A car racing around a track won’t use the same tires as one trudging through inches of snow. Before you buy new tires, use this guide to the different types of tires to find the tread pattern and rubber you need for driving in your area.
All-Season Tires
With their symmetrical design, all-season tires are one-size-fits-all solutions. If you’re a casual driver who uses your vehicle mainly for commuting and who sees snow only a few times a year, this is probably the right tire for your vehicle. Also, unless you’re buying a sports car or an off-roader, all-season tires will most likely be the stock option your vehicle’s manufacturer chooses.
Snow Tires
Tires naturally lose traction when they’re cold, so you may need specially made ones that can handle the conditions of winter climates. Snow tires are made to work below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and they have deep grooves meant to cut through the snow.
From there, snow tires are split into two different subsections: studded and studless. Studded snow tires have small metal pins in them to grip the ice, like hundreds of little climbing axes. Studless tires don’t have the metal features. It’s essential to note that if you decide to get snow tires, you’ll want another set for the warmer seasons.
All-Weather Tires
All-weather car tires are the happy medium between all-season and winter tires. All-weather tires handle well in sub-45-degree temperatures, but you also won’t need to take them off when spring rolls around. These tires are great for occasionally driving into the mountains or living in a cold metro area where snow plows make winter driving conditions less harsh.
Ultra-High-Performance Tires
Speed limits have never stopped car enthusiasts from upgrading their sporting vehicles to maximize their performance. Ultra-high-performance tires will let you get the most out of your vehicle’s current engine and suspension setup. However, these tires work best on paved roads in mild to hot climates, so you might have to get snow or all-weather tires for the cold seasons.
All-Terrain Tires
You can use all terrain tires for off-roaders, but they’re typically used on trucks and haulers to give them more traction when pulling heavy loads. When you’re hauling, the added weight can make driving more difficult, as you have to drive more slowly and deliberately. These truck tires will give your vehicle a solid foundation that can stably carry the load, even around tight corners.
Mud Terrain Tires
If you’re going mudding or camping, then you’ll want a vehicle that can go on any trail you need it to. With mud terrain tires, you can go off-roading with the confidence that your tires can handle it.
Choose the Right Tires and Services for Optimal Vehicle Performance
After exploring our guide to the different types of tires, you can get the perfect set for your driving needs. If you’re looking for new tires come visit your local Commercial Tire to speak with an expert about finding the right tire for your vehicle. We also offer additional tire services you can discover, from tire repairs to wheel alignments to help get your vehicle back in top condition. With that said, understanding which type is right for you is just the beginning; you can also learn the importance of reading tire size to ensure the best fit and performance for your car.