I don't waste my clients' money, and I try not to waste my own. I don't want you to waste your money, either. The tire manufacturers  have ads that play on your emotions. But they never tell you certain critical information;  information that is yours to see under Federal regulations. Every passenger tire must show a traction rating, a temperature rating and a treadwear rating. There is no reason to buy tires that are not rated at least A for traction and A for temperature. The treadwear number is an index. That means a tire with a treadwear rating of, say, 400, should last four times longer than a tire with a treadwear rating of 100.

You also need to know the correct size and speed rating for your particular car. Many of the tire manufacturers, and tire retailers have websites where you can enter the year, make , model, and trim of your car, and they will provide you with the size and speed rating of the tires specified for your car.

When you purchase your new tires, make sure you see the traction, temperature and treadwear ratings:  they are visible on the outside edge of the tire.

I have never seen an ad where these ratings are disclosed. Ask your retailer,  and then check for yourself.