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