Selecting the right set of tires for your vehicle plays an important role in ensuring your safety on the road. Tires are designed differently to accommodate a wide range of applications. Some are designed to be used on dry roads while others are designed to maximize response on roads covered with mud and snow. Some are built to deliver a smooth riding experience while others prioritize features, such as performance handling, that produce a rougher ride.

Tires can be categorized based on two criteria: the type of vehicle on which they are installed and the driving conditions for which they are designed. We\’ll cover both areas in detail below.

Sports Utility Vehicles And Light Trucks

SUVs and trucks are usually equipped with all-terrain tires. These are constructed with stiffer sidewalls than those found on smaller vehicles. The added stiffness provides increased resistance against road debris. All-terrain tires can be used on city streets as well as off-road (to a limited extent). They are also designed to provide improved traction and control.

Car manufacturers typically recommend keeping the same type of tire on SUVs and trucks as those that came with the vehicles. That said, all-purpose tires can often provide better handling and control. Moreover, they are designed to be used in most driving conditions, and thus can be kept on vehicles throughout the year.

Passenger Vehicles

Tires designed for sedans and similar vehicles offer a range of features based on driving conditions and the driver\’s preferences. Most stock tires are all-season, which means they are effective during the summer and winter months. It\’s important to realize, however, that effectiveness on both dry and wet roads is a compromise between tires that are specifically designed for each of those circumstances. That is, all-season tires are less effective on dry roads than treads designed specifically for that purpose. The same is true for their performance on wet roads.

Tires installed on passenger vehicles typically emphasize a smooth ride, low noise, long wear, and reliable traction. Taller sidewalls help to deliver these benefits.

Performance Vehicles

A special category of tires is designed to be used with performance cars. Such vehicles are built with higher engine output, as well as improved braking systems, and are often employed for racing and similar activities that emphasize speed, handling, and maneuverability. Ride comfort and long wear are less important.

These tires usually have lower profiles and wider treads. Also, the sidewalls are shorter and stiffer, providing better cornering resistance than taller sidewalls. This type of tire is unsuitable for most drivers who operate their vehicles under normal conditions (i.e. trips to the grocery store, commuting to the office, etc.). For performance cars, however, they are invaluable.

Winter, All-Season, And All-Terrain Driving

Driving on roads that are exposed to heavy moisture, snow, and ice, is dangerous without winter tires. They are equipped with treads designed to push water from underneath them, thereby increasing traction. They are also constructed to cut into ice and snow to prevent slippage.

Winter tires are unsuitable for use during warmer months when the roads are dry. They should be swapped for an all-season set, and preserved for the following year\’s rain and snow.

As noted earlier, all-season tires are a compromise between those designed specifically for dry conditions, and those designed for wet conditions. They are the most common format installed on passenger vehicles, though they are less reliable in extreme weather conditions.

All-terrain tires were also mentioned earlier. They are more puncture resistant than other formats due to stiffer sidewalls. They are also designed with tread patterns that are particularly useful for driving through mud. Although they can be used off-road – barring extreme conditions – all-terrain tires are mostly used on city streets and highways.

The most important thing to remember is that tires are built to offer a different set of features that can accommodate a range of road conditions. Choose a set of replacements for your vehicle based on your driving circumstances.

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Category: Automotive
Keywords: Auto, Vehicle, Maintinance