How to Choose the Right Tires: Understanding Tire Types

Tires are the only parts of your car that touch the ground, which means they play a big role in keeping you safe and helping your car drive smoothly. But with so many types for different roads and weather, knowing which ones are best for you can be tricky. Whether driving in the city, off-road, or through snow, picking the right tires makes a big difference. 

Thinking about how and where to shop for new tires? We get it—quality tires can feel like a big commitment. That’s why Acima Leasing offers a lease-to-own option that helps you get the tires you need—without using credit*. 

Let’s break down the different types of tires and when to use them. 

Know the Basics: Types of Tires 

Here are the most common types of tires you’ll see when shopping: 

All-Season Tires 

All-season tires can be a good fit if you live in a place with different kinds of weather, but nothing too extreme. They are made to perform in dry, rainy, and mildly snowy conditions. (1) 

Why they might be helpful: 

• They are designed to handle different kinds of weather. 
• They often provide a smooth and quiet ride, which many drivers find helpful for everyday use. 
• Some models are built to last longer than other types of tires. 

Heads-up: These tires may not perform as well as winter tires on icy roads or summer tires in hot weather. (2)

Winter Tires (Snow Tires) 

Winter tires are made from softer rubber, so they stay flexible even when temperatures drop. This can help them maintain better contact with the road in snowy or icy weather. They also have deeper grooves designed to move snow and slush away. (3) 

Why they’re helpful: 

• Built to perform better in cold, snowy, or icy conditions. 
• Tread design helps manage snow and slush. 
• May offer improved braking and control on winter roads. 

Heads-up: If you're facing heavy snow or mountain driving, tire chains might still be needed. 

Summer Tires 

Summer tires are designed for warm weather. They don’t have as many grooves, and more of the tires touch the road, which may help steering and turning in hot conditions. The rubber is made to stay soft in heat. (4) 

Why they’re helpful: 

• Summer tires are built to provide a good grip on dry and wet roads in hot weather. 
• Their design can help improve steering and handling when roads are warm. 
• Their tread patterns and rubber compounds are intended to support performance in warm conditions. 

Heads-up: Summer tires aren’t made for wintry weather. When it gets chilly, the rubber can become stiff and lose grip. Switching to winter tires during colder months is often recommended. (4) 

All-Terrain Tires 

All-terrain tires are built to work on both pavement and rougher surfaces like gravel or dirt. They offer a middle-ground option for drivers who travel in mixed conditions. (5) 

Why they might be helpful: 

• Created to handle a variety of driving surfaces 
• Often more rugged and resistant to damage 
• Can offer both off-road traction and basic on-road performance, depending on the design 

Heads-up: All-terrain tires vary by brand and design. Check the details to make sure they fit your specific driving needs.

Performance Tires 

Performance tires are designed to boost handling and grip, especially at higher speeds. They are commonly used in vehicles where cornering and steering response are priorities. (6) 

Why they might be helpful: 

• Can offer improved cornering ability and traction on dry pavement 
• Often provide more responsive steering for a sportier driving feel 
• Typically feature unique tread patterns and softer rubber compounds 

Heads-up: These tires may wear faster and aren’t made for use in cold or icy conditions. 

Why Use Acima Leasing? 

Finding the right tires is one thing—bringing them home is another. If you are looking for an alternative to financing, Acima Leasing can help empower your tire shopping options. 

Here’s how Acima Leasing can help you: 

• Easy to apply: Fill out a simple application to get started. 
• Shop your way: Pick tires online or in-store from many retail partners that work with Acima Leasing. 
• Access what you need: If approved, you could be eligible to lease up to $5,000 in merchandise**. 

Whether you're swapping out old tires or getting ready for better driving, Acima Leasing is here to help. With lease-to-own, you can get the tires you need without using credit*. 

Shop Today with Acima Leasing 

Choosing the right tires starts with knowing your car, how you drive, and what kind of tires are out there. The right ones can help make your rides smoother and safer. 

Keep in mind: Not all tires work the same in every kind of weather or road. Think about where you live and how you use your car each day. When it's time to get new tires, Acima Leasing gives you an option—without using credit*. 

Ready to get going? Apply with Acima Leasing and take the first step toward better driving. 

The content of this article is provided solely for general interest and should not be relied upon or construed as any form of advice, whether legal, financial, or otherwise. Receipt or use of this information does not create any sort of relationship between us. 

Sources:

1. Consumer Reports. Tire buying guide.
2. U.S. News & World Report. How to buy tires.
3. MotorTrend. All-season vs. winter tires: Key differences.
4. MotorTrend. Best summer tires for 2024.
5. Outside Online. Everything you need to know about all-terrain tires.
6. Car and Driver. Monsters of grip: Nine summer performance tires tested.