Tires have different specifications depending on their use. Those specifications don't only include such things as tread pattern, style and depth, construction etc, but more importantly, the maximum sustainable speed at which they can be used for long duration driving and maximum weight limitations.

When buying tires for a vehicle, the owner/driver needs to consider where, how and for how long the vehicle will be used.

The next important considerations are tire inflation and wheel alignment. Improper wheel alignment will cause tires to wear unevenly and is usually a matter of wasting money by reducing tire use rather than a safety matter (unless the tire becomes bald). Tire pressure, however, is critical.

Manufacturers of tires and motor vehicles specify the inflation pressure of tires, usually with varying loads. Apart from wearing out tires faster if they are under or over-inflated, tubeless tires can also roll off their rims if they don't have sufficient air pressure. With too much air pressure, tires may burst or develop weak spots in the tire walls. These may eventually fail causing tire blowout, collapse or complete disintegration.

Given that the tires are what keep a vehicle from skidding and provide traction, it's not rocket science to suggest that they are an integral part of overall road safety. Poor tire selection, improper use and poor maintenance can lead to disasters.