The tire you need depends greatly on the kind of car you drive and the type of driving you do. If you drive short distances in and around town on the school run or to the local shops then economy and safety will be a primary concern when choosing a tire. If you do a lot of motorway driving then low noise, comfort and fuel saving might be factors in helping you find the right tire. Drivers with luxury cars and sports cars will be interested in high performance tires, which offer precision handling, excellent traction and maneuverability at speed.

At TireTrade we can advise you on the right car tire for your driving requirements, and at a low tire price that will not break your budget.

As tire wear is a gradual process it can be hard to tell when your tire needs changing which is why we recommend monthly tire checks.

The most accurate way to measure your tread depth is to use a tire tread depth gauge. Insert the pin of the gauge into the shallowest groove of the tread until the base of the gauge is flush with the tire.

Another way of measuring your tread depth is by using a traditional Canadian penny. The penny test is conducted by placing a penny in the tire groove with the Queen's crown facing down. If you can see the top of the Queens crown, you need to replace your tires. If you use an American coin and can see the top of Lincoln's head, you need to replace your tires.

The correct tire pressure is very important; it helps your tires last longer, provides a smooth, more comfortable ride and makes your fuel go that bit further, so the right tire pressure helps you save money as well as improving safety. It also reduces carbon dioxide emissions which protects the environment. Did you know that 37% of cars run on tires which are dangerously under-inflated?

Tire pressure gauges are very inexpensive, keeping one inside your vehicle is a good practice, and it would be a good idea to check your tires pressure on weekly bases or whenever you feel that your tires are not properly inflated.

Punctures can be repaired providing they does not affect the structure of the tire. Upon inspection of the tire, TireTrade technician will be able to advise you if your tire falls into this category.

Tires can only be repaired in the central area of the tire - the sidewalls are not repairable, and for V rated tires and above, only one repair is allowed. However, before any repair is carried out, the tire must be fully inspected for any signs of internal damage which could cause tire failure.

If you live anywhere in Canada then you're going to need winter tires (also known as "snow tires").

Winter tires will give you that extra traction, braking and handling you'll need to confidently drive on snow and ice. They have specialized rubber compounds and tread designs to handle the cold temperatures. The tread remains flexible to prevent snow buildup and help with traction on ice.

Tests that have been conducted on ice show that even at 25KM, vehicles equipped with winter tires stopped from 1/2 to a full car length shorter than identical vehicles on all season tires. Without winter tires you are more likely to fishtail in corners and spin out on that icy hill.