I have a 2005 dodge Dakota and i need new tires. First off, i don't have my truck right now so I'm not sure of the tire size. It's the stock size but i cant remember what that is off the top of my head. Second, whats a good tire with a good aggressive, chunky tire tread. Also, can someone explain what all the different numbers mean when it comes to tire sizes?

 

There are numerous sites on the internet that give you both pictures and explanations on what all the "numbers" mean. These same sites will also have some local search engines that will allow you to see all the tires they carry that would fit your truck as OEM size or as oversize. Many of the detailed tire descriptions will explain the pros & cons of each tire shown - I highly recommend that you do some of this research on your own so that you can get a good feel for what's available that will suit your driving style.

 

*** This is assuming that you have 16" wheels, most Dakotas came with 16's, but some models can have 17" or 18" wheels.

So most likely, you're truck came with either 265/70/16 or 245/70/16 sized tires. Both will fit your truck without any issues, but if you have 16's, go with 265/70/16, which looks beefier than the 245's. It sounds like you want an 'all terrain' tire for a chunky look. And there are quite a few good all terrain tires, so you'll have to choose one from sites such as Tire Rack, Discount Tire, Tread Depot, or any other tire site. Simply put in the tire size that you want and see what's available. Not saying that you need to buy them there, but you'll see what the tires look like.

Post up which tires that you're considering and we'll give you some feedback on them. Otherwise all of us will tell you that our tires are awesome, and you should get them.

This page on Tire Rack explains what all the numbers mean. ---> Click Me

 

265/70/16 Cooper Discoverer AT3's (;

 

This may be a dumb question but is it good or bad to use M+S tires when it's dry or should you only get them if you get a lot of snow and such?

 

They can be used anytime, there are all season tires with that rating. It only means the tire passed tests for use in bad weather and loose traction conditions.

 

Ok, cool. Because I saw these and I like the price and the look.
http://www.treaddepot.com/tire/50485.html

 

im gonna be getting general grabber at2. check em out. about 160 a tire

 

According to Cooper Tire website, those are a studdable winter tire. I would keep looking.

 

Aside from cost, where you live and how you drive are big factors in selecting a tire that can provide performance - there are still a lot of people that select the tire mainly because of "curb appeal". Generally speaking, highway style tires can be divided into "All Season" and "Winter". Winter tires are designed to provide flex and grip under low temperature conditions - these tires will wear very quickly when used for all-year-driving, especially when most of the driving is done on the highway. Mud & Snow is an odd rating (in my opinion) and doesn't always give you the best performance. Mud rating alone is very poor for below freezing type of winter climate - they generally have large *****, are less flexible, and have a lot less siping and therefore give you really poor grip on a cold & slick road. I have a jeep with mud rated tires & don't drive it in the winter - even with 4 WD, it's dangerous. For my "year round" vehicles, I have a set of All-Season for use in Spring, Summer, and Fall, and a set of Winters, just for the Winter season. I tend to look at tires, brakes, and steering as being in the "essential safety" category.