Tyres are often the last thing people think about when purchasing a car or truck, but they are also one of the most—if not the most— important parts of the vehicle. Your tyres come between the rest of your vehicle and the road. They keep the vehicle moving to the direction you want it to go, absorb shock, and support the weight of the entire vehicle. With the right set of tyres, you can enjoy smoother and safer rides, better performance on the road or off it, as well as greater fuel efficiency and mileage.
How do you select the right set of tyres for your vehicle? What should you look for in various types of BF Goodrich Tyres or other brands? And what are the indicators that a set of tyres will deliver the performance you are looking for? Here are key pointers you should take note of when shopping for the right tyres:
Check the tyre specs. You can find the information about the tyre printed on the sidewall. The code found on the side of the tyre indicates the type of vehicle the tyre fits as well as its size, construction, speed rating, and other relevant information. You should also check your car’s manual to make sure that you’re getting the right size of tyres for your vehicle.
Know your options. There are a variety of tyre types to choose from, each offering their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Among the most common options that you’ll find in shops include:
- All-season. As its name suggests, this type of tyre is designed for all-season road use. It typically features symmetrical tread patterns and circumferential grooves, giving it great traction even on wet road conditions. All-season tyres are commonly used with sedans, CUVs, and minivans.
- Performance tyres are another type of tyre that works well on wet roads. These tyres typically feature larger circumferential and lateral grooves, as well as treads that are made of compounds with more silica components. Just like all-season tyres, performance tyres are paired well with minivans, sedans, and CUVs.
- All-terrain. All-terrain tyres feature aggressive tread patterns and large blocks and voids. This design allows the tyres to get better grip in uneven terrains, as well as easily dislodge mud, gravel, and other debris that might get between the treads. All-terrain tyres also offer great stability and comfort when used on paved roads. They are ideally used for vehicles like trucks and SUVs that use a combination of paved and unpaved roads.
- Mud-terrain. Mud-terrain tyres feature more aggressive sidewalls and tread patterns and larger voids compared to all-terrain tyres. They are designed to resist cuts and punctures, too. Mud-terrain tyres can be used in deep mud and sand, but they are noisier and less comfortable if used on paved roads. As such, they are best paired with vehicles that are used for off-road driving.
- Made for the bitter cold and icy roads, winter tyres have deep circumferential grooves for better traction. Their deep grooves allow them to expel snow, and their tread pattern offer reasonable traction even on icy roads.
Determining the performance you want, as well as the type of road you typically use, can help you make the best decision when it comes to buying new tyres or replacing your old ones. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the staff at the shop and ask their recommendation and your tyre options for your vehicle.
