  • You drive only on highways and want a quiet tire
  • You prefer a major brand for a long warranty

Verdict: An all-terrain tire with a high load index for demanding applications.

9 Best winter tire with studs

Nordman North 9 SUV 225/65 R 17 106T XL Studded Winter Tire

Nordman North 9 SUV 225/65 R 17 106T XL Studded Winter Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
Winter
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$158.08 price as of 2026-10-05 06:06 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Nordman North 9 SUV is a studded winter tire from Nokian Tyres, a manufacturer known for winter tire technology. It carries a 106T XL load index and speed symbol, and is listed for SUV fitment, providing maximum ice traction in extreme conditions.

Pros

  • Studded winter design for ice traction
  • 106T XL load index for heavier SUVs
  • Nokian Tyres specializes in winter tires
  • Winter tread compound for cold-weather grip

Cons

  • Studded tires may not be legal in all regions
  • Noisy on dry pavement compared to all-season tires
  • Not intended for year-round use

Good fit if

  • Drivers in areas with frequent ice and packed snow
  • SUV owners who want a dedicated studded winter tire

Skip if

  • You live where studded tires are prohibited
  • You want one tire for all seasons

Verdict: A winter tire designed for extreme ice conditions.

10 Best studdable winter tire

General Tire Altimax Arctic 12 Studable-Winter Radial Tire-225/65R17

General Tire Altimax Arctic 12 Studable-Winter Radial Tire-225/65R17

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
Winter
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$150.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:45 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The General Tire Altimax Arctic 12 is a studdable winter tire, allowing drivers to add studs later if needed. It carries a 106T XL load index and speed symbol, and is listed for car and SUV fitment. General Tire is owned by Continental, adding engineering credibility.

Pros

  • Studdable tread allows adding studs later
  • 106T XL load index for heavier vehicles
  • Winter compound for snow and slush
  • General Tire is a well-known American brand

Cons

  • Studs are not included and must be purchased separately
  • No treadwear warranty stated
  • Winter-only tire, must be swapped for warmer months

Good fit if

  • Drivers who want to decide on studs after seeing winter conditions
  • SUV owners who need a high load index winter tire

Skip if

  • You want a tire that works in the summer too
  • You live where studs are illegal and want a studless winter

Verdict: A flexible studdable winter tire from a reputable brand.

11 Best winter tire for SUVs

Firestone Winterforce 2 UV Winter/Snow SUV Tire 225/65R17 102 S

Firestone Winterforce 2 UV Winter/Snow SUV Tire 225/65R17 102 S

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
Winter
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$150.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:41 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Firestone Winterforce 2 UV is a winter/snow tire designed for SUVs, with a 102S load index and speed symbol. It comes from Firestone, a trusted American brand, and uses a winter tread pattern for snow and ice.

Pros

  • Designed for SUV winter driving
  • Winter tread pattern for snow and slush
  • Firestone is a trusted brand
  • 102S load index and speed symbol

Cons

  • Not studdable according to the listing
  • No treadwear grade provided
  • Winter tires wear quickly on warm roads

Good fit if

  • SUV owners who swap to winter tires each season
  • Drivers in snowy, cold regions who want a reliable winter tire

Skip if

  • You need a full studded setup for ice
  • You want a single tire for year-round use

Verdict: A dependable winter tire for SUV owners.

12 Best winter tire for snowy conditions

HANKOOK Winter ipike X SUV W429A 225/65R17 102T

HANKOOK Winter ipike X SUV W429A 225/65R17 102T

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
Winter
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$130.06 price as of 2026-10-05 05:48 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Hankook Winter ipike X SUV is a winter tire from a major Korean manufacturer, with a 102T load index and speed symbol. It is listed for car and SUV fitment, offering winter-specific construction at a lower price point than some premium rivals.

Pros

  • Winter tread compound for snow and ice
  • Hankook is a major tire brand
  • 102T load index and speed symbol
  • Suitable for car and SUV fitment

Cons

  • No stud capability mentioned in the listing
  • No treadwear warranty stated
  • Snow performance depends on local conditions

Good fit if

  • Budget-minded drivers who need a winter tire
  • Crossover owners in moderate snow regions

Skip if

  • You need a studdable tire for extreme ice
  • You prefer a premium Nordic winter brand

Verdict: An affordable winter tire from a reputable brand.

13 Best entry-level all-season

Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/65R17 102H Tire

Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/65R17 102H Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

View on Amazon

The Starfire Solarus AS is the lowest-priced tire in the pool, but it meets the fundamental size and load requirements with a 102H load index and speed symbol. It features an all-season tread design and is listed for car and SUV fitment, making it a functional replacement option.

Pros

  • 102H load index and speed symbol
  • All-season tread design
  • Listed for car and SUV fitment
  • Very low price point (not shown here per guide rules)

Cons

  • No treadwear grade or warranty information
  • Starfire is a budget-oriented brand
  • Likely limited performance in snow or off-road

Good fit if

  • Drivers on a strict budget who need a size-correct tire
  • Countryside or suburban drivers who stay on paved roads

Skip if

  • You expect a long treadwear warranty
  • You need a tire for severe weather or off-road

Verdict: A no-frills all-season that covers the essentials.

14 Best budget all-season with H speed symbol

Ironman iMove PT Plus All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

Ironman iMove PT Plus All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$92.08 price as of 2026-10-05 05:52 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Ironman iMove PT Plus is an all-season passenger tire with a 102H load index and speed symbol, matching the speed capability of more expensive tires. It is listed for car and SUV fitment, and Ironman is a subsidiary of Hercules Tire.

Pros

  • 102H load index and speed symbol
  • All-season tread design
  • Ironman is a subsidiary of Hercules Tire
  • Listed for car and SUV fitment

Cons

  • No treadwear or traction grades in the listing
  • Budget tire brand may have limited warranty support
  • No winter or all-terrain capability

Good fit if

  • Drivers who want a low-cost tire with an H speed symbol
  • Commuters with moderate highway demands

Skip if

  • You need a tire with a stated warranty
  • You demand a premium brand for reliability

Verdict: A budget all-season with a highway-capable speed symbol.

15 Best budget all-season for commuters

Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$92.06 price as of 2026-10-05 06:13 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Sailun Atrezzo SH408 is an all-season passenger tire with a 102H load index and speed symbol. It is listed for car and SUV fitment, and Sailun is a manufacturer expanding its global presence, offering a modern all-season tread at a competitive price.

Pros

  • 102H load index and speed symbol
  • All-season tread design
  • Listed for car and SUV fitment
  • Competitive price point for budget buyers

Cons

  • Sailun has a shorter track record in North America
  • No treadwear or warranty information in the listing
  • Not suited for winter or off-road conditions

Good fit if

  • Economy car owners who need a dependable, affordable tire
  • Drivers who prioritize upfront cost over brand prestige

Skip if

  • You need a tire for snowy winters
  • You want a tire with a well-known warranty program

Verdict: A straightforward all-season for budget-conscious drivers.

Specifications side by side

#TireVehicleTreadRim sizeTire sizeSold as
1Goodyear Assurance Finesse All-Season 225/65R17 SL 102 H TireCar and SUVAll Season17 in225/65R17not stated
2Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 225/65R17 102HCar and SUVAll Season17 in225/65R17not stated
3Continental ProContact TX All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger TireCar and SUVAll Season17 in225/65R17not stated
4Yokohama Avid Ascend GT All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger TireCar and SUVAll Season17 in225/65R17not stated
5Barkley Everlast Plus 225/65R17 102H All Season Tire UTQG 560AA / 50KCar and SUVAll Season17 in225/65R17not stated
6Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail 225/65R17 102H All Terrain Light Truck TireLight truckAll Terrain17 in225/65R17not stated
7Continental ContiCrossContact ATR All Terrain 225/65R17 102HCar and SUVAll Terrain17 in225/65R17not stated
8Venom Power Trail Hunter ATS 225/65R17 106H XL 17 inch TireCar and SUVAll Terrain17 in225/65R17not stated
9Nordman North 9 SUV 225/65 R 17 106T XL Studded Winter TireCar and SUVWinter17 in225/65R17not stated
10General Tire Altimax Arctic 12 Studable-Winter Radial Tire-225/65R17Car and SUVWinter17 in225/65R17not stated
11Firestone Winterforce 2 UV Winter/Snow SUV Tire 225/65R17 102 SCar and SUVWinter17 in225/65R17not stated
12HANKOOK Winter ipike X SUV W429A 225/65R17 102TCar and SUVWinter17 in225/65R17not stated
13Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/65R17 102H TireCar and SUVAll Season17 in225/65R17not stated
14Ironman iMove PT Plus All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger TireCar and SUVAll Season17 in225/65R17not stated
15Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger TireCar and SUVAll Season17 in225/65R17not stated

How the picks were chosen

The selection process started with a pool of 30 distinct 225/65R17 listings. After removing near-duplicate sets, 15 tires were chosen to represent the main use cases: all-season, all-terrain, winter, and budget replacements. The choice relied on the brand, the stated tread type, load index, speed symbol, and vehicle type from each listing, plus the manufacturer's published specifications where available. No tire was tested or driven for this guide. Prices are live and read from the store listing, and they change regularly, so the guide does not rank tires by price. Federal safety standards and uniform tire quality grading rules are referenced to explain how to compare tires on specifications.

Picking the right one for you

Understand the 225/65R17 size

The numbers and letters in 225/65R17 define the tire's dimensions and construction. 225 is the section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. The R indicates radial construction. Tires that match this size will fit the same 17-inch rims, but the load index and speed symbol must also be suitable for your vehicle. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 139 (49 CFR § 571.139) sets performance and labeling requirements for radial tires used on light vehicles, ensuring the tire meets minimum dimensional and test standards.

Choose the right tread type: all-season, all-terrain, or winter

All-season tires are the most common choice and are designed to handle dry, wet, and light snow. They are a good fit for drivers who stay on paved roads and do not face extreme winter weather. All-terrain tires have a more aggressive tread pattern and are built for gravel, dirt, and light off-road use, but they may be louder and less efficient on highways. Winter tires, as defined in FMVSS 139, use a special compound and tread design for snow and ice; they should be installed when temperatures stay near or below freezing and ideally swapped out for all-season tires in warmer months.

Load index and speed symbol

The load index tells you the maximum weight the tire can carry at the recommended inflation pressure, and the speed symbol indicates the maximum speed the tire is certified for. For a 225/65R17 tire, you will often see numbers like 102 (which corresponds to a maximum load of about 1,874 pounds per tire) and a letter like H (rated up to 130 mph) or T (up to 118 mph). Always compare the tire's load index to the original equipment specifications in your owner's manual. A tire with a higher load index, such as 106, is often marked XL (extra load) and can support heavier vehicles at higher inflation pressures. FMVSS 110 sets tire selection and rim matching requirements for vehicles under 10,000 pounds, so following those guidelines is critical.

Look for UTQG grades and treadwear warranty

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system, described in 49 CFR § 575.104, provides standardized grades for treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. Treadwear grades, like 560, are relative to a baseline of 100 and indicate expected wear under controlled testing. Traction grades (AA, A, B, C) measure stopping ability on wet pavement, and temperature grades (A, B, C) reflect heat resistance. Not every tire listing includes UTQG grades; when they are missing, you can contact the manufacturer or check their official spec sheet. Some budget tires, like the Barkley Everlast Plus in this guide, state a treadwear grade and a warranty, which makes it easier to compare long-term costs.

Maintain proper inflation and use TPMS

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is an effective way to extend tire life and improve fuel economy. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that keeping tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage by up to 3% in some cases, though the average improvement is 0.6%. Under-inflated tires also affect handling and safety. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138 requires most light vehicles to have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that warns you when pressure falls 25% below the recommended level. Always use the pressure listed on your vehicle's door placard or owner's manual, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.

Questions

What does 225/65R17 mean?

225 is the tire's section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height is 65% of the width), and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. The R indicates radial construction. This size is commonly used on mid-size SUVs, crossovers, and some sedans. The load index and speed symbol, such as 102H, are additional numbers you must match to your vehicle's requirements.

Can I use all-season tires in the winter?

All-season tires are designed to handle light snow and cold, dry roads, but they do not provide the same level of grip on ice or in deep snow as dedicated winter tires. If you live in an area with frequent snow storms or icy conditions, a winter tire with the Alpine symbol (3PMSF) is recommended. All-season tires may also lose elasticity when temperatures drop below freezing, reducing traction.

What is the difference between a standard tire and an XL (extra load) tire?

An XL tire, also called reinforced, is built with a stronger carcass to support higher inflation pressure and a greater maximum load. The load index is higher, such as 106 instead of 102. XL tires are often chosen for heavier SUVs, trucks, or vehicles that frequently carry cargo. However, they require higher inflation pressures to maintain their rated capacity, so you must follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure.

Are studded winter tires legal in all states?

No, studded tires are banned or restricted in many states. Some states allow studs only during certain months, while others prohibit them entirely because they damage roads. Before buying a studded tire like the Nordman North 9 SUV, check your local regulations. If you prefer a winter tire that does not use studs, a studdable option like the General Tire Altimax Arctic 12 can be run without studs or fitted with them later, depending on your needs.

How do I know what tire pressure to use?

The recommended cold tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb, inside the glove box, or in the owner's manual. Use that value, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 psi drop across all tires, so check pressure monthly and always measure when tires are cold.

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