In order not to miscalculate when choosing summer tires, pay attention to important characteristics and consider your driving style.
Of course, you can ride on winter tires in summer or not bother and buy all-weather, but it is better to get separate sets of tires for winter and summer. Indeed, only tires created for specific weather conditions will be able to provide maximum safety on the road.
When choosing, it is enough to follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer, and also take into account the features of your driving style and operating conditions. To choose the right tires for your car, you need to pay attention to five things:
1. Correct size
Everything is relatively simple here. Tire size is the ratio of width, height and outer diameter. Size designation looks like this: 175 / 55R13. On the example of this bus, we will figure out what number is responsible for what:
- 175 is the width of the tire in millimeters.
- 55 is the height of the profile, expressed as a percentage of the width of the tire.
- 13 is the bore diameter in inches.
The bore diameter should correspond to the size of the disk, otherwise it will not work to install tires. But with the width and height of the profile you can play a little.
Wider tires increase the contact patch and, as a result, improve traction. At the same time, they are heavier and worsen the dynamics of the car, handling on a bad road, and also increase fuel consumption. At the same time on wet pavement they also create a treacherous effect of aquaplaning.
By height, tires are divided into low-profile (55% and lower), high-profile (60–75%) and full-profile (80% and higher). The latter are intended for SUVs and driving on country roads with bumps and potholes, and the first and second are installed on ordinary passenger cars.
The height of the profile is also a double-edged sword: the lower the tire profile, the better the handling, but the more susceptible the tires to the slightest bumps in the road surface and the risk of damage to the rims on the potholes. Therefore, a low profile is worth choosing only if you drive mainly on the highway and at high speed.
2. Tyre tread patterns
Not for beauty. It directly affects tire performance. The tread pattern is of three types:
- Symmetric non-directional - the most common option, which is considered classic and is suitable for driving in the urban cycle and on the highway. Such a tread is most often used in budget tires, they are usually installed at the factory. Tire specifications are independent of operating conditions and driving directions. Wheels can be swapped.
- The symmetric directional pattern removes water as quickly as possible from the tire contact patch and provides good grip. An option for lovers of speed and driving in wet weather. Tires are installed strictly in the direction of rotation (indicated by an arrow on the side of the tire), otherwise it will be dangerous on wet surfaces.
- The asymmetric pattern is good both in the rain and in dry weather. Universal tread, which is installed on SUVs, family sedans, and high-speed coupes. On the outside and inside of these tires, different tread patterns are used: one for better grip with a dry coating, the second for grip with a wet one. With the installation, you need to be even more careful: look at the marking Inside / Outside, which means the inside and outside of the tire, respectively.
3. Speed index
Another important parameter. It is indicated using Latin letters, each of which indicates the maximum speed that can be developed on such tires.
Tires Speed index table
| Speed index | M | N | P | Q | R | S | T | U | H | V | W | Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed (km/h) | 130 | 140 | 150 | 160 | 170 | 180 | 190 | 200 | 210 | 240 | 270 | 300 |
Tires with a high speed index have increased traction, which, in turn, provides a minimum stopping distance. But they cost more. Therefore, if you are not going to scam or your car gives out only 180 km / h, and even then from a hill, you should not overpay. But if you are a fan of fast driving, do not save and take V or W tires.Tires with a high speed index have increased traction, which, in turn, provides a minimum stopping distance. But they cost more. Therefore, if you are not going to scam or your car gives out only 180 km / h, and even then from a hill, you should not overpay. But if you are a fan of fast driving, do not save and take V or W tires.
4. Tires load index
This indicator determines the load that the tire can withstand at maximum speed. In other words, this is the maximum weight (with cargo, passengers and driver) per wheel of a car.This indicator determines the load that the tire can withstand at maximum speed. In other words, this is the maximum weight (with cargo, passengers and driver) per wheel of a car.
Tires load index table
| Index | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 | 100 | 105 | 110 | 115 | 120 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max weight (kg) | 335 | 387 | 450 | 515 | 600 | 690 | 800 | 925 | 1 060 | 1 215 | 1 400 |
If you often carry passengers or cargo, then you should take tires with a high load index. The best option can be selected using this table, comparing the data with the technical characteristics of the machine.If you often carry passengers or cargo, then you should take tires with a high load index. The best option can be selected using this table, comparing the data with the technical characteristics of the machine.
5. Tire carcass construction
By design features, the tires are divided into diagonal and radial. The first ones are almost never found now, modern tires are mostly radial. This fact is indicated by the letter R in the tire marking, and not by the diameter, as many believe. Radial tires are suitable for cars of all classes: from small cars to SUVs.
Regardless of type, tires can be reinforced. This is indicated by the letter C (Cargo) or LT (Light Truck) in the designation. Reinforced tires are designed for minivans, light trucks and vans, which are heavier than ordinary passenger cars and are used to transport goods and a large number of passengers.
How to select tires
As you remember, it all depends on the driving style and operating conditions. To make your choice easier, CarInfo24 identified three of the most common scenarios. You just have to find your own.
- Riding in the city and beyond at a moderate speed. Tires with a profile of 60% and above, a symmetric non-directional or asymmetric tread pattern and a speed index of S or T are suitable.
- Riding at high speed. Tires with a profile of 55% or lower, a symmetrical directional or asymmetric tread pattern and a speed index of V or W are suitable.
- Off-road driving. For SUVs, it is worth taking high-profile tires with a deep tread and the load index corresponding to the weight carried. Minivans and vans owners should buy special tires for commercial vehicles marked C and LT.