Even though much advancement has been made for tire technology, it does not change the fact that tread life is finite and it depends on the type of tire (ultra performance, all-season or all-terrain tires) and vehicle, weather conditions, driving style, and type of terrain. In the lifetime of a standard car, it’s important to get it’s tires replaced a few times.
Complete maintenance and attentive driving can boost the mileage in a pair of tires. In order to know when the tires should be replaced, monthly tread inspection should be carried out. Before you purchase new tires.
Types of tires
When you have to replace your tires, it is important to know what is presently on your car and what are your available options. Most drivers usually want similar replacements in order to match the speed and size rating.
Afterwards, the ratings can be utilized to search for models which win in the aspects that are the most important to you. For instance, handling, brakes, noise, and ride comfort.
All-season vehicle tires
These tires are available in sizes to fit in everything such as light-duty SUVs, small cars and pickup trucks. All-season vehicle tires are ideal for drivers who want long treadwear, yearly traction, and a comfy ride. However, there is one downside of these tires. They usually lack grip and accurate handling.
Treadwear warranty: None or 40,000 – 100,000 miles
Standard wheel size: 15 to 20 inches
Speed ratings: T (118 mph) and H (130 mph)
Performance all-season vehicle tires
These tires offer yearly grip tuned for adventurous driving. They provide a higher speed rating as compared to the standard all-season tires and they usually offer better braking and handling.
Treadwear warranty: None or 40,000 – 85,000 miles
Standard wheel size: 15 to 20 inches
Speed ratings: Usually V (149 mph)
Read More: How to Properly Care for Your Car’s Tires
Ultra High-Performance tires
Summer ultra High-Performance tires are usually fitted in high-end sports cars or sedans. These are designed to offer responsive steering in wet or dry conditions and great handling. However, you will have to compromise on ride comfort and treadwear.
Summer ultra High-Performance tires are not supposed to be used for the cold season as they do not grip on ice or snow. The all-season versions might compromise some wet or dry grip in order to gain winter traction.
Treadwear warranty: None or 25,000 – 60,000 miles
Standard wheel size: 17 to 22 inches
Speed ratings: ZR (149_plus mph), W (168 mph), and Y (186 mph)
All-season truck tires
These tires are designed to carry heavy loads on a pickup truck or SUV. All-season truck tires are upscale and capable tires that can perform perfectly in many conditions.
Treadwear warranty: 60,000 to 80,000 miles
Standard wheel size: 15 to 22 inches
Speed ratings: S (112 mph), T (118 mph), and H (130 mph)
All-season SUV tires
These tires are especially designed for modern SUVs and these mark the difference between truck and car tires. All-season SUV tires are tuned for a comfy ride, performance, and light-duty towing capacity of the vehicles.
Treadwear warranty: 60,000 to 90,000 miles
Standard wheel size: 16 to 20 inches
Speed ratings: H (130 mph) and V (149 mph)
Read More: Guide to Car Tire-Pressure Monitoring Systems
All-terrain truck tires
Made for extra heavy-duty usage, the all-terrain truck tires are perfect for driving on paved roads and for light off-road ride. It’s extra rugged tread is engineered to offer additional traction on unpaved and snowy roads.
Treadwear warranty: 50,000 to 65,000 miles
Standard wheel size: 15 to 20 inches
Speed ratings: S (112 mph) and T (118 mph)
Winter tires
These tires offer the best grip to corner, ride or stop in the cold season. Since their tread is especially engineered to bite into snow, their treadwear is faster than all-season tires. Moreover, it’s rubber stays pliable at freezing temperatures. They also require more time to stop on paved roads.
Treadwear warranty: None for most
Standard wheel size: 15 to 22 inches
Speed ratings: Q (99 mph), S (112 mph), R (106 mph), H (130 mph), T (118 mph), and V (149 mph).
Read More: Michelin and GM to Make Puncture Proof Tires
