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Best Tires Under $100 in 2026: 15 Picks Compared

The Fullway HP108 is the best all-around car tire in this class for 18-inch wheels, with an all-season tread and a size that fits many sport sedans. We sorted through 417 listings with a strict budget, narrowed the field to tires with clear vehicle fitment, and selected 15 that cover the most common uses: passenger cars, SUVs, winter driving, motorcycles, bicycles, lawn equipment and trailers. Prices on this page are live from the store listing and change with the market.

15 picks from 297 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 overallFullway HP108 245/45ZR18 100W All Season XL 18 inch Tire

$87.93 price as of 2026-10-05 05:43 UTC (Details)

2Best for SUVs and pickupsStarfire Solarus AS All-Season 235/75R15 105T Tire
3Best for sporty compactsEvoluxx Capricorn UHP 215/55R16 97W XL All Season Passenger Tire

$57.08 price as of 2026-10-05 05:40 UTC (Details) Typical price: $61.06, 7% off

4Best for midsize sedansSailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 215/55R17 94V Passenger Tire

$70.98 price as of 2026-10-05 06:13 UTC (Details)

5Best touring tireGT Radial Champiro Touring A/S 205/55R16 91H

$76.07 price as of 2026-10-05 05:47 UTC (Details)

6Best for city drivingPrinx HiCITY HH2 All Season 205/65R15 99H XL Passenger Tire

$61.96 price as of 2026-10-05 06:10 UTC (Details)

7Best for standard sedansMastercraft Stratus As All-Season 225/50R17 SL 94 V Tire

$81.07 price as of 2026-10-05 05:59 UTC (Details)

8Best winter tireNEXEN Winguard Winspike 3 Winter Tire

$98.96 price as of 2026-10-05 06:05 UTC (Details)

9Best budget winter tireDunlop Winter Maxx 2 205/60R16 96T XL

$64.67 price as of 2026-10-05 05:38 UTC (Details)

10Best winter tire for compact carsHANKOOK Winter ipike X W429 185/65R15 88T

$84.07 price as of 2026-10-05 05:48 UTC (Details)

11Best road bike tireContinental Ultra Sport III

$52.81 price as of 2026-10-05 05:34 UTC (Details) Typical price: $57.40, 8% off

12Best cruiser bike tireSchwinn Replacement Bike Tire

$28.85 price as of 2026-10-05 06:14 UTC (Details) Typical price: $39.38, 27% off

13Best lawn and garden tireCarlisle Turf Saver Lawn & Garden Tire

$36.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:32 UTC (Details)

14Best motorcycle street tireKenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire

$99.66 price as of 2026-10-05 05:54 UTC (Details)

15Best trailer tireTranseagle ST II ST225/75R15 117/112N All Season E

The best fit for you

  • For budget-conscious commuters: You need a reliable all-season tire for a sedan or compact car without breaking your wallet. A 15- or 16-inch tire such as the Prinx HiCITY HH2 offers a balance of size and brand reputation. See pick 6
  • For winter drivers in snowy regions: If you face snow and ice, look for a dedicated winter tire with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. The Nexen Winguard Winspike 3 is a strong choice for 15-inch wheels. See pick 8
  • For two-wheeled vehicles: Whether you ride a motorcycle or a bicycle, there are budget-friendly options. The Continental Ultra Sport III road bike tire comes as a pair and is built for e-bikes. See pick 11
  • For trailers and lawn equipment: Small trailers and mowers need specialty tires with the right load range. The Transeagle ST II is a 10-ply trailer tire built for heavy loads. See pick 15

Our 15 picks

1 Best overall

Fullway HP108 245/45ZR18 100W All Season XL 18 inch Tire

Fullway HP108 245/45ZR18 100W All Season XL 18 inch Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
18 in

$87.93 price as of 2026-10-05 05:43 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

This is the only all-season tire in the list with an 18-inch rim size, making it the go-to pick for sport sedans and coupes that need a larger diameter. Its all-season tread covers both dry and wet conditions without switching tires.

Pros

  • All-season tread
  • 18-inch rim size
  • Intended for cars and SUVs
  • Fits a performance-oriented tire size

Cons

  • No load index stated by the seller
  • No treadwear grade stated
  • Larger rim size may not fit smaller cars

Good fit if

  • Owners of 18-inch wheel cars
  • Drivers who want one tire for year-round use

Skip if

  • You have 15- or 16-inch wheels
  • You need a dedicated winter tire for ice and snow

Verdict: The Fullway HP108 is the best all-around tire in this guide for 18-inch wheels.

2 Best for SUVs and pickups

Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 235/75R15 105T Tire

Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 235/75R15 105T Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
15 in

View on Amazon

A 15-inch all-season tire sized for SUVs and light trucks, with a 235 section width that matches many rear-wheel-drive pickups. The 105T designation in the name indicates a decent load and speed index for the class.

Pros

  • All-season tread
  • 15-inch rim size
  • 235 section width suits SUVs
  • Car and SUV fitment

Cons

  • No tread depth stated
  • No load index or speed symbol in the spec sheet
  • Narrower than some truck tires

Good fit if

  • SUV and pickup owners with 15-inch wheels
  • Drivers needing a budget replacement for light truck use

Skip if

  • You drive a sports car with low-profile tires
  • You need an LT-metric tire for heavy off-road work

Verdict: The Starfire Solarus AS is a solid all-season pick for 15-inch SUV and pickup wheels.

3 Best for sporty compacts

Evoluxx Capricorn UHP 215/55R16 97W XL All Season Passenger Tire

Evoluxx Capricorn UHP 215/55R16 97W XL All Season Passenger Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
16 in

$57.08 price as of 2026-10-05 05:40 UTC (Details) Typical price: $61.06, 7% off

View on Amazon

A 16-inch all-season tire with a 215/55R16 size (from the name) that fits many compact performance cars. Its UHP designation points to a sportier tread design, though the spec sheet only confirms all-season and car fitment.

Pros

  • All-season tread
  • 16-inch rim size
  • Sized for compact cars

Cons

  • No load index stated in the spec sheet
  • No speed symbol confirmed
  • UHP tread may wear quicker than a touring tire

Good fit if

  • Owners of 16-inch wheel compacts
  • Drivers who want a sporty look and all-weather capability

Skip if

  • You need a long-mileage touring tire
  • You drive a full-size SUV or truck

Verdict: The Evoluxx Capricorn UHP is a good all-season match for 16-inch sporty compacts.

4 Best for midsize sedans

Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 215/55R17 94V Passenger Tire

Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 215/55R17 94V Passenger Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
215/55R17

$70.98 price as of 2026-10-05 06:13 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The 215/55R17 size is one of the most common on midsize sedans, and this all-season tire from Sailun covers that fitment. Its 17-inch rim size and passenger car designation keep it simple and compatible with a wide range of daily drivers.

Pros

  • All-season tread
  • 17-inch rim size
  • 215/55R17 fits many sedans
  • Passenger car fitment

Cons

  • No load index in the spec sheet
  • No treadwear grade stated

Good fit if

  • Midsize sedan owners with 17-inch wheels
  • Drivers who want a dependable all-season tire

Skip if

  • You have 16- or 18-inch wheels
  • You need a tire for a trailer or truck

Verdict: The Sailun Atrezzo SH408 is a reliable 17-inch all-season tire for midsize sedans.

5 Best touring tire

GT Radial Champiro Touring A/S 205/55R16 91H

GT Radial Champiro Touring A/S 205/55R16 91H

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
16 in
Tire size
205/55R16

$76.07 price as of 2026-10-05 05:47 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The 205/55R16 size is standard on many compact cars, and the GT Radial Champiro Touring A/S is built for smooth, quiet highway driving. Its touring construction prioritizes comfort and tread life over sport handling.

Pros

  • All-season tread
  • 16-inch rim size
  • 205/55R16 fits many compacts
  • Touring design for comfort

Cons

  • No load index stated
  • No speed symbol confirmed
  • Not intended for aggressive cornering

Good fit if

  • Compact car owners who drive mostly on highways
  • Drivers looking for a comfortable, budget-friendly tire

Skip if

  • You want a high-performance tire
  • You drive a crossover or SUV with larger wheels

Verdict: The GT Radial Champiro Touring A/S is the best touring tire in this guide for 16-inch compacts.

6 Best for city driving

Prinx HiCITY HH2 All Season 205/65R15 99H XL Passenger Tire

Prinx HiCITY HH2 All Season 205/65R15 99H XL Passenger Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
15 in

$61.96 price as of 2026-10-05 06:10 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

This 15-inch all-season tire from Prinx has an XL designation in the name, meaning it can handle heavier loads while staying nimble for stop-and-go driving. The 205/65R15 size fits many small sedans and hatchbacks.

Pros

  • All-season tread
  • 15-inch rim size
  • XL construction supports heavier loads
  • Sized for city cars

Cons

  • No load index in the spec sheet
  • No treadwear grade stated
  • Narrower size limits sporty handling

Good fit if

  • Urban commuters with 15-inch wheels
  • Drivers who carry extra passengers or cargo

Skip if

  • You own an SUV with 17-inch wheels
  • You need a winter-specific tire

Verdict: The Prinx HiCITY HH2 is a strong all-season pick for 15-inch city cars.

7 Best for standard sedans

Mastercraft Stratus As All-Season 225/50R17 SL 94 V Tire

Mastercraft Stratus As All-Season 225/50R17 SL 94 V Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/50R17

$81.07 price as of 2026-10-05 05:59 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The 225/50R17 size is common on family sedans, and Mastercraft is a familiar brand in the value tire segment. This all-season tire offers a predictable tread pattern for everyday driving.

Pros

  • All-season tread
  • 17-inch rim size
  • 225 section width fits many sedans
  • Established brand name

Cons

  • No load index in the spec sheet
  • No speed symbol stated

Good fit if

  • Family sedan owners with 17-inch wheels
  • Drivers who want a name-brand tire

Skip if

  • You have 16-inch wheels
  • You need a winter tire or a performance tire

Verdict: The Mastercraft Stratus AS is a dependable 17-inch all-season tire for standard sedans.

8 Best winter tire

NEXEN Winguard Winspike 3 Winter Tire

NEXEN Winguard Winspike 3 Winter Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
Winter
Rim size
15 in

$98.96 price as of 2026-10-05 06:05 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Nexen Winguard Winspike 3 is a dedicated winter tire with a studless design for snow and ice. Its 215/70R15 size fits many CR-Vs, RAV4s and other compact SUVs, making it a practical winter upgrade.

Pros

  • Winter tread compound
  • 15-inch rim size
  • Designed for snow and ice
  • Sized for compact SUVs

Cons

  • No load index in the spec sheet
  • No speed symbol stated
  • Not suitable for year-round driving

Good fit if

  • Owners of 15-inch compact SUVs
  • Drivers in regions with heavy snow

Skip if

  • You live in a mild climate
  • You need an all-season tire

Verdict: The Nexen Winguard Winspike 3 is the best winter tire for small SUVs.

9 Best budget winter tire

Dunlop Winter Maxx 2 205/60R16 96T XL

Dunlop Winter Maxx 2 205/60R16 96T XL

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
Winter
Rim size
16 in

$64.67 price as of 2026-10-05 05:38 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Dunlop Winter Maxx 2 is a 16-inch winter tire that fits many popular sedans and hatchbacks while still carrying a name-brand winter design. The 205/60R16 size provides a stable footprint for snow conditions.

Pros

  • Winter tread compound
  • 16-inch rim size
  • Fits many compact cars
  • Name-brand winter tire

Cons

  • No load index stated
  • No studdable option confirmed

Good fit if

  • Compact car owners with 16-inch wheels
  • Drivers who want a budget winter tire

Skip if

  • You need a tire for large SUVs
  • You prefer an all-season tire for year-round use

Verdict: The Dunlop Winter Maxx 2 is the best budget winter tire for 16-inch compact cars.

10 Best winter tire for compact cars

HANKOOK Winter ipike X W429 185/65R15 88T

HANKOOK Winter ipike X W429 185/65R15 88T

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
Winter
Rim size
15 in
Tire size
185/65R15

$84.07 price as of 2026-10-05 05:48 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

This Hankook winter tire is sized 185/65R15, perfect for subcompacts and small sedans. The ipike X line is designed for severe snow, and the compact size keeps the price within reach.

Pros

  • Winter tread compound
  • 15-inch rim size
  • 185/65R15 fits small cars
  • Hankook brand reliability

Cons

  • No load index in the spec sheet
  • No speed symbol stated
  • Narrow size may not fit larger vehicles

Good fit if

  • Subcompact and compact car owners
  • Drivers in areas with heavy snow

Skip if

  • You drive a truck or SUV
  • You need an all-season tire

Verdict: The Hankook Winter ipike X is a top pick for small cars needing winter traction.

11 Best road bike tire

Continental Ultra Sport III

Continental Ultra Sport III

Vehicle
Bicycle
Sold as
Set of 2

$52.81 price as of 2026-10-05 05:34 UTC (Details) Typical price: $57.40, 8% off

View on Amazon

Sold as a set of two, the Continental Ultra Sport III is an e-bike rated road tire with a modern tread design. It suits road bikes and commuters looking for a durable, versatile tire.

Pros

  • Set of 2
  • E25 e-bike rated
  • Road bike fitment
  • Modern tread design

Cons

  • No width or diameter stated by the seller
  • Not tubeless ready
  • Only for bicycles, not motor vehicles

Good fit if

  • Road cyclists and commuters
  • E-bike owners who need a replacement tire

Skip if

  • You need a tire for a car or motorcycle
  • You prefer a tubeless setup

Verdict: The Continental Ultra Sport III is a solid, value-packed road bike tire sold as a pair.

12 Best cruiser bike tire

Schwinn Replacement Bike Tire

Schwinn Replacement Bike Tire

Vehicle
Bicycle

$28.85 price as of 2026-10-05 06:14 UTC (Details) Typical price: $39.38, 27% off

View on Amazon

A 26-inch cruiser tire with a smooth tread pattern and a puncture guard, from a trusted bike brand. The 2.125-inch width provides stability on pavement and light gravel.

Pros

  • 26-inch size
  • Smooth tread pattern
  • Puncture guard
  • Cruiser bike fitment

Cons

  • No width stated in the spec sheet
  • Not suited for mountain biking
  • Tube type only

Good fit if

  • Cruiser and comfort bike owners
  • Riders who want a puncture-resistant tire

Skip if

  • You ride a mountain bike
  • You need a folding tire for racing

Verdict: The Schwinn Replacement Bike Tire is a reliable choice for casual cruiser riding.

13 Best lawn and garden tire

Carlisle Turf Saver Lawn & Garden Tire

Carlisle Turf Saver Lawn & Garden Tire

Vehicle
Lawn and garden

$36.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:32 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

This Carlisle turf tire is built for lawn tractors and garden equipment, with a smooth tread that minimizes turf damage. The 16x6.50-8 size is common on many riding mowers.

Pros

  • Lawn and garden fitment
  • Smooth turf-friendly tread
  • 16x6.50-8 size
  • Carlisle brand

Cons

  • No ply designation stated
  • Not for highway use

Good fit if

  • Riding mower and garden tractor owners
  • Anyone replacing a turf tire

Skip if

  • You need a tire for a car or truck
  • You need an aggressive tread for mud

Verdict: The Carlisle Turf Saver is a dependable lawn and garden tire for mowing season.

14 Best motorcycle street tire

Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire

Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire

Vehicle
Motorcycle

$99.66 price as of 2026-10-05 05:54 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Kenda Kruz K673 is a front motorcycle tire in a 120/90H-17 size, designed for street cruisers. Its tread pattern suits dry and wet pavement, and the H speed code is appropriate for highway riding.

Pros

  • Motorcycle street fitment
  • 120/90H-17 size
  • H speed code for highway use
  • Cruiser-style tread

Cons

  • Front tire only
  • No load index stated
  • Not for off-road use

Good fit if

  • Cruiser motorcycle owners
  • Riders needing a front tire replacement

Skip if

  • You need a rear tire
  • You ride off-road or on trails

Verdict: The Kenda Kruz K673 is a solid front street tire for cruisers.

15 Best trailer tire

This trailer-specific ST tire has a 10-ply construction and an E load range, making it suitable for boat trailers, utility trailers and campers. The all-season tread works for highway towing.

Pros

  • Trailer fitment
  • ST225/75R15 size
  • 10-ply construction (E)
  • All-season tread

Cons

  • No speed symbol stated
  • Not for use on passenger vehicles
  • Requires proper trailer wheel match

Good fit if

  • Owners of travel trailers, boat trailers or utility trailers
  • Drivers who need a heavy-load tire

Skip if

  • You are outfitting a car or SUV
  • You need a tire for off-road trailers

Verdict: The Transeagle ST II is the best trailer tire in this guide for heavy-duty towing.

Specifications side by side

#TireVehicleTreadRim sizeTire sizeSold as
1Fullway HP108 245/45ZR18 100W All Season XL 18 inch TireCar and SUVAll Season18 innot statednot stated
2Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 235/75R15 105T TireCar and SUVAll Season15 innot statednot stated
3Evoluxx Capricorn UHP 215/55R16 97W XL All Season Passenger TireCar and SUVAll Season16 innot statednot stated
4Sailun Atrezzo SH408 All Season 215/55R17 94V Passenger TireCar and SUVAll Season17 in215/55R17not stated
5GT Radial Champiro Touring A/S 205/55R16 91HCar and SUVAll Season16 in205/55R16not stated
6Prinx HiCITY HH2 All Season 205/65R15 99H XL Passenger TireCar and SUVAll Season15 innot statednot stated
7Mastercraft Stratus As All-Season 225/50R17 SL 94 V TireCar and SUVAll Season17 in225/50R17not stated
8NEXEN Winguard Winspike 3 Winter TireCar and SUVWinter15 innot statednot stated
9Dunlop Winter Maxx 2 205/60R16 96T XLCar and SUVWinter16 innot statednot stated
10HANKOOK Winter ipike X W429 185/65R15 88TCar and SUVWinter15 in185/65R15not stated
11Continental Ultra Sport IIIBicyclenot statednot statednot statedSet of 2
12Schwinn Replacement Bike TireBicyclenot statednot statednot statednot stated
13Carlisle Turf Saver Lawn & Garden TireLawn and gardennot statednot statednot statednot stated
14Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front TireMotorcyclenot statednot statednot statednot stated
15Transeagle ST II ST225/75R15 117/112N All Season ETrailerAll Season15 innot statednot stated

How the picks were chosen

We built this list from a pool of 417 budget-priced tires. We kept only listings that clearly stated the vehicle type, rim size or tire size, and removed near-duplicate models. From the remaining group we selected 15 tires that span the most common needs: all-season car tires in popular sizes, dedicated winter tires, motorcycle street tires, road and cruiser bicycle tires, a lawn and garden tire, and a trailer tire. Every price on this page is read live from the store listing and updates automatically. No one at this site has mounted, driven or otherwise tested any of these tires; our picks are based on the stated specifications, the maker's published information and the listing details.

Picking the right one for you

Check the tire size on your door placard

The first step is to find the correct tire size for your vehicle. Open the driver's door and look for a sticker on the door jamb or inside the glove box. It lists the original tire size, such as P215/55R17, and the recommended cold tire pressure. Using a tire sized for your rims is critical; a wrong diameter or width can affect speedometer accuracy and clearance. For trailers and lawn equipment, the size is often printed on the sidewall itself.

Understand load index and speed symbol

Each tire has a load index (a number) and a speed symbol (a letter). The load index tells you how much weight the tire can carry at a given pressure. Speed symbols range from L (75 mph) to Y (186 mph). The federal standard FMVSS 139 requires that the vehicle's maximum load on the tire does not exceed the tire's maximum load capacity. When comparing tires in this price range, pick one with a load index that matches or exceeds the door placard requirement, and a speed symbol that is appropriate for your driving.

All-season vs. winter tires

All-season tires are designed to handle dry, wet and light snow. Winter tires, marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures. The FMVSS 139 standard defines a snow tire as one that attains a traction index at least equal to 112 on a medium-packed snow surface. Because winter tires perform significantly better on ice and snow, many drivers in northern states keep a separate set for winter months. In this guide, you can find both types, but don't expect winter-grade performance from a budget all-season.

Check the DOT code and registration

Every tire sold in the U.S. has a DOT code on the sidewall, as required by 49 CFR Part 574. This code identifies the manufacturer and plant, tire size, and the week and year of manufacture. The last four digits, for example, 3526, mean the tire was built in the 35th week of 2026. Check the code when you receive a new tire to ensure it's fresh. Also consider registering your tire with the manufacturer; this helps with recall notifications.

Keep your tires properly inflated

Proper tire pressure affects safety, tire wear and fuel economy. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that keeping tires inflated to the recommended pressure can improve gas mileage by 0.6% on average, and up to 3% in some cases. Under-inflated tires also reduce grip and can overheat. Your vehicle's recommended cold inflation pressure is on the driver's door placard, not on the tire's sidewall. The sidewall shows the maximum pressure, which is only for load capacity calculations.

Consider the intended use and vehicle type

Tires are built for specific applications. Passenger car tires are designed for cars and SUVs with a gross vehicle weight limit of 10,000 pounds or less, as defined in FMVSS 139. Light truck tires are marked LT and are sturdier for towing and hauling. Motorcycle tires follow FMVSS 119, and trailer tires (ST) are built for trailers in highway service. Don't put a passenger car tire on a trailer, and don't use a motorcycle tire on a car. For bicycles and lawn equipment, the sizing system is different, so match the tire to the rim diameter and width.

Questions

Can I buy a good tire on a budget?

Yes, especially for common sizes like 15-, 16- and 17-inch wheels. Budget tires from brands like Fullway, Sailun, Prinx and Mastercraft offer solid all-season performance for daily driving. The trade-offs are typically a higher chance of road noise and a shorter tread life compared to premium brands. For winter or specialty uses, the budget range still has reliable options, but you'll need to check the load index and speed symbol carefully.

What does the tire size like 215/55R17 mean?

The first number, 215, is the section width in millimeters. The second number, 55, is the aspect ratio: the sidewall height is 55% of the width. The letter R stands for radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. This sizing is defined in federal standards like FMVSS 139. Always use the size printed on your vehicle's door placard or in the owner's manual to ensure proper fitment.

What are the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbols?

The three-peak mountain snowflake is a mark on winter tires that meets the snow traction requirements defined in FMVSS 139. It indicates the tire has passed a standardized test for snow performance. Budget winter tires in this guide often carry this symbol. If you drive in areas with heavy snow, look for this mark instead of relying on the words 'all-season' or 'mud and snow.'

Do I need to buy new tires from the same brand as the originals?

No. You can replace tires with any brand as long as the size, load index and speed symbol match what your vehicle requires. It's recommended to replace all four tires if you need to maintain consistent handling and traction. If you replace only two, put the new tires on the rear axle to avoid oversteer in wet conditions, regardless of whether your vehicle is front- or rear-wheel drive.

How do I know the correct tire pressure?

Check the sticker on the driver's door jamb or glove box. It shows the manufacturer's recommended cold inflation pressure for your vehicle's original tires. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall, because that is the pressure needed to support the tire's maximum load, not the recommended everyday setting. Maintaining the correct pressure is critical for safety and fuel economy, and it is required by federal tire pressure monitoring system standards (FMVSS 138).

Are trailer tires different from car tires?

Yes. Trailer tires (marked ST) are built to handle the higher loads and continuous highway speeds of towing. They have a stiffer sidewall construction and a load range designation that is often higher than a passenger car tire. FMVSS 119 covers trailer tires with rim diameters of 12 inches or below, while FMVSS 139 applies to passenger car tires. Using a passenger car tire on a trailer can lead to tire failure, so always choose an ST tire for trailer applications.

Revision notes

  • : First published.

Sources

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