Tire Types: What's the Best Tire for Your Car?
There have been a lot of advances in technology, but tread life is still finite, and it still varies by car and tire type, road and weather conditions, and driving aggressiveness.
When it comes time to replace your tires, it pays to know your options. Usually, you'll want to replace your tires with something similar. But you'll also want tires that excel in the areas that matter most to you. For example, braking, ride comfort, noise, and braking.
Each type of tire comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here's a quick rundown to help you decide what's right for you.
All-Season Car Tires
These tires fit everything from small cars to light duty SUV's to pickup trucks. Made for car owners who want year-round traction, long tread wear, and a comfortable ride, all-season tires generally lack precision handling and the grip of performance tires.
Typical wheel size: 14"-18"
Performance All-Season Car Tires
Provides year-round grip and is tuned for enthusiastic driving. These tires have a higher speed rating than the standard all-season tires. Plus, they generally offer better handling and braking than with regular all-season tires.
Typical wheel size: 15"-20"
Ultra-High-Performance Tires (UHP)
These all-season and summer ultra-high performance tires are designed to fit sporty vehicles and upscale sedans. UHP's provide responsive steering and good handling for wet and dry weather conditions. However, the compromise is the tread wear and ride. Not intended for cold weather and they won't grip in icy, snowy conditions.
Typical wheel size: 17"-22"
All Season Truck Tires
Designed for the heavy loads that a pickup truck or SUV can move. These tires are well-rounded and perform very well in most conditions.
Typical wheel size: 15"-22"
All-Season SUV Tires
Designed specifically for the modern SUV. Tuned for lightweight duty towing, performance, and off-road capabilities.
Typical wheel size: 16"-20"
All-Terrain Truck Tires
Made for more heavy duty applications. The more rugged tread provides added traction on unpaved and snowy roads. Suitable for light off-road use and paved roads.
Typical wheel size: 15"-20"
Winter/Snow Tires
Offer superior grip for stopping, going, and cornering in cold, inclement weather. Because the tread is specifically designed to bite into snow and ice, the rubber stays pliable in freezing temperatures. Winter/snow tires do take longer to stop than all-season tires on cleared roads.
Typical wheel size: 14"-22"
Performance Winter/Snow Tires
These tires generally fit cars using UHP all-season and summer tires. They are seasonal replacements for vehicles providing improved cold weather grip.
Typical wheel size: 17"-20"
Truck Winter/Snow Tires
Designed specifically for SUV's and pickups. Always buy in a set of four for optimum stop, go, and cornering functions.
Typical wheel size: 15"-20"
No matter what type of tire you choose, to extend their life, make sure you get your tires serviced regularly. At Joe Bowman Chevrolet, we have certified Chevrolet mechanics that can handle all aspects of your mechanical needs!
