Consumer Reports tests dozens of tire models every year across all types of weather and road conditions. Our expert evaluations cover key performance factors like grip, handling, braking, comfort, and tread life. In this episode, we explain everything you need to know before buying new tires—when to replace them, how to choose the best tires, and whether electric vehicles need special tires. You'll learn how climate and driving style affect tire performance, and get insider insight into how our engineers test tires for safety and durability. We'll also answer your top tire questions, from whether small rocks in the tread really matter to how all-wheel drive impacts winter traction.
Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:36 - When to Buy Tires
02:29 - How to Inspect Tires
04:10 - All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires
08:47 - EV Tires
12:19 - Best Tire Shopping Advice
17:36 - How CR Works With Tire Manufacturers
18:31 - How We Test and Rate Tires
23:15 - 2026 Tire Top Picks
24:31 - What Are We Testing Next?
26:54 - Question #1: Do small rocks lodged in tire treads affect performance?
29:52 - Question #2: How do AWD systems affect tire performance?
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CR Tire Ratings
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Top Pick Tires: The Best Car, SUV, and Truck Tires
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/top-pick-tires-best-car-suv-truck-tires-a5778937779/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Best All-Weather Tires
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-all-weather-tires-a8621335540/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Best Tire Brands of 2026
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-tire-brands-a2990346660/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Best Car Tires of 2026
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-car-tires-of-the-year-a1101679070/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Best SUV and Truck Tires if 2026
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-suv-and-truck-tires-a3436694441/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Best All-Season Tires
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-all-season-tires-a9794563815/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Best Winter/Snow Tires
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-winter-snow-tires-a1191260310/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Most and Least Satisfying Tire Retailers
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tire-stores/most-and-least-satisfying-tire-retailers-a8618669903/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How to Save Money When Buying Tires
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tire-buying-maintenance/how-to-save-money-when-buying-replacement-tires-a6799675738/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How to Read a Tire Sidewall
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/buying-guide/#how-to-read-a-tire-sidewall-and-what-can-it-tell-me/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
When to Replace Your Tires
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/when-to-replace-your-tires-a3107469842/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Do Electric Vehicles Need Special Tires?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/do-electric-vehicles-need-special-tires-a4689725362/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT