New backpacks? Check. Lunchboxes packed? Check. Tires... Wait, should I be thinking about tires right now?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Absolutely yes!
As the summer winds down and the daily grind gears up, your vehicle becomes mission control for school runs, grocery dashes, post-practice pickups, and possibly a teary-eyed college drop-off (we won’t judge).
But here’s the kicker: your tires are the only part of your car that actually touches the road. They’re kind of a big deal.
Why Now?
August and early fall mean busier roads (hello again, school zones), unpredictable weather, and longer daily drives (because everything is suddenly 20 minutes away).
Whether you're chauffeuring kids, commuting to work, or road-tripping one last time before summer officially ends, tire performance has a direct impact on your safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
Choosing the Right Tire: It's Easier Than You Think
Let’s break it down. Here's what to consider when selecting tires that match your lifestyle, your car, and the season ahead.
Know Your Tire Type
Tires aren’t one-size-fits-all — they come in different personalities, kind of like your kids:
All-Season Tires - The dependable overachievers. Great for daily driving, mild weather, and year-round reliability.
Try: AVID ASCEND GT®– long tread life, confident wet/dry grip.
Also great: GEOLANDAR CV® G058 – perfect for CUVs and SUVs that do it all.Touring Tires - Smooth, quiet, and built for comfort on highways and long commutes.
Try: AVID Ascend LX®– superior wet traction, quiet ride, and all-season.
Also great: AVID Touring-S®– exceptional ride quality, stability, and wet and dry traction.Performance Tires - If you enjoy cornering with confidence or drive a sportier ride, these offer better grip and responsiveness.
Try: ADVAN Sport® V107 – great for high-performance sedans, CUVs, and SUVs. Outstanding grip.
Also great: ADVAN Fleva® V701 – great for fuel efficiency, superior handling in wet and dry conditions
- All-Terrain or SUV Tires - Hauling a lot? Going off-road on weekends? These are ideal for larger vehicles and mixed-use driving conditions.
Try: GEOLANDAR A/T 4TM – optimized for on/off-road traction, reliable all-weather performance.
Also great: GEOLANDAR X-CV®– great for sport crossovers and SUVs, optimized all-season performance, and powerful wet braking
Think About Your Climate
August may still feel like summer, but rain is a real thing, especially in the South, Midwest, and Southwest.
Live in a rainy state? Look for tires with strong wet traction and wide grooves to channel water away.
Hot and dry? Heat-resistant compounds and durability are your best friends.
Cold mornings on the horizon? Plan ahead with tires that maintain performance as temperatures drop, especially if you live in an area where fall arrives quickly.
Match Your Mileage
Be honest: Are you a…
Daily commuter racking up miles? Look for long tread life and fuel efficiency (rolling resistance matters).
Weekend warrior? Opt for balanced performance and comfort — touring or all-season tires may be your best choice.
Highway hauler or college mover? You'll want load-rated tires that offer stability even when your car is packed tighter than a dorm closet.
The chart below gives a general warranty range that you can expect based on certain tire types. The mileage ranges displayed are typical ranges and may not encompass the full warranties available on the market. If your vehicle has staggered sizes, with different sizes on the front and rear axles, the warranty will often be 50% of the standard mileage.
Know When It's Time to Replace
Back-to-school is the perfect reminder to give your tires a once-over. Look for:
Worn-down tread (Try the penny test — if Lincoln's head is showing, it's time.)
Cracks, bulges, or uneven wear
That nagging feeling you've had them since your last kid was in diapers
Don't Just Buy by Price
We get it. Budget matters. But your tires are an investment in safety. A high-quality set can save you money over time with better fuel economy, fewer replacements, and — most importantly — less risk.
Not Sure Where to Start? Try the Tire Finder Tool
Yokohama’s Tire Finder makes it easy to find tires that fit your ride. Just plug in your car’s year, make, and model, and you'll instantly see all compatible options. Then apply the tips above — whether you're focused on tread life, comfort, wet traction, or performance — to choose the perfect match.
Drive With Confidence into the New Season
School season comes with enough stress — don’t let your tires be one of them. Choosing the right set now means peace of mind later. Fewer surprises. Fewer roadside calls. And a smoother ride, whether you're tackling the carpool lane or cruising back from campus.