Auto Tire Guide
Auto tires can be thought of as shoes for an automobile. Just like shoes can have an impact on the individual wearing the pair, tires, too, can have an impact on the vehicle that rides on them. And that impact can be positive or negative depending on if the tires are the right fit for the vehicle and are in good condition.
Cars come in different models and sizes. So it's no surprise that tires vary a great deal as well. If you are looking for the best car tires, the most important thing is to make sure you get the right tires based on the type of vehicle you drive (whether it's a passenger car, truck or SUV) and other factors like the seasons and the types of roads that you will frequently travel on.
When to Buy Summer Auto Tires vs. Performance Tires
The types of car tires that are created for warmer and wet conditions are summer tires and performance tires. Summer tires and performance tires share the ability to operate in wet or dry conditions.
However, what sets these two types of car tires apart is the fact that performance tires can be used as all-season tires since they have better treading. This is what allows the tires to "grip" the road better for turns and braking. Summer tire treading is mainly designed for wet conditions but not for driving in other conditions, like the snow.
When to Buy Winter Tires, All-Season Tires & Touring Tires
For the snowy and cold season or just year-round capabilities, some of the best car tires to use include winter tires, all-season tires, and touring tires. Not everyone around the globe has to deal with snowy conditions, but for the people who do experience this kind of climate, it is important to have the right type of tires in order to keep their passengers and the vehicle safe.
If you are dealing with sleet or snow, the superior tire for safety is always going to be the winter tire. This is because it is designed with deeper grooves, which allow it to grip the road better for safer handling in cold climates. Other tires, meanwhile, will get stiff in the cold and be unable to provide the same easy handling.
But should you always use winter tires during the winter season or is there a better all-around tire that will let you navigate all seasons with general comfort?
The answer depends on where you live. If you live in a place with a mild climate and you need to get replacement tires for your vehicle, you can get all-season or touring tires. Since the only abnormality to your climate might be a rainy day, you can rely on these given their ability to withstand wet roads.
All-season tires are actually able to handle dry pavement, wet roads, and light snow, though with less efficiency than their season-specific counterparts. But the reason you would buy all-season tires is that you can technically use them during all seasons. Touring tires do a better job of handling, which is especially noticeable in wet climates, but will not provide the same kind of ability in snowy climates as all-season tires or other options.
Shopping for Auto Tires by Road Conditions
Another factor that you have to consider when shopping for new or replacement tires is the type of ground you will be traveling on. If you are planning on doing a great deal of highway driving to work, back home, and then some, highway tires would be a good choice. Highway tires are created with the ability for the treading to withstand the wear and tear of constant high-speed travel. These tires are also designed as all-season tires, meaning that they can handle different kinds of climate.
Meanwhile, if you know that your car will be taking regular trips on rugged terrain, you might reconsider and look for a different set. Some examples of good tires for these situations include all-terrain tires, mud-terrain tires, and trail tires. These are designed primarily for off-road travel. Also, mud-terrain tires are ideal for preventing vehicles from getting stuck in deep muddy roads.