On 9NEWS 8 a.m. we spoke with Jennifer Stockburger, senior tire engineer for Consumer Reports.

Stockburger says a set of good tires will save you money in the long run because they will last longer, and they will help you save fuel. She says stopping distances are longer for vehicles with worn tires, especially in inclement weather, and handling and cornering ability are not as good either.

In a worst case scenario, tires can fail, leaving people stranded by the side of the road, or worse. Stockburger and her colleagues did extensive testing on a full line of tires, including all-season varieties. Their ratings and recommendations are available in the November issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.consumerreports.org/tires.

Stockburger pointed out that as winter takes hold and temperatures dip, it becomes more important to check tire inflation levels since those levels can go down with colder weather. Many newer cars are equipped with tire inflation sensors to give drivers a heads up via warning lights.

"Keep in mind for every ten degrees farenheit the temperature drops, you lose one PSI in your tires, so you may see that warning light come on," Stockburger explained.

As for the ratings, Stockburger said it was a Michelin sweep. "All the top rated tires are from Michelin," she noted. "Michelin tends to cost a bit more, but they wear well. If you don't have that money for Michelin, there's very good performers from manufacturers like Hankook, Kumho and Dunlop that did very well but cost a bit less."

Find the best prices on tires can be a challenge for consumers. Stockburger says the results from a Consumer Reports long-term study of tire shopping keeps changing. "Our best advice is to give yourself that time to shop," she explained. "Tire dealers, car dealers, online; clubs like CostCo and Sams also sell tires. Take some time, look for the model, and then shop around."