There are many factors to consider when shopping for car tires. Price, quality and safety are usually ranked highest; although we all have our favorite brands and types. You don't have to go to a car show to see the wide variety of tires out there. Simply drive down the road and you can catch a glimpse of all that tire industry has to offer. While that can help you tell what is popular, it doesn't tell you much about the quality of the tires. Before investing in a new set of tires it's a good idea to do some research and look at all the market has to offer. Tires, like nearly every other industry, are driven by technology and national standards. While the typical vehicle owner may just see a rubber circle with a fancy tread design, there is actually a lot of thought and science that goes into the formation of the tire and the tread. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also has a set of standards and ratings that each tire must meet so that you are assured safe, effective tires. These days you can find tires to fit nearly every need and then some; all-weather, snow, tires, rain tires, off-road, and luxury tires just to name a few. Determining first what type of tires that you need can help you narrow down your search and find the best tires for you. There has, and probably always will be, some debate over which brand offers the best tires. While most brands offer information for their particular tires, going to an unbiased source can help you find balanced information on the subject. Consumer Reports is often considered a trusted source for obtaining information regarding tire performance, longevity, and overall quality. Your local tire dealer can also be a good resource for information about different brands and what other customers in your area prefer. For even more information check out tire videos here .