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Tyres are the most crucial part of the car. It is the only component of your machine that comes in contact with the terrain (road, sand, mud, ice) you are driving on.
Selecting the ideal tyre for your vehicle seems a bit complicated. There are many factors you need to consider. But once you know things about the different type of tyres, you can be decisive about choosing the right one.
On the other hand, lack of knowledge can lead you to the wrong type of tyre which will not only damage your machine but will also waste your money. For instance, if you mostly drive on mud or sand and you choose a passenger tyre, (which we will later discuss in the article) your tyre will wear out much quicker and it can even burst, leaving you helpless in the middle of somewhere.
So you must have an adequate understanding of how tyres work on different terrains and in different weather conditions.
Different Weather Tyres
There are many tyres available in the market which suit different weather conditions including:
- All-season tyres
- Winter tyres
- Summer tyres
Winter Tyres
Pros
- Offer great traction against ice and snow
- Good braking performance with fewer chances of skidding
Cons
- Cause discomfort when driven on roads and highways
- Reduced endurability, when compared to summer tyres because the tread of these tyres is made soft to grip snow and ice, which is vulnerable to wearing out
- Cannot be used in harsh summer weather
- Less effective handling power
Summer Tyres
Pros
- Better cornering and braking abilities
- Enhanced handling with good control of the wheel
- Offer optimal traction in rainy weather
Cons
- Less durable than all-weather tyres and deliver less mileage before wearing out
- Not perfect for stiff winter conditions
All-season tyres
Pros
- Can be used in moderate summer conditions
- Can be used in normal winter conditions when the roads are covered with moderate ice or snow
- The tread is long-lasting
- No worries about changing the tyre due to weather change
Cons
- Can lose traction in heavy ice or snow
- Not recommended for driving in regular rainfall
Now that you have a good understanding of how different weather tyres perform, the next step is to determine the right size for your car.
You should see the owner’s manual which will have the size written in a code like P215/65R15, 89H
- The first part of the code “P215/65R15” refers to the diameter and width of the tyre
- The second part “89” indicates the weight the tyre can handle
- Finally, H suggests the speed rating of the tyre
Another thing you need to be certain of is the type of terrain tyres you need. For instance:
Off-road tyres
Off-road have an aggressive tread and large gaps between the grooves which help them attain the optimal traction when driving in mud, sand, gravel, or any other tough terrain.
Highway tyres
Highway tyres are crafted to provide ideal traction on well-paved surfaces such as roads and highways. These have great durability. And, if the driving style of the driver is not aggressive, these will last for a longer period.
All-terrain tyres
All-terrain tyres are a blend of both highway and off-road tyres. The performance of all-terrain tyres is brilliant on sand, gravel, roads and highways. These can be great for you if you drive mostly on roads but sometimes visit unusual terrains.
So putting all the information in a nutshell, the three questions you need to ask yourself when buying tyres are:
- On what type of terrain do I mostly drive on?
- Which weather does my city usually experience?
- The size of tyres and owner’s manual
Choosing the tyre for your car can be a little tricky. But if you have done your research, you can choose a rubber which goes best with your car. And, if you drive gently, you can utilize any top quality tyres for many years.
