Not even seasoned drivers and car enthusiasts can comfortably state all the different types of tires off the top of their heads. That’s because tires can be differentiated and categorized in so many ways that it can be hard to keep track of all of them.
With so many different tire types, it can be challenging to get the right type of tire for your car. For most car owners, the type of car tire isn’t something they really consider. In fact, tires are arguably the most overlooked part of most people’s cars.
Let’s be honest, you probably never consider replacing your tires unless they’re completely worn or damaged. You also probably don’t put a lot of thought into the tire type or brand you buy.
However, you need the right tires to bring the best out of our car. What’s more, the tires help the car achieve its intended purpose, be it hauling, speeding, or navigating rough terrain.
Let’s look at the different tire types so you can make a more informed decision next time you’re out buying tires for your car.
Importance of Having the Right Tires for Your Cars
The tires are the only part of your car that is supposed to come into contact with the ground. As such, it is important to be very keen on the type of tire you settle for since it affects a lot of stuff. Examples are your car’s overall performance and condition of the chassis and the tires after months of use.
Here are a couple of reasons why getting the right type of tires is so important:
The Contact Issue
Your car links you (the driver) and the engine to the ground. As such, you can’t boast how your engine is a beast of a contraption if the tires aren’t in sync. Also, you can’t show off your world-class driving skills with the wrong type of tires.
Think of stuff like grip on frictionless surfaces or fuel inefficiency when the tires fail to reduce drag that the type of tires you chose determine.
Weather
Some tires are excellent for the winter and are a pain in the summer. We don’t suggest you change your tires every season. However, consider matching your tires with the most dominant weather condition of your residence.
Purpose of the Car
If you own your sports car, apart from bragging rights, you also need to burn some rubber. Sports cars need tires that will harness the engine’s power to go faster. This is a stark contrast to a pickup truck that needs heavy tires to withstand heavy loads.
The Various Types of Tires You Should Know Before Purchasing Tires for your car
You have to look really close to tell two different tires apart. That’s because some differences are so subtle that only trained eyes can notice them from afar.
If you’re in the market for some new tires, you need tires that will serve their intended purpose. Here are a few common types of tires you should know before making a choice:
1. All Season Tires
We’ll kick off our list with the most common tire type on our roads today. The name ‘all-season’ might, however, be a little misleading. Remember seasons vary across states, so summer in your state may not look like summer in another state
All-season tires can be further classified into two types:
Touring tires- They allow better handling and are much quieter than their counterparts
Passenger tires- for those smooth countryside rides, they generally last longer and ride smoothly
2. Truck Tires
Family trips and office rides aside, here are tires for the more rugged trips. Truck tires are built sturdy and strong to withstand the rough off-road conditions. Some must also bear the weight of heavy loads apart from traversing the unpleasant terrain.
You can categorize tire trucks into three main types:
All-terrain truck tires- Think deep treads with various patterns that cover the entire contact surface of the tire. The treads make it easier to ride on sandy, gravelly, and even moderately muddy pathways.
Off-road truck tires- Off-road tires mean serious business. These tires are designed to handle anything you throw at them. Be it rocky mountains, or pathways with heavy mud and puddles; these tires can take them.
Off-road tires have very deep treads and crazy pattern-work. They are large, heavy and cost a bundle. However, some good off-road tires are a steal depending on how skilled you are at choosing tires.
Highway Truck Tires- Some truckers move goods between states, so they don’t need those large treads. However, the tires must carry a lot of weight and travel very long distances.
These truckers prioritize safety and comfort. Thus highway truck tires offer smoother rides throughout the seasons. They consist of materials and treads that increase durability and prevent uneven wear.
3. Performance Tires
These beauties are for the thrill-seekers and racing enthusiasts. They are also for anyone who just wants a good set of tires too. Performance tires have higher speed ratings than other tires.
You don’t need a sports car to get performance tires. These tires are generally wider than your usual tires and also have larger circumferences. Their tread patterns are also unique from other tires.
Apart from the tread patterns, the tires also have rubber compounds and functional designs for better traction. Collectively these features help make the handling precise and also increase the tire’s grip on the road.
The types of performance tires are:
- Basic performance-For your regular speed runs on empty country roads
- High performance- For that exotic sports car to reach its full speed potential
- Ultra-high performance- Also for sports cars but not for amateurs drivers
- Competition- for racing competitions, except illegal street races
Which Is the Right Tire for You?
Hopefully, you now have a firm idea of the different types of tires for your cars. Remember, knowing them is just part of the problem. Next, you have to decide from multiple brands which one you’ll settle for.
We advise you not to settle for cheap tires or off-brand tires, which almost describe the same thing. Remember, you’ll ultimately get what you pay for. Lastly, don’t buy a particular set of tires just because they look “cool.”
For more enticing reads, be sure to check out our other articles.