Performance tires: the ultimate driving experience

Nothing beats performance tires to help your vehicle achieve smooth, precision handling. Snow tires give you traction in winter driving, and all-season tires will take you through rain and inclement weather. There is little practical reasoning for buying performance tires. However, if you’re after speed, agility and style, then nothing beats a set of performance tires.

What are performance tires?

What makes performance tires so effective? For starters, performance tires can grip the road better because they are made from soft, sticky materials -- even more so than regular tires. Performance tires are capable of driving at high speeds without losing performance; most have earned a “V” speed rating, which means a vehicle with performance tires can travel up to 149 mph without experiencing a reduction in control. That's all in part to the wider base and stickier substances used in performance tires. Likewise, vehicles stop and turn better when equipped with performance treads. A good set of these rubbers will enhance the performance of even the most well-built luxury vehicles and sports cars.

Performance tires are also safer than standard tires in warmer, dryer weather. Not only do these tires improve a vehicle’s responsiveness, but they can handle more heat and are less likely to blow out.

All-season performance tires

High performance tires are available with all-season treads for better handling in wet and winter weather. All-season tires have grooves running through the face of their tread patterns; this wicks away water from the roadway and helps prevent hydroplaning. These all-season tires can be purchased with the standard V rating of normal performance tires.

Performance snow tire

Performance snow tires are great for drivers who want maximum control and handling at all times of the year. Performance snow tires are best in regions of the country with temperatures regularly below freezing. Regular performance tires carry the V-rating (200 mph); performance snow tires sacrifice some speed in order to achieve a better grip on the roadway. Still, with a T rating good for safe top speeds of 118 mph, these snow tires can still travel significantly faster -- while handling much better -- than regular snow tires.

Most people install their high performance snow tires on separate sets of wheels to allow for easy interchanging between winter and summer tires. Performance snow tires are expensive, and only using them when needed will significantly expand the life of the tires.

Ultra high performance tires: perfect summer tires

Ultra high performance tires are the next step up from regular performance tires. Standard performance tires are rated for speeds up to 149 mph. Ultra high performance tires are usually rated for speeds up to 200 mph! Ultra high performance tires offer better handling than regular performance tires, but they also wear down faster because they're made from softer materials. Make sure you clarify the warranty of ultra high performance tires before handing over the cash to buy a set.

Installation of Performance Tires

It is a popular tradition for many people to want to install their own tires, just like they do with everything else related to their car, but it is highly recommended that you bring it in to a tire shop of your selection to get the tires replaced. The reason for this is because the tires are the most important part of the car, and are the ultimate barrier between you and a major accident. It really does require the expertise of a mechanic to change the wheels and adjust everything. You actually will save time and money having them repaired by a professional. And you will incredibly safe, to boot!