Tire Buying Guide
How to Buy
Buying tires is as easy as 1-2-3.
First, understand your vehicle’s tire size. Second, think about the conditions you drive in and how you drive. Third, be sure to visit the tire experts at an authorized Michelin retailer.
What you should know before you visit a tire retailer
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Your Tire Size
Knowing your tire size can help save time at the tire retailer. It also enables you to make an informed tire purchase. Your vehicle’s original equipment tire size can be found in your owners manual or on the tire placard located on the driver’s door jamb, glove compartment door, or inside the fuel hatch. You can also check your existing tire’s designation on the sidewall.
Changing tire sizes?
If you are interested in a size other than your vehicle’s original equipment, or if you are upgrading your wheels, consult your local authorized Michelin retailer for expert advice.
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Your Tire Type
One of the first questions retailers may ask is, "What type of tires are you looking for?" They are referring to categories such as all-season tires, winter tires, etc. What’s most important is that your new tires meet your needs. Before you visit a tire retailer, think about the best and worst conditions in which you may need to drive. What performance criteria are you looking for in a tire? For example, is wet traction more important to you than cornering capability on dry roads? The more you can tell your retailer, the better your new tires will meet your needs.
We can help you find the right Michelin® tire models for your vehicle and driving style. Use our Tire Selector (we recommend starting with Find by Vehicle
).
What you should know at the tire retailer
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Your Warranty Booklet & DOT Registration Card
You should receive a warranty booklet and Department of Transportation (DOT) tire registration card with your tire purchase. The warranty booklet offers information on care and maintenance of your new tires as well as important warranty information. See warranty for details.
Download the Warranty (PDF – 543kb, 25 pages)
Help us keep you safe throughout the life of your tires. By completing the DOT tire registration, you can be notified in the unlikely event of a recall or other safety issue.
Install two new tires on the rear axle
If you’re purchasing only two new tires instead of four, insist they are installed on the rear axle.
- New tires grip the road better.
- When the two new tires are mounted on the rear, they’ll help reduce the potential for your vehicle to fishtail or hydroplane in wet conditions.
- Watch a short video to learn more.
