Buying tires can be daunting: The myriad choices along with the high cost of tires often mean we’re driving on them long after they should be replaced.

Tire shopping does not have to be a hassle if you understand a few basics.

First, know your tire size before buying. You may consult your car manual or check the numbers on the side of your existing tires. For instance, your tires might read P195/60R-15. 195 is the width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall to sidewall, 60 is the aspect ratio (the percentage of tread width that equals the sidewall height), “R” stands for radial and 15 is the rim diameter in inches.

Next, decide which among the hundreds of tires on the market you should buy. Narrow the choice by considering your budget. Then take into account what kind of driving you do.

If you drive mostly on the highway, your vehicle will react best with a nice, smooth road tire that handles well and offers a crisp, quiet ride. If you do a lot of local driving in a town or city, a slightly wider tire offers slightly more stability on tight turns. Many tires are also engineered to be excellent in the rain with grooves that run all the way around the tire allowing for better traction.

If you find you occasionally venture off-road, an all-terrain tire is key. These tires have a bit more tread but not enough to cause an overly bumpy ride. These thicker tires typically last a bit longer, yet the driver won’t sacrifice much in the way of handling in regular driving. For the “mudders” out there, an off-road tire is rugged enough allow the driver to churn through the most rough conditions imaginable.

In a relatively snowy region such as this, snow tires might be necessary. Regular tires can stiffen and lose gripping power when the temperature gets below freezing. Unlike the knobby, studded, poor riding snow tires of the past, a new generation of snow tires offers a much better ride. Snow tires will wear quickly and need to be changed with the seasons.

Whatever your particular driving needs, for the safety of you, your family and the other drivers on the road, it is vital to keep good tires on your vehicle at all times.