Shoes tend to be purchased for their attributes. For example, a runner needs a shoe that is light-weight and molded for enhanced speed and traction. On the other hand, a construction worker needs a boot that is comfortable, warm, and durable. Whatever the case, shoes play a major role in our everyday lives and most people inherently have their own shoe preferences that are based upon their life style and needs.

Likewise, the vehicles we drive also have certain “preferences” for the “shoes” they use, yet most of us are probably unaware of them. As shoes protect our feet from the elements, tires protect our vehicles and their passengers. The wrong shoes for a runner could lead to a potential sprained ankle or a blister. Similarly, the wrong tires on a car could lead to a mortal catastrophe. In essence, finding the proper tires for your vehicle is crucial for your safety and the safety of others travelling on the road.

Introduced in 1911 by Philip Strauss, automobile tires have been around nearly one hundred years. Though tires have drastically changed through the century, the basic principle of the tire has remained the same: an inflated rubber housing filled with air. However, today’s tires are a complex combination of rubber, steel, fabric, various chemicals, and oils. In fact, on average, half a barrel of crude oil is used to produce a single passenger tire.

Many different proportions of chemicals and materials are used in the production of tires. This allows engineers to alter the state of the rubber based upon the need for specific performance attributes. All commercial passenger tires in the U.S. must be “DOT” certified. This means full compliance to applicable safety standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Tires can be categorized into two different groups based upon standard criteria. The first type of classification is allocated by the tires actual physical attributes.

Physical Attribute:

1. Tire (section) Width – this is measured in millimeters from sidewall-to-sidewall.
– Wider tires provide better grip but reduce gas mileage.

2. Aspect Ratio – The ratio of height to width.
– Lower aspect ratio provides better lateral stability.

3. Construction – Indicates what method and pattern used in the production of the tire.
– Bias, belted bias, radial, solid, and semi-pneumatic.

The second type of classification of tires is based upon the Uniform Quality Tire Grading system that is enforced by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. This system rates tires based upon their performance attributes.

UQTG Physical Rating System:
1. Traction – Rated on ability to stop on wet asphalt or concrete.
– In order of best to worst, the ratings consist of AA, A, B or C.

2. Temperature – How it handles the buildup of heat and how well the tire can dissipate heat.
– In order of best to worst, ratings consist A, B or C.

3. Tread Wear – Relative test number assigned by the government on controlled testing track.
– Generally, the higher the number, the longer you can expect the tread to last.

4. Speed Rating – Tested by running the tire at ever increasing speeds while pressing the tire against a large diameter metal drum to reflect its appropriate load.
– Indicates the maximum safe speed for a properly inflated and loaded tire.

5. Load Index – Correlates to maximum rated load for the tire.
– The higher the tire’s load index number, the greater its load carrying capacity

In sum, a large amount of variables directly affect how the tires of a vehicle perform. Many steps can be taken to ensure a safer ride, but the proper application, actual construction, and class of the material used in the production of the tire will inevitably determine the overall smoothness and quality of the ride.

For tires to perform at their greatest potential, they must be balanced and aligned, regularly rotated, and properly inflated. These measures can also save you gas, extend the life of your tires, and decrease many safety risks. With proper maintenance, a quality product, and a safe driver the proper tires can make a world of difference.

Author Bio: Rusty Shakelford works as a freelance writer and marketer for companies like http://www.CarLocate.com, a web portal where you can conduct car research and buy a car. When he is off the clock, Rusty writes, stays up on the latest marketing innovations, and follows the latest in the automotive industry and cars.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: tires, cars, safety, traction, performance, handling