The best tire for your truck depends on three things: how much weight it carries, where it drives, and what weather it faces. Get those right and the choice gets simple. This guide covers pickups and light trucks. Semi trucks use a different system of steer, drive and trailer tires.
Start with the tire size on your truck
Your truck’s recommended size and pressure are on the tire placard inside the driver’s door jamb. Use that size unless you have a reason to change it. A size like 275/65R18 116T tells you the width, the sidewall height ratio, the wheel diameter, the load index and the speed rating. We explain the numbers in our [guide to load index and speed rating].
LT or P metric: the choice most people miss
P metric tires are built for passenger vehicles and light duty use. They ride smoother, cost less and suit a truck that mostly commutes or carries light loads.
LT (light truck) tires have stronger sidewalls and higher load ratings. They suit towing, hauling and heavy duty work, and they are often sold in load range E, which allows up to 80 psi.
Do not choose LT tires only because they look tougher. On an unloaded truck they can ride firmer and wear differently. Match the tire to the job.
Match the tire to how you drive
| How you use the truck | Best tire type |
|---|---|
| Daily commuting and light loads | All season |
| Mix of pavement and dirt or gravel | All terrain |
| Deep mud, trails and rocks | Mud terrain |
| Heavy snow and ice | Winter or snow rated |
| Frequent towing or hauling | LT tire in the right load range |
All season tires give a quiet ride and good wet and dry grip. They are the right choice for most pickup owners.
All terrain tires have more aggressive tread for gravel and dirt while staying civil on the highway. They are the best compromise for owners who use their truck on and off the road.
Mud terrain tires have big, widely spaced tread blocks that clear mud well. The trade offs are more road noise, faster wear and lower fuel economy. For an extreme example of a truck built for rough terrain, see the Jimco Reaper pre runner.
Winter tires use softer rubber and tread designed for cold, snow and ice. Look for the three peak mountain snowflake symbol if you need real winter capability.
Load rating and towing
Never choose a tire that cannot carry your truck’s load. Check the load capacity on the tire and compare it with your truck’s weight rating and what you tow. If you tow often, a higher load range gives you a bigger safety margin. Tire and other mechanical problems are a common factor in crashes, as our guide to the top mechanical failures that cause car accidents explains.
Maintenance that makes tires last
- Check pressure monthly using the door jamb placard, not the maximum number on the sidewall.
- Rotate tires roughly every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
- Check alignment if the truck pulls or the tread wears unevenly.
- Look at the four digit date code. Tires over about six years old deserve a careful inspection, even with tread left.
- Having a few basic tools for vehicle maintenance at home makes these checks much easier.
Budget and brands
Established brands such as Michelin, Goodyear, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone and Falken are common choices. Lower cost brands can work, but check reviews, treadwear ratings and warranty terms. A tire that costs less but wears out sooner is not a bargain. If you plan to fit bigger wheels for looks, like on this lowered Ford F-150 on 24 inch Vossen wheels, remember that larger sizes usually mean higher tire costs.
Quick checklist before you buy
- Confirm your size on the door jamb placard.
- Decide between P metric and LT based on towing and load.
- Choose the tread for your driving: all season, all terrain, mud or winter.
- Check load rating, treadwear and warranty.
- Have the tires mounted, balanced and aligned.
FAQ
What are the best tires for trucks?
For most owners, all season or all terrain tires in the correct size and load rating.
Are LT tires better than P metric tires?
Only if you tow or haul heavy loads. For light use P metric rides better and costs less.
How often should I rotate truck tires?
Roughly every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
What does 101 mean on a tire?
It is a load index, a number that shows how much weight one tire can carry. See our [load index and speed rating guide].