Back to all

Picking the Right Tires in Sterling Heights

April 18, 2016

Shopping for tires in Sterling Heights can be bewildering because there are many choices. Let's simplify. There are four main classifications of tires, each designed for different purposes.

First off, there are summer tires. Those who buy summer tires in Sterling Heights are looking for maximum summertime performance. The rubber is a little softer to help stick to the road on fast corners on Michigan roads. The tread has wide blocks at the shoulder to stiffen the tire in turns. The tread design can handle rain but really isn't set up for snow and ice.

Next comes winter tires. Sterling Heights people buy winter tires because they still like performance driving when it's cold and slippery on Michigan roads, so they need a tread design that'll really bite into ice and snow. The rubber compound is formulated to stay pliable when temperatures drop below 45 degrees F/7 degrees C so they get great traction even on dry roads. On the other end of the winter tire spectrum are tires designed to handle well in severe ice and snow conditions.

The third category is all-season tires. Most new cars in Sterling Heights showrooms come with all-season tires. This is a tire that is designed to be used all year round. The tread design and rubber compound is a compromise that won't give you the extreme capabilities of summer or winter tires; but if you're driving and weather conditions aren't at the extreme ends of the range, all-season tires might suit you just fine.

The last category is what you might have on your SUV or pickup. All-terrain or off-road tires are designed for both highway and off-road use – a tire that gets good traction in the dirt and on off-road obstacles, but still performs well on paved Sterling Heights roads.

Choosing the right tire is important for Sterling Heights car owners. Talk with your Sterling Tire & Auto tire professional about your driving requirements and receive valuable guidance on tires that will meet your needs.

Give us a call.

Sterling Tire & Auto
34701 Van Dyke Rd
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312
586-264-7775

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Sterling Tire & Auto

No Shake, Just Smooth

September 6, 2026

When your vehicles wheels are out of balance, theyll likely give you some clues. Your steering wheel might shake, the floor or seat vibrates and you might find your vehicle pulling to one side. Other signs? Your tires might wear unevenly and may make odd noises. Plus, fuel economy might not be ... More

Catching Trouble Early

August 30, 2026

Your vehicle depends on wheel bearings. Sitting between the wheels hub and axle, they allow your wheels to spin smoothly, bear the vehicles weight and work in harmony to stay aligned with other parts. Wheel bearings can fail in several ways, and they may send the driver some pretty clear clues... More

The Car Fluid Most Drivers Forget—And Why It Matters

August 23, 2026

Heres an automotive part you might not be familiar withthe differential. Its a component that transfers power from the driveshaft to the wheels. Its called a differential because the left and right drive wheels travel at different speeds when you make a turn. During that turn, the wheel on the ... More