Choose The Right Tires To Suit Your Vehicle And Driving Style

By Paul Crosby, TestDriveNow.com

Car tires are the most common part of an automobile that everyone takes for granted. Most drivers will drive their cars for tens of thousands of miles without ever checking the air pressure or remaining tread…that is, unless they have a flat! Tires are the most overlooked component of a car, yet they are the most critical to a vehicle’s safety and performance. The type and condition of the tires effect every facet of a vehicle’s performance: acceleration, handling and most importantly, braking. Which tire you choose for your vehicle will have a dramatic effect on the overall driving experience.

There are as many types of tires as there are types of cars on the road. The first step is to narrow down your search. There are several fantastic web sites to help with this process; tirerack.com is a favorite of many drivers. These sites will illustrate a list of compatible tires for your car’s particular year, make and model. The next step is to determine how you use your vehicle, for example:

• • Mostly highway miles
• • City and town driving, heavy stop and go traffic
• • Occasional to heavy off road use
• • Cold weather and heavy winter conditions
• • High performance driving, occasional track use

Here are a few of the different types of tires that are available:

• All Season. These tires are intended for all around use. They are a compromise though; they don’t stand out in any one area. They offer decent grip and handling on both dry and wet roads. They work about average in winter conditions compared to dedicated winter tires. All season tires are the best choice when high mileage and lower cost are the owner’s objective.

• High Performance Summer Tires. These tires are best suited to high-powered sports cars and sedans. They use softer compounds and aggressive patterns for increased grip. High performance tires work well on dry and wet roads in warm climates. They do not drive well in winter conditions; they are basically useless once the temperature drops below 40ºF.

• Winter and Snow Tires. These are designed for colder climates and extreme winter conditions. They are made using compounds that perform well in very low temperatures, and the tread patterns help the car find grip on very loose surfaces. Most owners fit winter tires for the cold months, and then switch back to all season or summer tires for the rest of the season.

• On/Off Road Tires. These types of tires are usually available for trucks and SUVs. They are a very good option for owners who venture off road occasionally. There are off road tires for every situation, from mild dirt roads to full on rock and boulder crawling.

Remember, the most important factor in making your tire choice is the intended use of the vehicle and the way you like to drive.