You're ready to hit the road with friends or family this summer. But there's only one problem: you've been driving the same set of tires for a while, and you want to get a fresh set for the long journey ahead.

First, be sure to enter our Journey contest at NokianTires.com/Journey between June 28 and July 23, 2021 for a chance to win a free set of tires!

But whether or not you're a winner, you know it's time to choose the right tires for the journey you're about to take. How do you pick the right fit for you? Here are some tips.

Size matters

First, be sure to log your tire size. It's important that your tires fit your vehicle's recommended specs. 

Choosing the right tire size will help you get the best performance out of your vehicle and your tires. Your car was built with a specific size range in mind. If your tires are too small, they’ll be overtaxed and you’ll risk a blowout or excessive wear. If they’re too large, they won’t be as efficient on the road. The wrong size can also lead to a less comfortable ride and even inaccurate measurements on your speedometer and odometer.

Trust the experts

People who work in your tire shop know their stuff. Tires are more complicated than they let on, and having an expert on your side helps you filter through the confusion. 

Brand recognition isn't always a good indicator of quality. Quite often, reputation reflects ad spending rather than the investments in R&D and materials that actually lead to great tires. The best way to get beyond a tiremaker’s self-promotion and get a better idea of its effectiveness? Ask someone whose living depends on their ability to keep customers safe. That person is a tire dealer.

Put stock in the features that actually matter

There is no perfect tire that meets everyone’s needs – every tire offers trade-offs designed to serve a specific kind of driver. The tires you’re choosing between each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Don't buy tires based on price alone. Don't listen to long mileage warranties without also asking questions about how the tire performs in the most important moments. Consider your driving needs. Do you enjoy the thrill of the road? Are you just trying to get to your destination in one piece? Do you like to leave the beaten path? Do you live somewhere with unpredictable weather conditions?

Know the difference between all-season and all-weather tires

If the answer to that last question is "yes," you might be a candidate for all-weather tires. Unlike all-season tires, all-weather tires are rated for winter weather and provide year-round safety for drivers who experience uncertain winter weather. All-season tires aren't actually meant for snow, ice, or even temperatures below 45 degrees. If you experience any of those things from time to time, all-weather tires like the Nokian WR G4 might be a good fit.

Once you've picked the right tires, you're ready for the road! Visit NokianTires.com/Journey to get some great road trip ideas -- and submit a few of your own!