Tires are an important component of your vehicle that can significantly impact your safety and driving experience. With so many tire varieties available, it can be hard to determine which type is best suited for you. This guide will provide info on different tire varieties to help you make an informed decision.
All-Season Tires
All-season tires are designed for use all year round and provide a balance of performance in wet, dry, and light snow conditions. They come in standard and high-performance varieties, offering better handling and traction. All-season tires are famous for drivers in moderate climates who don’t experience extreme weather conditions.
Winter Tires
Winter tires, aka snow tires, are designed specifically for cold weather conditions or areas that experience heavy snow and ice. They feature deeper tread patterns and a soft rubber compound that gives good traction and grip on snowy and icy roads. Winter tires should be replaced with all-season tires in warmer weather conditions, as they can wear out faster in hot conditions.
Summer Tires
Summer tires are made for warmer weather and provide improved handling and traction on dry and hot roads. Their unique tread pattern provides better traction while cornering and braking. Summer tires are unsuitable for use in cold or snowy conditions, as they can become stiff and lose grip.
Performance Tires
Performance tires are for high-performance cars and provide improved handling, speed, and traction. These tires are available in summer and all-season varieties and often come with a lower profile, meaning they have a shorter sidewall. Performance tires usually offer improved handling at the expense of a harsher and louder ride.
Off-Road Tires
These tires are designed for rough terrain and provide improved traction and durability. They have deeper treads and larger sidewalls, providing better grip and protection from rocks and other road hazards. Off-road tires are unsuitable for city road use as they can produce more noise and wear out faster.
Run-Flat Tires
Run-flat tires are designed to continue functioning temporarily after a puncture or a loss of air pressure. They feature a reinforced sidewall that allows the tire to maintain shape and support the vehicle’s weight even with no air inside. Run-flat tires provide additional safety and convenience, as drivers don’t have to stop and change a flat tire in the middle of the road.