Many factors impact your vehicle’s performance. While the engine has the biggest role to play in it, other parts may contribute in ways you need to be aware of. The right set of tires can do as much for your vehicle’s performance as getting an improved engine does. In this up-to-date vehicle performance guide, learn about tire basics and how they can boost your vehicle’s overall performance.

What is the ‘right’ tire?

Tires are the only surface of your vehicle in direct contact with the road. This makes buying the correct tire important as it will ensure its optimal performance. However, there is no universally correct kind of tire. Tires come in varying characteristics and the right kind for your vehicle depends on your requirements.

Diameter and Speed

The diameter of a tire measures the length of the tire from top to bottom in inches. The typical tire diameters are 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, and 22 inches. When buying your tires, you may see a number on it with a sequence of letters, such as ‘205/50R 16’. In this case, 16 is the measure of the diameter of your tire.

The diameter matters more for the vehicle’s performance than you may think. The larger the tire, the more stable your vehicle will be. As more rubber is in contact with the road, the vehicle can move at high speeds with improved stability. Bigger tires can further increase the braking power by adding support to larger brake rotors. 

However, bigger diameters may lower other aspects of your vehicle’s performance. The tradeoff for bigger sizes is thinner sidewalls. Sidewalls provide lateral stability which makes a vehicle ride less bumpy and increases vehicle resistance to rollover and yawing. In other words, bigger tires make it harder for you to turn and corner.

Tread Depth and Traction

The tread of a tire refers to the rubber on its circumference that makes contact with the road. The tread is the biggest difference between all-season and snow tires. Thicker treads with wide grooves can cut through snow, rain, and other challenging terrains with more ease. If you belong to areas that experience such weather, you may need thicker treads. Thicker treads also wear off more slowly and ensure better grip for a longer period.

Thicker treads make for noisier rides that may be slower. Performance tires meant for faster speeds on smooth roads often have fewer treads. If you hail from a hotter climate, going for thicker treads may not offer many benefits.

Rigidity and Durability

The rigidity of the tire comes from the rubber substance it is made of. Softer tires with lesser rigidity are great for grip and speed, which can boost your vehicle’s performance. However, softer tires will wear down at a fast rate, leading to road hazards. They are more prone to puncture as well due to the lack of rigidity.

Harder tires have more rigidity and wear down more slowly. They can sustain harder circumstances while lasting a longer time. However, a tradeoff for durability is that they don’t have a good grip initially, which lowers the performance.

Ideally, you may look for a tire in the middle that can offer enough durability for off-road adventures while giving enough power for city travel.

Width and Suspension

The width of a tire measures from shoulder to shoulder. This is where the treads are. Contrary to popular belief, wider tires don’t offer the performance boost you need.

Tire width is in direct correlation with your vehicle’s suspension. If you are looking to increase the width of the tire, you must do so based on its suspension. Wider tires make it harder to handle and steer the vehicle. On top of this, as the steering wheel is sensitive to debris on the road. Wider tires mean more debris comes into contact with the tire, increasing the chances of you losing control.

To mitigate such an accident, you need to pay attention to the scrub radius when buying new tires. A scrub radius is the distance from the kingpin axis and the center of the contact patch on the wheel, and it can be either positive, negative, or zero. For best input, speak with a technician before purchasing a new set of tires.

Pressure and Fuel Efficiency

The pressure of the tire impacts your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency. Tires with low pressure are susceptible to more jerks when crossing over debris as they warp and flex more easily. This reduces the grip of the tire. You might have to drive at a low speed to keep your vehicle from losing its grip on the roads. On top of this, if your tire pressure is 40% below the recommended level, the tire’s fuel consumption increases by 8%, reducing fuel efficiency.

While high pressure is good for the tire, you need to be sure that you’re not over-inflating it. Too much pressure can be counterproductive; instead of absorbing the shocks, it can make the drive bumpier and more unsafe. High pressure can further increase the chances of punctures and wear and tear. Not to mention, if the tire is too over-inflated, it can even burst at high speeds!

The ideal pressure for your tires is between 32 and 35 psi. Regular pressure checks can keep your vehicle’s performance optimal while promising a safe drive. Moreover, you can improve your gas mileage by 0.6% on average, and up to 3% in some cases, by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.

Buying New Tires

Now you know most of the tire basics for your next purchase. However, it is best practice to consult with a tire expert or a technician when making such decisions. At Brookhill Tire and Auto, we offer the expertise you need to buy the right tire at the right price. With a wide range of tires and great staff, you’ll go home with tires that will surely boost your vehicle’s performance!

Call us at (908) 888-4737 for more information.