How to Choose the Right Tires: Criteria, Maintenance, and Safety

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Close-up of the tread on a new car tire
New car tire tread, close up view

Choosing the right tire is never a minor detail: it's the only point of contact between the car and the road, the one factor that determines braking, road grip, and ultimately everyone's safety. Between the dimensions to respect, the seasons to anticipate, and the maintenance not to neglect, here's a practical guide to help you get it right.

The Criteria to Check Before Buying

A tire is chosen first according to the manufacturer's specifications: dimensions, load index, and speed rating appear on the vehicle's registration document and on the sidewall of the original tire. Straying from these references can void your insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Next come the vehicle's actual use (city driving, highway, mountains) and your budget, keeping in mind that a premium model is mainly justified by high annual mileage or demanding driving conditions. To quickly compare available references before making a decision, a specialized site like SimpleTire makes it possible to buy tires online that suit your vehicle in just a few clicks, without having to visit a store in person.

Pressure and Wear: The Checks That Really Matter

The inflation pressure recommended by the manufacturer is listed on the driver's door, the fuel flap, or in the vehicle's manual; it deserves a monthly check and one before any long trip. A tire underinflated by 0.5 bar already increases fuel consumption by 2 to 3%, and severe underinflation can triple the risk of a blowout by increasing braking distances and the risk of hydroplaning. As for wear, the minimum legal tread depth is set at 1.6 mm by the French traffic code, visible thanks to the wear indicators built into the grooves; professionals, however, recommend considering replacement as early as 3 mm, since wet-road performance deteriorates well before the legal limit. A regular check by an auto maintenance professional, such as the one offered by GMC Auto 67, makes it possible to spot irregular wear that points to an alignment or shock absorber problem.

The Mountain Law: What It Requires

Every winter, from November 1 to March 31, France's Mountain law requires winter equipment in 34 departments across the French mountain ranges (the Alps, the Jura, the Pyrenees…). Local prefects determine the specific zones, marked by dedicated signs at the entry and exit points of the areas subject to the requirement; the same concern for clarity can be found in the road signage used to mark these zones. Four winter or all-season tires bearing the 3PMSF marking (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) are required, or failing that, snow chains or snow socks in the trunk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Driving with tires below the legal limit: a fine and license points deducted, just as with other traffic code violations punished by a loss of license points.
  • Mixing tires of very different brands or wear levels on the same axle, which hurts stability.
  • Ignoring tire pressure for several months: beyond the extra fuel consumption, safety is directly affected.
  • Overlooking the impact of an accident caused by a worn tire on your car insurance, since some policies may limit coverage in cases of obvious negligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

At What Level of Wear Should You Replace Your Tires?

The legal limit is 1.6 mm of tread depth, but professionals recommend taking action as early as 3 mm to maintain good performance on wet roads.

Should You Check Tire Pressure Even in Summer?

Yes: pressure should be checked year-round, ideally once a month and before every long trip, regardless of the season.

Does the Mountain Law Apply Everywhere in France?

No, it applies only to 34 departments in mountain areas (the Alps, the Jura, the Pyrenees, etc.), in specific zones marked by signs and defined by local prefects.

Sources

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy