Truck tires often face challenges that are a combination of light truck service and passenger car service. That makes it a bit tricky when it comes to choosing tires. Now your tire dealer will likely guide you in the right direction, but here are 4 tips to consider when choosing truck tires.

Minivans such as cars or trucks

Certainly many minivans are perfectly suited to passenger cars when it comes to choosing tires. That is so because of the weight of the vehicles and the loads they are expected to carry. But this may not always be the case. In fact, some minivans are used more like trucks and the loads carried must be taken into account when choosing a tire.

Also consider that even some minivans are built on truck frames and travel and haul cargo like small to medium size trucks.

Heavier vans

Full-size trucks certainly take on the pickup truck character. Most full-size trucks are in the weight and cargo capacity range of full-size trucks. That often suggests that a light truck tire would be better for a larger truck. Some larger trucks may even need more than a light truck tire.

Large lightly loaded vans may work well on passenger car tires, but loads on these vans are often marginal on passenger car tires.

Offsets with truck tires

Switching from passenger car tires to light truck tires often occurs due to load capacity. The tradeoff for more cargo capacity is typically ride quality and noise.

Light truck tires have a heavier and stiffer construction specifically to support more weight on the tire. Everything else stays the same, resulting in a harder ride and less comfort. Additionally, the stiffer construction coupled with an aggressive tread pattern often produces more noise as well. Not always, but truck tires are often harder and louder.

How do you use it?

Many vans that are used as cars can use passenger car tires. However, for hauling and towing trailers, car tires may not be the best or safest option. What sometimes happens is that the vehicle begins to be used more and more like a truck as the capabilities of the vehicle are learned. You cannot buy a van to use as a truck. But over time it becomes more of a truck as you realize how useful that ability is. That’s where light truck tires fit in.

Discount tires for vans

Online tire stores open up opportunities to save on tires. Online tire dealers survive based on at least three factors. They should have very informative and user-friendly websites. They must have relatively low prices. They have to send fast.

What that can do for you when shopping for truck tires is give you an easy way to learn about available tires and an easy way to find a low price. Take that information with you when shopping locally and see how the local selection and price stack up to what you could get online.

Van tires often face challenges that are somewhat unique. Trucks often end up performing functions more like a light truck than a passenger car. In many cases, truck tires work well on certain types of trucks.