All-season tires are designed with rubber that will stay flexible in both warm and cold weather. These tires offer excellent handling and performance, as the name implies, during all the seasons.
The tread’s symmetrical pattern also provides stability in snow and helps push away water. The tread pattern allows all-season tires to provide adequate handling in a variety of weather conditions.
For light snow, all-season tires should be fine. Heavier snow and icy conditions, however, present problems for all-season tires.
All-terrain tires are usually sold on trucks and SUVs, and these tires are meant to match the flexibility of the vehicle. Whether you’re driving through city streets or off-road paths, these tires will work.
All-terrain tires are a compromise between off-road and road tires. The treading on all-terrain tires is tighter than off-road tires, which helps them perform better on the road. They are best suited for vehicles that will be driven mainly on the road, with the occasional off-road adventure.
These tires have the deep tread of off-road tires for added grip, but they also have the traction required for flat, asphalt roads. The aggressive tread patterns and bigger tread blocks ensure the tire is suitable for handling sand, gravel, and light mud as well.
Low-profile tires are used mostly on sports cars to improve a vehicle’s handling, performance, and looks. However, there is more to low profile tires than just their appealing design.
This type of tire typically handles and performs better than tires with larger aspect ratios because of their wider tread and its ability to grip the road. They also enable you to purchase larger rims and brakes for your car, which will shorten your stopping distance. But, the ride isn’t as smooth as higher-profile tires because these tires absorb less shock from bumps.
Mud-terrain tires, as the name suggests, are designed to perform well in the mud. These tires are also a good option for trails with changing terrain, rocky areas and work well in deep, unpacked snow. You can also use them on dunes and other areas where the ground is soft as well.
Mud-terrain tires are generally less comfortable on roads and tend to be noisier than the less aggressive tire options. They are best for vehicles that see regular off-road driving, off-road enthusiasts, or those looking for an off-road appearance.
You may never be a race car driver, but with performance tires, you can experience what it’s like to be on the race track. These tires are designed to provide excellent handling and maneuverability. Whether you are driving at high speeds or making quick sharp turns, these tires will provide a better grip on the road and guide your car where it needs to go.
Performance tires have strong sidewalls and soft rubber, helping them to grip the road better and perform with precision. However, because of its soft rubber, performance tires don’t last as long as some other traditional types of tires. The faster speeds and rougher handling you are likely to put performance tires through can also contribute to their lower life span.
All-season tires are designed with rubber that will stay flexible in both warm and cold weather. These tires offer excellent handling and performance, as the name implies, during all the seasons.
The tread’s symmetrical pattern also provides stability in snow and helps push away water. The tread pattern allows all-season tires to provide adequate handling in a variety of weather conditions.
For light snow, all-season tires should be fine. Heavier snow and icy conditions, however, present problems for all-season tires.
Summer tires are geared for performance in wet and dry conditions. The tread patterns on these tires emphasize performance and minimize the noise created.
They are optimized for warm weather and deliver grip and responsive handling. These tires also feature solid contact patches, circumferential grooves for hydroplaning resistance, and little to no siping. They are ideal for performance vehicles in warmer climates.
Snow tires feature a large number of sipes, which helps the tread bite through snow. They are also constructed of soft rubber that won’t harden when temperatures drop, leading to better traction in snow and rain.
If you live in an area that routinely receives snow, a set of winter tires is worth the investment.
Winter tires feature thicker tread and more grooves than most other tires, which allows them to slice through the snow and get better traction. Many winter tires are also made of a different type of rubber that won’t harden in colder temperatures.
Even in wet and icy conditions, winter tires maintain better control, which reduces the risk of accidents and the possibility of getting stuck.
Unlike tires on your car, trailer tires have strengthened sidewalls to handle the weight of a boat, especially when rounding corners. The tread on the trailer tire is not as thick as a car tire and it is not as capable of maintaining traction. In fact, they are specifically designed to accommodate the sway that trailers typically experience.
Trailer tires are available in either bias ply or radial ply constructions. Bias-ply tires typically can carry more weight for more extended periods. However, they tend to have more irregular wear and a rougher ride than radial tires. Radial ply tires provide a smoother ride and are better suited for highway driving.
Temporary spare tires are available in either compact or full size. The majority of vehicles include a compact spare tire, also referred to as a “donut.” Compact spare tires have a smaller diameter, narrower width, and shallower tread. They are typically rated for up to 50 miles, at speeds up to 50mph. These tires are not for everyday use, only for emergency use.
Full-size spares are generally the same size as the tires on the vehicle. Often, if the manufacturer provides a full-size spare, it will be the same tire type as the original equipment. Having a full-size spare tire means buying a set of five tires for your car, so you have a regular tire ready to go if something happens. One significant advantage of having a full-size spare is that it’s not a temporary fix like the compact tire. You can put on a full-size spare and continue with your day.
There are also studded and stud-less snow tires. The former has metal studs embedded in the tread that is designed to give your car added traction. Be sure to check if studded snow tires are legal where you intend to drive because several states have banned them.
They are only recommended if you drive in the harshest of winter conditions.
